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By Tom StrongmanKansasCity.com
May 31, 2007
One look tells you that Mitsubishi's 2008 Lancer, with its shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, is targeted at a young audience. The Lancer GTS looks aggressive with its trunk-mounted spoiler. It borrows many styling cues as well as its overall look from the upcoming Lancer Evolution, a high-performance model that features all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine and a buttoned-down suspension. The 2006 Lancer Evolution produced 286 horsepower and ran like a scalded cat. It's safe to assume the 2008 will be stronger still. The 2008 Lancer is based on a global platform that also forms the foundation of the new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. Compared to last year's Lancer, the 2008 has a longer wheelbase and wider track, yet it is slightly shorter overall. The base Lancer begins at $13,990, and the GTS starts at $18,490 with a continuously variable Sportronic transmission. The test car was a GTS with a five-speed manual transmission and a sticker price of $21,615. The new Lancer has a 103.7-inch wheelbase that is 1.4 inches longer than last year. The new car is higher by 2.3 inches and wider by nearly 3 inches. The increased size creates a larger interior without making the car look bulky. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 152 horsepower, which is 32 more horsepower than the previous Lancer. The extra power gives the GTS sprightly acceleration that rarely leaves the driver wanting for more. The five-speed manual gearbox has a nicely weighted shift linkage and an easy-to-use clutch that makes city driving pleasant. The optional Sportronic CVT automatic has shift paddles on the steering column. While the CVT doesn't have gears like a regular transmission, it has been programmed to have six shifts when operated with the paddles. The sport-tuned GTS has 18-inch wheels and its own unique suspension tuning. It also has exclusive front sport seats that give good lateral support. The cloth upholstery is attractive and fits well with the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The GTS has automatic climate control, steering-wheel switches for cruise and audio, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, power windows, power door locks with keyless remote and anti-lock disc brakes. The test car was equipped with the upgraded audio system that had nine speakers, satellite radio and the optional navigation system. The ES and GTS models have a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTS adds a rear storage box and an armrest with a tray for a cell phone and a second 12-volt power outlet. The new Lancer's "rally inspired" design captures the excitement of a sports sedan, but it does so in a package that is reasonably priced and economical to drive. Price The test car's base price was $17,490. Options included the Rockford-Fosgate stereo with nine speakers, satellite radio, power sunroof, keyless entry and a navigation system with a 30-gigabyte hard disc that can also store music. The sticker price was $21,615. Warranty Five years or 60,000 miles with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
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