Expect to see cast wheels similar to those on the GTS, but with a slightly different finish. Tires will be Yokohama Advan A10 summer items. The interior design is distinguished from the GTS by a Ralliart theme (obviously) that includes aluminum racing pedals, a sport steering wheel and available Recaro front bucket seats from the Evo X.
A few major tuning houses in the US and Japan have already got their paws on the new Evo X GSR (five-speed manual), and early feedback for the 4B11 engine is positive. So far, one well-respected Evo tuner in the midwest (AMS) claims to have added upward of almost 90 wheel-hp just with bolt-on parts and no ECU tuning.
Then again, the MR model is a whole different beast. With more and more sports cars (such as the Nissan GT-R) offering twin-clutch and/or sequential-shifting technology, reprogramming on-board computers to address shift points for increased power output becomes more complicated.
These twin-clutch transmissions have shifting points, torque capacities and firmness programmed in by the OEM based on factory torque curves and power levels. In the Ralliart's case, any power upgrades will need to be addressed by cracking the complex ECU of the TC-SST. As many readers know, the Evo X MR met with delays attributed to TC-SST software fine-tuning for the US market, and was pushed to a spring on-sale slot. However, Japanese tuner sources close to Mitsubishi confirm that the TC-SST computer, as on the JDM-spec Evo X MR, has proven capable of handling mild performance tweaks with stock computer software. We hear as-yet unconfirmed rumors that the Ralliart's TC-SST can handle over 315bhp before becoming undriveable. Our advice? Wait for the five-speed manual version to surface before breaking out the turboback exhaust.
Apart from the twin-clutch hurdles, though, the Ralliart shows great early potential for tuners. We can probably look forward to a healthy number of new, bigger, better aftermarket components for the GTS and the Ralliart within the next year. The jury is out on how the enthusiast community is embracing the new Lancer sedan, but perhaps given the Ralliart brand name, some turbocharged teeth will help bolster the Lancer's image. Pricing was not yet announced at the time of writing, but the Ralliart should be priced competitively against its rival, the Subaru WRX.
With the Evo and the Ralliart both hitting the market this year, it's only a matter of time before hop-up parts for these turbocharged sedans become more available. A trickle-down can be expected to help the overall Lancer cause, making modification of front-driven Lancers easier. But we're happy to see Ralliart at last being properly represented on a turbocharged all-wheel-drive sports sedan, instead of a front-wheel drive tractor called the Galant. Did anyone say Lancer Ralliart and Project WRX V.08 showdown?
Tuning the Lancer RalliartWorks - Pete Kang, CEOThe new Lancer Ralliart will bridge the gap between the somewhat mild, inexpensive Lancer to the wilder, pricey Evolution X. The turbocharged 4B11 alone would probably be enough to sway most enthusiasts, but adding all-wheel drive makes it the Evo X's little brother at a junior price. [The only problem is] the new front fascia and dual exhaust are aggressive and sporty, but the 'normal' Lancer fenders will ultimately limit the rubber footprint. As Mitsubishi ECMs and PCMs become increasingly complex, they present greater challenges for tuners and enthusiasts. Even simple bolt-ons benefit from proper engine and transmission ECU flashing, while pushing the envelope will only be possible by the most sophisticated tuners.