Technically, we're gambling by telling you that the photos you're looking at are of the 2008 Lancer Ralliart. It's worth mentioning that they may actually be the 2009 Evolution X, but we think the chances are slim, because it lacks the bulging fenders that Evolutions have had in one form or another since the Evo V.
But that doesn't mean the Ralliart is going to be some soft Lancer with graphics and OZ wheels, either. This time around, the lesser Lancer will be powered by a 220-horsepower engine, and - brace yourself - have all-wheel drive. Rumor has it the car will be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Details are fuzzy at the moment, but a car like this would definitely make sense for Mitsubishi. As the Evolution continues to battle with the STI and prices slowly edge their way towards $40,000, the need for a car that will compete with the 'normal' WRX couldn't be more clear.
As with the current-generation Lancer, the Ralliart will most likely share many of the same body panels and, if you look closely, it appears to have the same squinty, pissed-off headlight and taillight treatment, which both cars will have in common with the Concept X. The car in these spy shots is devoid of a wing, suggesting that, like its forebears, it's most likely a barely-functional cosmetic piece that isn't necessary for testing.
Whether this car is the next Ralliart or the next Evo, the spy shots are a great excuse to update you on what we know of the Evo X thus far: under the hood, a 300-plus horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged MIVEC 2.0-liter engine will likely replace the venerable 4G63, and the engine will most probably be mated to a six-speed double clutch transmission, not unlike VW's DSG. The AYC system will be vastly more complex than that found in the current model , and we're looking forward to telling you whether or not it's any better.
It's tough to believe the new Lancer Ralliart and Evolution will be sharing a platform with the new Dodge Caliber, Mitsubishi's Outlander and Chrysler's next-generation PT Cruiser, but Mitsubishi assures us it will still be able to trounce an Evolution IX. Keep watching this space for fresh info.
Chrysler aims at Camry
Will any domestic-branded car ever challenge the Camry or Accord for overall sales dominance? Chrysler's latest stab is the all-new 2007 Sebring sedan.
Like a proper Accord/Camry fighter should be, the new Sebring is a front-driver, with power coming from a standard 172bhp, 2.4-liter, DOHC four, and 16 valves controlled by an electronic variable timing system. A 190bhp, 2.7-liter V6 and a 235bhp, 3.5-liter V6 are on the options list. There will also be a 2.0-liter turbodiesel version built for export to markets outside North America. Both V6s will be available lashed to a new six-speed automatic transaxle that includes Chrysler's AutoStick manual shifting gimmick. The four comes coupled to a four-speed auto.
The chassis is straightforward and conventional enough. The unibody structure has MacPherson struts integrated into its nose with an independent multi-link system at the back. The steering is rack-and-pinion, the brakes are discs in front, with rear drums on the four-pot models, rear discs on the V6 models. Depending on trim level, the Sebring rolls on either 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels.
Besides neat tweaks like an onboard hard drive for storing MP3s, the big deal with the Sebring should be its looks. If nothing else, this car is sure trying hard to be stylish, with strakes in its hood, swooping roofline, open-front grille and heavily-sculpted flanks. The interior is almost as fetching, with hints of homage to Honda and the blue-glowing face on a new, high-end radio alarm clock.
So can this Sebring torpedo the lumbering Camry/Accord juggernaut? We'll give long odds on that bet, but this is still a handsome mainstream sedan.