2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

The all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer brings the bold, dynamic and taut lines of the company's show-stopping Concept-X to the showroom. The stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation compact sport sedan from Mitsubishi, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity. The exciting new design serves as the perfect showcase to package the 2008 Lancer's European-inspired driving dynamics, refined interior appointments and impressive equipment levels.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS

The new Lancer offers a distinctive interpretation of the new Mitsubishi design language - first seen on the new-generation Outlander - that conveys the performance-oriented essence of the brand. Variations on the aggressive-looking front end, in particular, will be seen on more future Mitsubishi models.

Dimensionally, the new-generation 2008 Lancer projects a tighter, more confident road-hugging stance. The new Lancer is built on a longer wheelbase and wider track, but with a slightly shorter overall length. A 2.3-inch increase in both the front and rear track dimensions - now 60.2 in. - contributes to Lancer's solid, stable handling capability as well as its strong visual presence.

Wheelbase was lengthened to 103.7 in. from 102.3 in, and overall width was increased by nearly three inches from 66.7 in to 69.4 in. A 2.3-inch gain in overall height directly translates into increased headroom. Vehicle length has been reduced by 0.6-in. The overall design emphasizes the wheels, an effect that is especially pronounced with the GTS model's standard 18-in. alloy wheels and 215/45 R18 tires.

Sharks and Jets

Starting in front, Lancer's grille, bumper and lower air intake are unified in a distinct form inspired by jet fighter air intakes for a "shark nosed" effect. Although the all-new Lancer proportions draw some inspiration from European designs, the sharp, thin front head lamp design conveys the feel of Japanese precision and technology that strongly appeals to the target market.

The new-generation 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS. The Lancer ES model projects a more refined appearance with 5-spoke 16-in. alloy wheels, color-keyed door handles and mirrors and a chrome grille surround. The GTS's styling is even more aggressive than other Lancer models, with its 10-spoke 18-in. alloy wheels, front and side air dams, standard fog lights, a rear spoiler and a chrome tailpipe tip.

Chiseled Profile

The clean, creased surfaces sweep into the side profile, with its dynamic daylight opening and high, wedged, belt-line. The prominently flared fenders recall the brand's Evolution heritage and World Rally Championship (WRC) cars, and, particularly on the GTS model, emphasize the 18-inch alloy wheels in the overall sleek side silhouette.

The Lancer is meant to be as distinctive from the rear as from the front. The solid structure of the side shoulder sweeps from the head lamps all the way back into the rear to frame the high-mounted lamp clusters, unifying the design theme.

The sculptured, "chopped off" tail accentuates the car's sporty cabin shape. From a front three-quarter view, the rear overhang is visually shortened by a chiseled, tapering rear bumper side surface.

The tail lamp clusters themselves are like small works of techno art, enclosing three trimmed circles divided by function. The Illumination simulates LED lighting. The distinctive, chopped tail and unique taillights form the ideal frame for the large, distinctive Mitsubishi three-diamond brand mark.

The Color of Performance

A new color palette reinforces the Lancer design's strength and presence. The 2008 Lancer offers a choice of eight exterior colors: Graphite Gray has a strong mechanical quality; Apex Silver conveys a forged, mechanical look; Aqua Green is a fashion-inspired aqua-tinted silver with a metallic sheen; Electric Blue is a vivid and translucent take on one of today's hottest colors for sporty cars; Rally Red is a brilliant, premium red evoking the brand's WRC competition vehicles; Tarmac Black gives Lancer an amethyst-like glow; Wicked White has a sharp sophistication, and finally, Desert Beige adds a touch of elegance. All colors except Wicked White are metallic.

Lancer Interior Offers "Class-Up" Design and Features

Just as the new-generation 2008 Lancer brings a new level of exterior design sophistication, its interior also shows a new international flair. In addition, its generous feature content reflects the brand's focus on delivering "class-up" customer value in its vehicles and price ranges - that is, features and user technology one might expect to see in more expensive vehicles.

As with the exterior, the Lancer's interior is characterized by clean and crisp surfaces, free of gimmicks and using high-quality materials and marked by careful attention to detail. The curved instrument panel with peaked center section is highlighted by a full-width horizontal trim section.

This central panel is molded in black geometric grain material in the Lancer DE, dark silver painted in the ES and a printed geometric pattern in the GTS. All models carry their respective front trim panel design themes into the front door panels.

The overall instrument panel shape and design contribute to a more spacious interior feeling than seen in some competitors, which tend to accentuate the center section to create a closed-in feeling. The roomy feeling is no illusion, however, as the Lancer provides 94.8 cu. ft. of passenger space (93.3 with the optional sunroof).

Precision and Function

Functional, precision details convey the high-tech, high-quality feel that the target buyers seek in many products they buy, from portable MP3 players to vehicles. Two examples of how this principal was applied to the Lancer interior are seen in the flush-mounted HVAC registers and the way the audio system is smoothly integrated into the curved instrument panel.

A number of instrument panel details contributes to a feeling of overall higher quality and refinement, including narrower panel gaps, a seamless passenger front air bag panel and a painted upper surface to reduce reflections. Precision-designed detailing on all controls lends a "high-touch," high-tech feel. The short-stroke switches also impart a feeling of quality and solidity, and audio switches are finished in piano black for an upscale appearance. Metallic-like trim highlights the shifter bezel, and also the steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls in the ES and GTS models.

Classic Styling and High Tech in the Gauge Panel

The Lancer driver faces a sporty, dual-hood gauge panel inspired by classic European sports cars. Individual, clock-like gauges feature mechanical details also evocative of high-performance sports cars. Between the large speedometer and tachometer, every Lancer model features a standard Multi Information Display with a large LCD screen using two-tone yellow and red characters.

The Multi Information Display provides a 16-segment coolant temperature readout with warning, the main odometer, trip A and trip B odometers, plus a full-function driving computer. Displays include cruising distance with remaining fuel, average vehicle speed, average fuel economy and instantaneous fuel economy. A service reminder alerts the driver to periodic maintenance.

For added convenience, the driver can select from six display languages, and display color is matched to warning level. Odometer and trip meter information is displayed even when the ignition switch is in the ACC or OFF position.

Materials and Color

Each Lancer trim grade - DE, ES and GTS - is also distinguished by its own seating and trim material. The Lancer DE uses a comfortable and refined sleek knit fabric. The ES premium seating fabric uses a combination of inserts with shiny thread accents in a structural pattern to provide a feeling of depth and refinement. The ES also offers a choice between a black interior or a two-tone beige and black, with beige the main color for seating, lower instrument panel and door panels and black used for the upper instrument panel and steering wheel.

The Lancer GTS seating is upholstered with a suede-like knit featuring an embossed geometric pattern. The upscale, sporty feel is further accentuated in the GTS with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and chrome interior door handles.

Sporty, Comfortable Seating

The Lancer's front seats feature moderate bolstering in the DE and ES models, with the GTS exclusively getting more deeply bolstered sport seats. The DE features a 4-way adjustable driver's seat, with the ES and GTS adding height adjustment. The new a manual pump-type height adjuster is easier to operate than the previous knob-type adjuster. The adjuster raises the whole seat cushion, not just the front or back, and the height adjustment range has been increased from 1.2 in. to 1.8 in.

For passenger comfort, all Lancer models use a high-back design rear seat with height-adjustable headrests. The ES and GTS models add the utility of a 60:40 split rear seatback with a fold-down armrest that integrates cup-holders.

Versatile Interior Storage

The variety and versatility of storage spaces throughout the 2008 Lancer interior reflects an understanding of how the target buyers use the cars in everyday driving. From accommodating large lattes or soft drinks to ensuring adequate space for a wide music selection, the Lancer's interior is designed to serve the owner.

The large glove box is illuminated and features dual supports and a damper to ensure smooth, quiet opening. All models feature a standard center console. The forward portion provides an illuminated open storage tray. The console in all models provides two cup-holders that can each hold a 20-oz. bottle, with enough space to the right of the cup-holders to store a few CD cases upright.

The console in the ES and GTS models adds a rear storage box with armrest. Lifting the armrest reveals a tray to hold a cell phone or other small items, and the box contains a second 12-volt power outlet with a slot in the tray and armrest providing a pass-through for a power cable. The box will hold six CD or DVD cases. Even the underside of the armrest has been put to use, with a pocket tissue packet holder. Finally, the front door panels also integrate bottle holders.

What the passengers can't see in the new-generation Lancer helps reduce what they hear. Improved rigidity of suspension installation points and the floor panel and optimal placement of anti-vibration damping material, as well as sound insulation, ensure better suppression of noise than competitors' models.

Renowned Mitsubishi Value in All Grades

All Lancer models, while offering excellent performance, safety and refinement, also still deliver the brand's renowned value. Extensive standard safety equipment in all Lancer models includes seven air bags, with advanced dual-stage front air bags, front seat-mounted side air bags, side-impact head protection curtain air bags and a segment-first driver's knee air bag.

A tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are also standard on all 2008 Lancer models. (Safety technology is described in more depth in the "Safe, Sensible Choice" release in this press kit.)

Starting with the Lancer DE, standard equipment includes 16-in. wheels with full sporty wheel covers and 205/60 R16 tires. Standard conveniences include an anti-theft engine immobilizer, power windows and mirrors and the previously described Multi-Information Monitor.

The power windows in all models feature retained power (30 seconds) after the ignition is switched off. The manual climate controls are now electronic for easier use and a higher-quality feel. With eight fan speeds, the system gives the customer finer control than other manual systems generally offer. A standard clean air filter protects the interior of the HVAC unit from foreign items, (dry leaves, etc.), removes dust and pollen, and improves air quality in the cabin.

The standard 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system features digital signal processing and can play MP3-encoded CDs, and the Lancer DE is pre-wired for dealer-installed SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio. The DE model's single available option package enhances value with anti-lock brakes (ABS), air conditioning, power door locks and a driver's side auto-up window function.

Lancer ES Notches Up Sporty Handling, Comfort and Value

Stepping up to the Lancer ES brings a raft of upgrades, making this model exceptionally competitive in the segment. Enhancing driving dynamics and safety, the ES gains standard ABS, and the rear suspension adds a stabilizer bar for even more responsive handling.

The ES builds on the DE model's content, adding upgraded upholstery and interior trim, a more versatile center console with storage box, standard air conditioning with cabin air filter, power door locks, keyless remote entry, cruise control, a 60:40 split rear seatback, map lights, driver's seat height adjuster, steering wheel audio controls, rear seat heater ducts and floor mats.

GTS Combines Sport with Comfort

The Lancer GTS takes the phrase "sport tuned" seriously, from its driving dynamics to its exclusive interior appointments. Inside, the front sport seats are exclusive to this model, which also features unique upgraded upholstery and interior trim, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

With the optional CVT, the GTS's steering wheel gains magnesium paddle shifters to control this advanced transmission's 6-step Sportronic(R) manual mode. Comfort and convenience take a step up, too, with an automatic climate control system, Bluetooth cell phone interface system with voice recognition, an upgrade to six speakers for the standard audio system, and dual visor vanity mirrors.

Simplified Option Packages for Maximum Value

The Lancer DE offers the previously described upgrade package. The ES offers the Sun and Sound Package, which combines a power glass sunroof with sunshade and the Rockford-Fosgate(R) 650-watt (max.) Premium Sound System, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with a six-month pre-paid service subscription.

The GTS model also offers the Sun and Sound Package, and it becomes the technology leader of the line with the optional Navigation and Technology Package. This package includes a 30-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) navigation system with 7-inch touch screen and music server function, the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System, and the FAST Key(TM) entry system. (All technology features are detailed in the "User Technology" press release in this press kit.)

Premium Warranty

Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer, Galant, Endeavor and Outlander vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The high-performance Lancer Evolution is covered by a 5-year, 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components.

All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 500 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.