2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER: NEW VALUE-PRICED ALL-WHEEL CONTROL LANCER SE PLUS NEW FEATURES FOR ENTIRE MODEL LINEUP

In the highly competitive automobile market, Mitsubishi has been able to stay ahead of its peers by maintaining the industry's most comprehensive sports sedan compact car line up available today.

Ever since its introduction in 1973, the Mitsubishi Lancer has been known for its exceptional reliability, engineering and value - without sacrificing performance. From the affordably-priced Lancer DE right up through the incomparable agility and speed of the incredible Lancer Ralliart, the Japanese auto manufacturer has an attractively-styled and well-equipped version of their well-rounded 5-passenger compact sports sedan to suit just about any consumer shopping for a new car.

New for the 2012 model year is the Lancer SE – an exciting new iteration that combines Mitsubishi's legendary All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system with an eye-opening low price.

New for 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

All-New Lancer SE with All-Wheel Control

The 2012 Lancer SE includes Mitsubishi's advanced All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system at an exceptionally-low price point that's sure to make it a hit in the snow country sections of the United States, providing excellent traction and inspiring driver confidence in adverse weather conditions.

DE Model Upgrades

The entry-level Lancer DE – already chock-full of welcome standard features and innovative safety technologies – receives a helpful up-shift light to signal the driver when to change gears for optimal fuel efficiency as well as a new design for its 16-inch wheel covers for 2012.

ES Model Upgrades

A Mitsubishi best-seller, the Lancer ES enjoys new equipment including the 16-inch wheel cover design included on the 2012 DE model but also gains stylish new fabric for its seating surfaces and instrument panel trim plus helpful 'ECO' and up-shift indicator lights to help the driver maximize fuel efficiency.

The available Deluxe package now adds a sharply-styled lower chrome grille section as well as improved soft touch upper door trim and high contrast meters with color LCD display.

GT Model Upgrades

Formerly the GTS, the Lancer GT sees the addition of a handsome new 18-inch alloy wheel, improved seating fabric as well as the aggressively-styled front clip from the high-performance Lancer Ralliart model added to its impressive list of standard equipment. The Touring package adds the convenience of a backup camera with display inset in the rearview mirror.

Ralliart Model Upgrades

The high-zoot 2012 Lancer Ralliart now includes a new 18-inch alloy wheel design while the Touring package adds a handy backup camera with display housed within the auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The 2012 Lancer is the Answer

The Mitsubishi Lancer is such a refined and well-engineered vehicle that its chassis serves as the global underpinning for both the rally championship-winning, Lancer Evolution ultra-high-performance turbocharged sports sedan as well as the Mitsubishi Outlander crossover utility vehicle (CUV) - highly regarded vehicles in the eyes of both consumers and the automotive media alike.

And with such forward-thinking fuel-efficient technologies as Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a capable, normally-aspirated 148 horsepower 16-valve 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine that features Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) for improved power production and reduced exhaust emissions (Lancer DE and ES models), the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer achieves an outstanding EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the CVT.

Included amenities found on the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer include a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) control and 4 speakers, speed compensated volume and equalization control; power door locks and mirrors with driver-side auto up/down; a tilt-adjusted steering column, 4-way adjustable driver's seat; remote keyless entry and anti--theft engine immobilizer; and a convenient 12-volt power outlet in the center console - the latter item perfect for recharging a cell phone or a hand-held GPS.

Welcome standard exterior features and design touches include auto-off reflector-type halogen headlamps, black slotted-mesh grille with black surround, side air dams, and clear and black tail lights

Safety is always of utmost importance, so Mitsubishi engineers have loaded every Lancer model sold in the United States with a plethora of the latest and greatest safety technologies and innovations. These include advanced tool-stage front air bags with the occupants seek position sensor; side-impact head protection curtain air bags; front seat-mounted side air bags; driver's side knee air bag; anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); height-adjustable headrests and three-point seat belts for all three rear seating positions.

These advanced safety features, along with Mitsubishi's highly effective Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) energy-absorbing body construction in the event of an impact, has made the Lancer compact sports sedan an award-winning 'TOP SAFETY PICK' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) several years running (Note: Results pending for 2012 model Lancer).

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is available in 6 eye-popping colors: Wicked White, Apex Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Pearl, Rally Red, Octane Blue Pearl and Tarmac Black Pearl.

All-New 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE with All-Wheel Control (AWC)

An exciting all-new entry into the expansive 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer model range is the all-wheel drive Lancer SE.

The new Lancer SE is tailor-made for residents of cold weather climates that are looking for a versatile and affordably-price sports sedan that provides the enhanced tractability, performance and peace of mind of an all-wheel drive system like Mitsubishi's highly regarded technologically-advanced All-Wheel Control has to offer.

Standard amenities on every 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE include heated front seats and side mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and an aesthetically pleasing chrome lower grille.

Powering the all-new 2012 Lancer SE that comes equipped with All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive is a potent 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that includes MIVEC variable valve-timing technology to produce a full 168 horsepower. What's more, the new value-oriented Lancer SE features an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that further aids fuel efficiency and performance.

2012 Lancer GT and Ralliart: Performance Sports Sedans Ready for Takeoff

Aimed at the automotive connoisseur in the hunt for a luxury-laden 4-door that offers sports car-like performance, the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer GT and the Lancer Ralliart are right on target.

Like the all-new all-wheel drive Lancer SE model, the 2012 Lancer GT features a potent 168 bhp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine under its hood. But in this instance the performance-oriented GT is available with either a precise-shifting 5-speed manual gearbox or with the optional continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with INVEC-III (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control system) that 'learns' a driver's particular driving manner to better execute shift performance. The CVT-equipped Lancer GT also includes Sportronic® shifting via magnesium-alloy steering wheel paddle shifters for the ultimate in driver enjoyment and control.

Other included amenities on the 2012 Lancer GT are newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, new interior fabric and instrument panel trim, the sporty front fascia from the Lancer Ralliart model, sport-tuned suspension, a 6 speaker audio system, sport front bucket seats, automatic climate control, Mitsubishi's FAST-key with panic feature and leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake.

For the 2012 model year, the Lancer GT features a backup camera with a display screen house within the rearview mirror on the available Touring package. The Touring package on the Lancer GT includes leather seating surfaces and front seat heaters, power glass sunroof, auto on/off headlamp control, auto-off Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and a premium 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate® sound system with 10-inch subwoofer, 6 CD/MP3 in-head unit and SIRIUS® satellite radio with 3-month prepaid service.

For all-out performance and features, the 2012 Lancer Ralliart rests atop the Japanese auto manufacturers compact sports sedan pyramid.

Powered by a 237 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled MIVEC-equipped 4-cylinder engine and a lightning-fast 6-speed automated manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), the Lancer Ralliart's athletic ability reaches new heights thanks to the inclusion of advanced Mitsubishi electronic driver aids such as full-time all-wheel control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) along with a front helical limited-slip differential, a rear limited-slip differential and Hill Start Assist (HSA), the latter element allowing the vehicle to remain in a stationary position on the slope for several seconds after the driver removes their foot from the brake pedal and implements the accelerator pedal.

Standard amenities on the 2012 Lancer Ralliart model above and beyond the Lancer GT's equipment package include premium sport fabric seating surfaces, an aluminum hood with heat extractor vent, chrome side lower door molding, and leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, shift knob and shift boot. Like the Lancer GT, the Lancer Ralliart has an optional Touring package that adds a backup camera system with display screen inside the rearview mirror for the 2012 model year.

by Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Lancer was first introduced in 1973, and since that time, more than six million examples have been sold. It has carried many different names, sold by different manufacturers, and came in different shapes and sizes. Since the car's inception, it has proven to be a solid competitor in rally competition. It has been a very versatile and capable automobile.

When first introduced, it joined Mitsubishi's other models, which included the Galant, their compact car, and the Minica Kei car. The Lancer fell into ranks between these two models, serving as the company's lower-to-middle-class vehicle. When introduced, it was offered in twelve different trim levels, including the base 1.2-liter sedan, and ranging towards the rally-prepared 1600 GSR. Two body styles were offered, the 2-door coupe and the 4-door sedan. There was also a five-door station wagon, but the production levels on this never reached very high. A hatchback was added in 1975, called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste, and offered with either a 1.4- or 1.6-liter engine. A 2.0-liter unit was later added.

The second generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer was introduced in 1978 and remained in production until 1983. The only body style offered was the four-door sedan; two engine sizes were available, a 1.4- and 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit. The big news for this generation was the addition of the Lancer EX, which brought with it a turbocharger for the 1.8-liter engine.

In 1982 the next generation of the Lancer was introduced. A new model was launched, dubbed the lancer Fiore and based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. This generation of the Lancer was offered in a 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and five-door station wagon. The 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines were still available. A diesel version was introduced, and fuel-injected and turbocharged versions were offered.

The station wagon was added in 1985, and it was followed quickly by a four-wheel-drive version.

In 1988 the next iteration of the Lancer began and would persist until 1992. The design changed; the car became less boxy and more aerodynamic in appearance and principle. The edges became more round and modern. The shape followed the design of the Galant.

By now, the Lancer name was being shared with the Dodge Lancer, which was being sold in the United States by Chrysler Group. In Japan, the model was known as the Mirage Aspire.

This generation of the Lancer was sold as a 3-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and 5-door hatchback. Front and four-wheel drive were available.

In 1991, the differences between the Mirage and the Lancer became even greater, though both were still built on the same platform. In the North American market, the Lancer was sold as the Eagle Summit.

A V6 engine, which displaced just 1.6 liters, was introduced and powered the Mirage, along with other Mitsubishi cars. It would even become the power source for one of the HSR Concept vehicles. This V6 engine was the smallest mass-produced V6, a title it retains to this day. Other engine options included a 1.3, 1.5, 1.8, and 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines. The 1.3 and 1.5-liter versions were SOHC, while the rest were DOHC. The 1.8 was created in both SOHC and DOHC fashion. The standard gearbox was the five-speed manual, with the four-speed automatic being sold as optional equipment.

The big news was the Lancer GSR, which had a high-performance turbocharged engine and would form the groundwork for the Lancer Evolution, commonly known as the Lancer Evo, which began in September 1993. The Evo used the drivetrain of the Galant VR-4 rally car, and would soon prove its potential as a high-performance competition machine.

All of the Lancer Evolutions have shared a two-liter, turbocharged engine and four-wheel-drive system. The Evolutions, prior to version V, are the officially-approved models for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship's Group A class and SCCA Pro Rally Championship. The cars are built on the same platform as the other Lancers, but given many performance upgrades and mechanical improvements.

Lancer Evolutions continue to race in Group A and Group N classes.

The seventh generation of the Lancer was introduced in 1995 and produced until 2000. It continued the Lancer's successful formula of enjoying strong sales throughout the world. In Japan, the name for the sedan and wagon continued as the Libero; related Mirage models were still available. The Coupe was known as the Mirage Asti in Japan and the Lancer Coupe in the rest of the world.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V is the only Mitsubishi to earn the WRC Constructors Championship for its marque. Tommi Makinen has claimed four WRC Drivers Championships, from 1996 through 2000, in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (IV, V & VI). Makinen has driven Mitsubishi's in most of his WRC career. The exception being a Ford Escort RS Cosworth in 1994 and a Subaru Impreza WRC in 2002.

The eighth generation of the Lancer was introduced in 2000 in Japan. Most of the other markets continued with the seventh generation. The 8th gen Lancer was available in a four-door sedan configuration or as a station wagon.

Styling changes for the Lancer occurred in 2004 and 2005 for the North American market. The grille was given more fins so it was closer in design to the American version of the Galant. The facia was changed slightly again in 2006.

The Sportback and Ralliart were introduced to the US in 2004. Both of these trim levels brought more equipped and bigger engines. The Sportback has a 160 horsepower engine, and the Ralliart was just a little higher, at 162. For both, the suspension had been improved, resulting in better handling and performance. The cars were lowered, and 16-inch alloy wheels could now be found on all four corners. The aerodynamic ground package, fog lamps, and front bucket seats completed the ensemble. The Ralliart was given clear rear tail lights and a rear deck spoiler, which did little except enhance the car's appearance. All Sportbacks were equipped with an INVECS-II automatic gearbox. The Ralliart had the five-speed manual as standard and the four-speed automatic as optional.

Slow sales and financial difficulties for Mitsubishi had the Sportback canceled after just one year.

The Mitsubishi Concept X was unveiled to the public at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show; Concept-Sportback was shown a little while later at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new lancer drew its design inspiration from both of these concepts, which was officially unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show. Sales for this generation of the vehicle went on sale in the US in March of 2007. it is available as a four-door sedan.

by Dan Vaughan