Mitsubishi Lancer Eighth Generation

Eighth generation

In 2005, Mitsubishi revealed the Concept-X model car at the Tokyo Motor Show and its Concept-Sportback model at the Frankfurt motor show. The new Lancer is based on these two concepts. The new Lancer was officially revealed in January 2007 at the Detroit Motor Show and went on sale in North American markets on March 2007. New Lancer features Mitsubishi's next-generation RISE safety body.

North America

For the United States, the new Lancer is available initially in DE, ES, and GTS trim levels. All three are powered by a GEMA based 4B11, 2.0 liter DOHC engine outputting 152 hp (113 kW) (except for California models which have been detuned to 143 hp (107 kW) to meet regulations). Transmission options include a brand new CVT, sourced from Jatco (code: F1CJA), alongside a regular 5-speed manual sourced from Aisin AI (code: F5MBB). GTS models will be getting a 6-speed (fixed gears in sport mode), paddle shift version of the CVT.

In Canada, a fourth model (SE) was introduced to the Lancer lineup late in the model year. The SE model is a cross between the ES and GTS models. The SE is an ES model, dressed to look like the GTS. It includes the skirt package similar to the GTS, a rear spoiler, and unlike the GTS model, the SE includes a sunroof. Features not included in the SE model that are found in the GTS are the FAST key, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface, automatic climate control, Rockford Fosgate sound system, carbon fiber trim pieces, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and 18" wheels.

For U.S. markets, starting with the 2009 model year, an ES-Sport version was released similar to the SE model for the Canadian market. Externally the ES-Sport is similar in appaearance to the GTS' skirts, spoiler, mirrors, etc (with the exception of the wheels, the ES-Sport retains the ES wheelset). The ES-Sport also uses the ES 2.0 liter engine.

The 2.4 L 4B12 engine is offered on the GTS for the 2009 model year.

Australia

The Lancer was released in Australia in October 2007.^[5] It will come in ES, VR and VRX trim levels. Active stability control and traction control will be standard on all models. Standard on the ES will be dual front airbags and a driver knee airbag. The VR and VRX will get side and curtain airbags also. It will have a 2 litre 4B11, 113 kW (152 hp) engine and be equipped with a 5-speed manual or with a 6 speed CVT transmission as a $AUD2300 option. A Ralliart model will follow, and a Lancer Evolution will also make the line up. The Lancer also scored a maximum of 5 stars in the ANCAP crash test.^[6]As of September 2008, Mitsubishi's Australian website revealed a new trim level called Aspire. A 2.4 litre engine has been introduced for the Aspire along with leather seats and CVT as standard. The VRX has been upgraded with the larger engine. Base recommended retail pricing has been revised across the range with the VR at $AUD25590, the VRX at $AUD29790 and the Aspire at $AUD34190. CVT is now a $AUD2500 option. The ES model remains unchanged at $AUD20990. The Lancer Sportback is now available in Australia as of October 2008, the model line up includes ES, VR, VRX and Ralliart.

Asia

With the exception of the Lancer Evolution X, the Lancer is marketed as the Galant Fortis (Latin for strong, steadfast and courageous) in the Japanese domestic market^[7]. It comes in 3 trim levels Exceed, Super Exceed and Sport.^[8].

The new Lancer was released on September 15, 2007 in Taiwan and has been named Lancer Fortis. It's powered by a 4B11, 2.0 litre DOHC engine outputting 157 hp (117 kW) and the transmission is a 6-speed (fixed gears in sport mode) version of the CVT. However, unlike other Lancer models in USA and Japan, Mitsubishi has changed the front and rear ends to make it look like a family car.^[9]

Due to popular demand of the 7th-gen Lancer in Singapore, it will continue to be sold alongside the new Lancer which will be called the Lancer EX to differentiate itself from the former. The 1.5l, 2.0l and the GTS (marketed as the GT) variants are available in Singapore. For MY2009, the GT has been refreshed all around with updated front grill, darkened clear tail lamps, and chrome lining with an additional floor console internally. Rear brakes has also been upgraded for the 2.0 variants to disc brakes for better stopping power.

In Malaysia, only the GTS is offered and is marketed as the GT.

In Indonesia, like Malaysia, only the GTS is sold and is badged as the GT using the new 2.0L engine and is sold alongside the Evolution X, and like Singapore the previous generation Lancer is still sold, marketed as the Lancer Cedia using the same 1.8L engine as the 7th generation Lancer.

Hong Kong received its unique edition of the Lancer in 2008, dubbed the Lancer 2.0. The car comes in two trim levels, without a name for either of them. Both are equipped with the 4B11 2.0 4 cylinder engine, 7 airbags, 8 speaker stereo system (manufacturer not known), Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with HID as well as 18" alloy wheels. The upper trim has Ralliart style body kit which includes a revised front bumper, side skirt, rear bumper with diffuser and the addition of a correct-to-Evolution-X rear spoiler,while the lower trim make do without the abovementioned features.

In Philippines the Lancer arrived in early 2008. It offers 3 variants, GTS(marketed as GT-A) , GT and the entry level MX.

Also called	Galant Fortis (Japan) Lancer Fortis (Taiwan) Lancer EX (Singapore) Lancer Serie R (Chile)
Production	2007-present
Body style(s)	4-door sedan (GS41) 5-door hatchback (GS44S)
Layout	Front engine, front-/four-wheel drive
Platform	Mitsubishi GS platform
Engine(s)	4B12 2.4 L DOHC MIVEC I4, 4B11 2.0 L DOHC MIVEC I4, 4B10 1.8 L DOHC MIVEC I4, 4A91 1.5 L DOHC MIVEC I4, VW 2.0 L Di-D Diesel
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual (F5MBB) INVECS-III CVT automatic (F1CJA) INVECS-II 4-Speed Automatic (Singapore 1.5l variant)
Wheelbase	2,635 mm (103.7 in)
Length	4,573 mm (180.0 in)
Width	1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height	1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Curb weight	1,320 kg (2,900 lb)-1,593 kg (3,510 lb)
Fuel capacity	59 l
Related	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Mitsubishi Outlander