TOKYO Mitsubishi has announced that it will introduce the production version of its Lancer Sportback and Lancer Sportback Ralliart at the 2008 Paris Auto Show in early October.
The Lancer Sportback is a five-door hatchback version of the redesigned Mitsubishi Lancer model. A few months ago, Mitsubishi revealed in its global business report that the Sportback would indeed make its way to the States.
The design of the hatchback, first unveiled in concept form at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show, features a unique look, thanks to its inverted slant nose and trapezoidal chrome-rimmed grille.
Across the pond, the Lancer Sportback will get a 108-horsepower 1.5-liter or a 141-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, as well as a 138-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel.
The Sportback Ralliart will be equipped with a 2.0-liter MIVEC four-cylinder that will deliver a powerful 237 hp and 253 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to Mitsubishi's twin-clutch SST transmission and will feature the company's active center differential to help send torque to the wheels around those twisty turns.
The European markets should see the Sportback models this fall, with the U.S. likely following by mid-2009.
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