With the Frankfurt Show only a couple of months away, car-makers have began showing off their 2008 merchandise. Mitsubishi on its behalf will unveil the European edition of the all-new Lancer Sports Sedan which doesn’t look any different from its US or Japanese spec counterparts. Under the hood though it’s another story -no 2.0-litre petrol engine here. Instead Europeans get the choice of two petrol units, an 110Hp 1.5-liter and a 144Hp 1.8-liter engine along with a VW Group derived, 140Hp 2.0-liter diesel engine. Of course the top-dog in the Lancer range is the Evolution, which may be introduced as well in Frankfurt.

Mitsubishi also announced that in 2008 an all-new 5-door Lancer Sportback (based on the 2005 Frankfurt Show Concept) will join the Lancer Sports Sedan and Lancer Evolution models. But what really caught our attention in Mitsubishi’s press release is that the Japanese carmaker talks about an “Upper-range version” details of which will be unveiled at a later stage. The “Upper-range version” will fit in between the 1.8-litre petrol/2.0 Diesel and the EVO in the Lancer’s range. If our inside info is correct, this could be the front wheel-drive MR version with a 2.0 turbo engine producing around 240Hp. -See the full press release after the jump

Mitsubishi Motors Europe - 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

Preview # 2

- All-new Lancer Sports Sedan -

Mitsubishi has embarked upon its most ambitious automotive project ever through the launch of its first global platform.

Known as “Project Global” within MMC, and already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, this new global platform will next be rolled out to the European public at the 2007 Frankfurt Show (IAA), underpinning the all-new 4-door Lancer Sports Sedan.

Global

Representing a multi-million dollar investment, the “Project Global” platform will support the launch of several new Mitsubishi vehicles over the next few years, including (as of now) the all-new Lancer family, the second generation Outlander or the recently unveiled – and very successful – Delica D:5 minivan / SUV crossover.

Designed from the outset for world markets to accommodate various regional needs and regulations as well as changing market trends and customer demands, “Project Global” generates economies of scale through built-in flexibility and synergies in design, engineering and manufacturing.

Credentials

Designed at Mitsubishi Motors’ European design studio in Trebur, near Frankfurt (Germany) for world markets, Lancer Sports Sedan shares its stunning design language with the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback (2005 IAA) and Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) concept cars, also created in Europe.

Its low stance, long bonnet / short deck proportions, wide track, trademark “Jet Fighter” grille (with a chromed upper grille in this European market application) and distinctively deep set “eyes”, all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans.

Very much in line with Mitsubishi’s inspiring “Japanese Modern” design philosophy, this theme is also evocative of Lancer’s peerless motor sports credentials covering 35 years of racing, from the original 1973 Lancer 1600 GSR winner of numerous long distance 70s rallies in Africa and Australia (East African Safari, Bandama, Southern Cross,…) to the very hot 1980 Lancer EX 2000 Turbo and today’s Lancer Evolution.

Family

To be launched progressively in Europe from the end of 2007, the (4,570 mm long x 1,760 mm wide) Lancer Sports Sedan will provide Mitsubishi Motors in Europe with a full family of offerings ranging from 1.5 litre petrol entry models to mid-range 1.8 litre petrol and 2.0 litre Diesel versions (availability according to markets), right up to the all-new Lancer Evolution – for the first time a member of the Lancer family. In the future, further variants will be made available as well:

• - Entry level: 110 ps – 1.5 l DOHC MIVEC petrol*
• - Mid-range: 140 ps – 2.0 l Pump Jet Diesel (VAG-supplied)*
• 144 ps – 1.8 l DOHC MIVEC petrol*
• - Upper-range: output & details to be unveiled at a later stage
• - Hero: 2.0 l Turbo DOHC MIVEC petrol (Lancer Evolution / output to be unveiled later)

* all data subject to homologation.

The above line-up will include 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, CVT, 4-speed automatic and 6-speed automated manual, according to the engine.

Joining the Lancer Sports Sedan and Lancer Evolution during 2008, the all-new 5-door Lancer Sportback will further strengthen the Lancer family. With its coupé-like profile – modelled upon the exciting 2005 Frankfurt concept car of the same name – it will specifically target hatchback-minded European customers.

Beyond conventional segmentation, the all-new Lancer family will be in Europe a refreshing alternative for customers looking for timeless presence, sharp dynamics, reliability and value-for-money, all brought by heritage-proud, non-mainstream, right-brained, quality Brands.