2004 Ralliart Lancer

[2003eclipse]

Well RalliArt has the new 2004 lancer it has the 2.4 3 stage mivec it runs 14.9 stock n/a. Well im going to go looking at them tomorrow i may be trading in the 3g for it. These cars are starting at 17,999 fully loaded. im excited.

[john]

Lancer? Is 14.9 fast? I thought you were looking at an EVO.

[JET]

I wonder if it can handle a turbo thrown on it? That is pretty cheap, but it is still FWD. Decent bang for the buck, but you are almost in SRT4 territory and that car is way faster.

[2003eclipse]

well i have a feeling i will get it for a bit cheaper then that, and hey insurance will be about 1200 dollars chearper every 6 months

[AJ]

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

What Is It?
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

What's Special About It?
In an effort to bridge the wide performance and financial gap between the 120-horsepower Lancer econobox and the 271-hp Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi will introduce the Ralliart model — a front-drive Lancer that has benefited from a series of drivetrain, suspension and cosmetic upgrades.

Under the hood of the Ralliart is a 2.4-liter, SOHC inline four assisted by Mitsubishi's Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Control (MIVEC), which is basically the equivalent of Toyota's VVT-i. The engine will generate approximately 160 hp (a peak torque figure has not been released). Buyers will have the choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

If you read our 2002 Econosport Sedan Comparison Test, you'll remember that we found the regular Lancer's suspension tuning far too soft for a track workout. Accordingly, the Ralliart has been fitted with stiffer springs, a tubular red front strut tower bar and a larger rear stabilizer bar. Larger wheels and brakes are part of the deal, too. The Ralliart will wear five-spoke 16-inch alloys and 205/50R16 tires. Antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution will be optional.

Ultimately, the Ralliart's distinctive front fascia — a prominent split grille framed by a resculpted set of headlights — will be common to all 2004 Lancer models. Deck lid sheet metal has been revised for all 2004 models as well, but the Ralliart's clear-lens taillights and larger rear wing will assure onlookers that yours is no rental-fleet Lancer. Inside, you'll find bolstered seats upholstered in black fabric with red trim and embroidered with the Ralliart logo. A 315-watt Infinity sound system with a subwoofer will be part of an optional Sun and Sound package. Pricing for the Lancer Ralliart will start under $18,000 when it arrives at dealers in the fall of 2003.

Why Should You Care?
Can't afford the Evo's $29K price tag? The arrival of the $18,000 Lancer Ralliart provides a legitimate econosport alternative for buyers who like to drive but don't make the big bucks. Still, with plenty of entertaining cars already available in this price range — namely the Nissan Sentra SE-R, Mazdaspeed Protegé and SVT Focus — the Ralliart will have to be a lot of fun out on the road to gain a following. — Erin Riches




Ehhh, I'd drop the extra on an EVO

[AJ]

Mitsubishi introduces 2004 Lancer Ralliart
article by: TST Staff

10/05/03 -- Just like Mazda with Mazdaspeed, Subaru with STi, and like Ford with its SVT brand. Ralliart has played a important role to the Mitsubishi company, such as completing in the WRC (World Rally Circuit) events and creating top performance parts for Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi's idea was to compete its Ralliart edition against other manufactures such as the Mazdaspeed Protegé 5, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Ford SVT Focus.
The Lancer Ralliart which features a 2.4L SOHC inline four assisted by Mitsubishi's Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Control (MIVEC), which is basically the equivalent of Toyota's VVT-i. The engine will generate approximately 160 hp (which is 40 more horses then the 2003 "120hp" model) at around 5750 rpm. The torque is also estimated around 162-ft at 4000rpm. Buyers will also have a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Exterior

Front and side air dam "Evo" design.
Rear end bumper and "Evo" tailights.
New Rear wing spolier
MacPherson front struts and rear multilink system
Red tubular tower strut bar
Larger rear stabilizing bar
Larger front and rear brake discs.
ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (optional)
Interior

Black fabric with red trim and embroidered Ralliart logo
315-watt Infinity sound system with subwoofer (optional)


Price range for this car is around $18,000 range. Mitsubishi is also releasing a
wagon version, which will cost around the $19,000. The disadvantage of the wagon is that it only comes as a four speed automatic.

[A//// Guy]

Thats a pretty snazy front strut bar. ooooo

Id take a srt over that... or a sentra ser.. or a mazda speed. Those are cool.

[john]

I would take a 3g over that. I would also take an SRT4 also.

[Jakey]

By far would I take an SRT-4 over that.

[ABV]

I read an article in motor trend about sport compact something or other. They had the ralliart, svt focus, impreza 2.5rs, and something else. I was suprised at how quick the lancer was. I though it would be just like any other 16 second Honda. A 14.9 second quarter mile isn't exactly going to turn heads though. But the price is not bad for what you get. Mitsu will probably sell a lot of those, but you wont find me buying one. For the money, I would spend a couple grand more and get an SRT-4 if you want to go fast, or a Mazda Speed if you want to be able to turn too.

[CVD]

Every car it listed as its primary competition is better than that thing. What is wrong with mitsu? If it aint a turbo'd 4G63 they just cant make it cool. Every other company kicks their ass in the N/A performance department.

[JiN]

SRT-4 for sure.

[JDM]

Myself, Ryan and Joe went to Kline and they test drove one. They were impressed considering. For the buck, and for those who want an alternative to bugeyes on a neon, definetly your best choice.

KAPERS... JUST BUY AN EVO.

[Super Bleeder!!]

Originally posted by CVD@Dec 15 2003, 10:04 AM
Every car it listed as its primary competition is better than that thing. What is wrong with mitsu? If it aint a turbo'd 4G63 they just cant make it cool. Every other company kicks their ass in the N/A performance department.

eh if you do some research about their j-spec motors they have some pretty kick ass mivec motors that make a good dead more than 100hp/liter n/a

[2003eclipse]

well, for those of you that have read the new motor trend.
specs and over all performance went as follows they tested the
Svt Focus
Ralliart lancer
Impreza Wrx
Nissan Sentra seR

Svt focus came in first over all running the second slowest 1/4 but the braking and handiling is superb which is why it was rated first

RalliArt Lancer came in second with the fastest 1/4 and ranked high in the numbers with the test having nothing but good coments to say.

I believe it was the Wrx in third and the Sentra in 4th correct me if im wrong.

Ryan and myself drove this car at kline i was so impressed for an all motor car. the mivec is truley impressive. it has 3 stages so its not like whipping a horse like the hondas. i was accelerating under a bridge and all you can hear is motor no intake no exhaust this car has something im not used to with the 3g TORQUE in 5th gear at about 60 mph giving the car about 1/2 throttle and you'de hit the first stage in mivec and i would be around 75 in what seemed the blink of an eye. The short Throw is one of the smoothests shifts i've ever gotten to throw into gear.

granted you guys have all been driving cars that your all in love with and are more religious to your cars the the bible. but if you get a chance go take this car out for a drive, go in there with low expectations and they will be exceeded. The seats in the car are out of the Evo VII and are actually comfortable. interior has a bit of carbon fiber. and just because its not a 14 year old turboed 4g63 doesn't mean its not cool, this car definatley has its perks.