The Lancer is all new for 2008. The new Lancer wears striking new styling on its larger body. Mitsubishi offers Lancer in DE, ES, and GTS trim levels. All are powered by a 152-hp four-cylinder mated to either a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission.
The second generation of the Lancer Evolution to reach the U.S. market is one inch longer in wheelbase and width, but slightly shorter in overall length. Weight has increased by about 100 lbs. A new turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L four-cylinder engine rated at 295-bhp and 300 lb.-ft. of peak torque is under the hood. Although the displacement is the same, the new engine differs in many ways starting with a new cast aluminum engine block and aluminum cylinder heads. Changes to the valve train and timing chain reduce weight. Numerous new technologies reside in the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system. The system includes an active center differential (ACD), active rear differential (AYC) and active stability control (ASC). Torque can be split up to 50:50 front to rear. MR models offer a dual-clutch automated manual transmission with paddle shifters. Pricing has risen about $5000 with a starting price just under $33,000.
A 2.4L four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission become the standard powertrain for entry-level ES models. For its second year, the Outlander also benefits from restyled door panels and a host of equipment changes.