Hot-hatch Lancer set for Swiss show
06/02/2008
Mitsubishi will unveil its hot-hatch version of the Lancer at the Geneva
Motor Show in March. The Lancer Prototype-S blends a 2.0-litre turbocharged
engine producing 237bhp (10bhp up on the Subaru Impreza WRX, which
Mitsubishi is aiming to steal sales from), the same SST twin-clutch gearbox
as the Evo X and a full-time four-wheel drive system. The car's front-end
styling is pure Evo X, but unlike the saloon the rear features a rakish
tailgate that makes it more hatchback than pure estate car. When it reaches
showrooms in the autumn, Mitsubishi expects the Lancer hatchback to account
for 80% of the model's sales. Forget any thought though that you may have
about nipping down to Phoenix Mitsubishi and putting your money down on a
hatchback Evo. The hottest Lancer will continue to be available in saloon
only.