Mitsubishi Motors North America will launch the new Lancer line at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

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The new compact sport sedan reaches US Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007 and goes on sale in Europe – with a much wider choice of engines – in the fourth quarter.


Designers said the “shark-nosed” front end was inspired by jet fighter air intakes.


The 2008 Lancer is based on the same global platform used for the latest Outlander SUV. The body is larger than the current model, with an overall length of 4,570mm (+35mm), width of 1,760 mm (+65mm), height of 1,490 mm (+60mm) and wheelbase of 2,635 mm (+35mm).


The design uses elements from the Concept-X shown at the 2005 Tokyo motor show.

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All US Lancer models will have a new ‘global’ two-litre 152 hp aluminium DOHC MIVEC four-cylinder engine (143 hp PZEV in California and eastern states specifying the same emission standard) coupled to a five-speed manual transmission.


The new Lancer will also be the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). When so equipped, the GTS version has a six-step ‘Sportronic’ mode using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters.


The US models will be available in three levels of trim: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS.


“With its sharp handling and 35 year Lancer sporting credentials, it will be in Europe a new alternative for customers of desirable, heritage-proud, non-mainstream brands in the C-segment: not premium, but different and legitimate,” Mitsubishi’s European unit said.


The European line will offer four powertrain levels (entry, mid-range, upper-range and supercar) with five different engines, including the VAG-supplied 140ps two litre diesel already fitted to the Grandis Di-D and Outlander Di-D.