For years, Mitsubishi has had a gaping hole in its Lancer lineup. While the Subaru WRX ignited a revolution in performance-tuned economy sedans in the $25K range, Mitsubishi only responded to the high-end WRX STi with its own Evolution model, both of which neared 300 hp. That practice continued with the latest 2008 Lancer refresh; buyers were given the choice of a 168-hp GTS or a 295-hp Evolution, but nothing in between to match the standard 224 hp WRX.

That problem has finally been remedied. Car and Driver is reporting that the new 2009 Lancer Ralliart, announced at the Detroit Auto Show last week, will sport a 235-hp version of the Evolution's turbocharged inline-four. The car also gets teched out with the Evolution's six-speed automanual and all-wheel-drive system with active center differential, which lets the driver configure the system to accommodate tarmac, gravel, and snow-covered road surfaces.

Meanwhile, C/D reports that the rest of the car mimics the Lancer GTS, with steel replacing aluminum around the roof and suspension, and the lack of the ridiculous-in-a-good-way fender flares. And sure enough, Mitsubishi is pricing the Ralliart right around the $25,000 mark to compete with the WRX, along with the Mazdaspeed 3 and the GTI.

Post by Jamie Lendino