The Lancer Ralliart bears some resemblance to the high-power Lancer Evolution and features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, Mitsubishi’s twin-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The Lancer Evolution and the Lancer Sportback, a five-door hatchback, are covered in separate reports in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2012 A new SE model aimed at buyers in the Snowbelt features all-wheel drive, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats and side mirrors, and a chrome lower grille. Meanwhile, the GTS trim gets a new name, GT, and adds a Ralliart-type front end, new 18-inch wheels, new instrument-panel trim and upgraded soft-touch door trim. The Ralliart also gets new 18-inch wheels and soft-touch door trim, as well as gloss-black instrument-panel trim and black sport fabric.
Exterior A forward-leaning grille serves as the focal point for the front of the car. The Ralliart version is more aggressive, with a gaping grille and a subtle hood scoop. Exterior features include:
Standard 16-inch wheels
18-inch wheels optional
Optional rear wing-style spoiler
Optional rocker-panel extensions
Interior The Lancer sedan seats up to five and is available with an optional 60/40-split folding rear seat. A CD stereo is standard, and an optional Navigation and Technology Package includes a navigation system with a 30-gigabyte hard drive. Air conditioning is optional. Interior features include:
Odor-absorbing headliner
Optional USB port
Optional chrome accents
Optional heated leather seats
Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers
Under the Hood The Lancer is available with a variety of engine and transmission choices. The SE and Ralliart have all-wheel drive, and other Lancer sedans come with front-wheel drive. Mechanical features include:
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 148 horsepower and works with either a standard five-speed manual or optional continuously variable automatic transmission
Available 168-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with either a five-speed manual or CVT
Ralliart models get a 237-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 253 pounds-feet of torque and is matched to a six-speed, twin-clutch automated manual transmission
