Mitsubishi Lancer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mitsubishi Lancer | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production | 1973–present |
| Assembly | Mizushima plant, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan |
| Predecessor | Mitsubishi Mirage (For North America) |
| Class | Subcompact (1973–99) Compact (2000–present) |
| Similar | Ford Focus Honda Civic Mazda Mazda3 |
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car built by Mitsubishi Motors. It has been sold in various countries as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage, Since its introduction in 1973 over six million Lancers have been sold.[1]
Contents |
[edit] 1973
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | Chrysler Valiant Lancer Dodge Colt |
| Production | 1973–1979 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR |
| Engine | 1.2L I4 1.6L I4 1.4L I4 2.0L I4 |
The Lancer (LA series in Australia, where it was called the Chrysler Valiant Lancer initially) was first launched in 1973 and proved to be particularly successful in rallies, a claim that it retains to this day. At the time of its launch, Mitsubishi had the Minica kei car and the compact Galant, so the Lancer served to fill the gap in the small to lower-medium segment of the growing Japanese market. Twelve models were launched, ranging from a 1.2 L basic sedan to the powerful 1.6 L GSR model.
There were three bodystyles, 2-door coupes, 4-door sedans, and a rarely seen 5-door station wagon.
[edit] Celeste
In 1975, the Lancer was complemented by a hatchback coupé called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste (also called the Mitsubishi Celeste or Colt Celeste in some markets; it was the Chrysler Lancer Coupé in Australia and the Plymouth Arrow in the United States), and sold with 1.4 L and 1.6 L options (a 2.0 L model was added later).
[edit] Facelift and exports
A facelifted Lancer followed soon after, called the LB series in Australia (and without the Valiant tag). It was this series that emerged in the United States as the Dodge Colt for the 1977 model year, taking over from a badge-engineered Mitsubishi Galant from the previous year. It was offered for one more model year before the Dodge Colt name was transferred to the front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage.
[edit] Second generation
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1979–1983 |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR |
| Engine | 1.8L I4 |
| Related | Mitsubishi Mirage |
In 1979, the new Lancer EX (the EX tag was not used for all export markets) débuted. The EX series included, from 1980, a turbocharged 1.8 L model. Stylistically, the boxy, angular look replaced the "coke bottle" look of the previous LAs and LBs.
The only body style available was a four-door sedan.
In the Philippines, this generation of Lancer was the only car manufactured and sold officially in the country for most of the 1980s due to restrictive foreign investment laws initiated under the Marcos administration, with the government getting an increased share in any foreign manufacturing venture. Other car manufacturers, like Toyota, Ford and General Motors left the country. A popular nickname for this car in the Philippines is "Lancer Kickback," a pun, due to the fact that such an aged vehicle was being produced in the late-1980s (a throwback to the 1970s), and that the government was probably getting a kickback from the sale of each car, which was priced unusually high.[citation needed] Other manufacturers would return to the country around 1988. Nonetheless, this model was quite popular, especially the GT versions.
[edit] Lancer Fiore
In 1982, a new model was launched called the Lancer Fiore, based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Fiore was often sold as a Lancer in international markets, but also the Mirage Sedan and, with the five-door hatchback model, remained in production for a good part of the 1980s. In Australia, it would eventually be sold as the Mitsubishi Colt Sedan. Thus, Mitsubishi had two similarly sized models competing in the same market segment.
[edit] Third generation
| Third Generation | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1983–1987 |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon |
| Layout | FF/AWD |
| Related | Mitsubishi Mirage |
The following year, both Mirage and Lancer lines were renewed. The Mirage four-door and Lancer sedan became the same car. Fuel injected and turbocharged models were an integral part of this range. A station wagon was added in 1985, and it spawned a raised, four wheel drive version. Often, the Mirage (or Colt) would be the name used on the three-door hatchback, and the Lancer name used on the remainder. This model formed the basis of the original Proton sedan, the Saga, Malaysia's first car.
[edit] Fourth generation
| Fourth Generation | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1987–1992 |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF/AWD |
| Related | Mitsubishi Mirage Mitsubishi Chariot/Space Wagon/Expo Dodge/Plymouth Colt Eagle Summit Eagle Vista |
In 1987, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the Galant. A five-door hatchback was added to the range. The Mirage and Lancer nomenclature continued. The station wagon continued on the old platform and shape, as did, in some markets, a five-door version of the Mirage. In Australia, all models were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer. By that time, the Lancer name was shared with the Dodge Lancer sold in North America. The sedan was sold as the Mirage Aspire in Japan.
In some markets a 'van' model was produced, being the three-door hatchback (which had an upright profile) sans rear windows.
[edit] Fifth generation
| Fifth Generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 1992–1995 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe (Mirage based) 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Layout | FF/AWD (GSR) |
| Engine | 1.3L SOHC I4 1.5L SOHC 1.8L SOHC I4 1.6L DOHC MIVEC I4 1.8L DOHC Turbo I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Related | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Mitsubishi Carisma Volvo S40 Volvo V40 Mitsubishi Mirage Mitsubishi Chariot/Space Wagon/Expo Dodge/Plymouth Colt Eagle Summit Eagle Vista |
It was only in 1992 that there was greater differentiation between the Mirage and Lancer. Although both were on the same platform, the Lancer sedan received different sheetmetal from the Mirage four-door. The Mirage variant was sold in North America under the Eagle Summit name. Minivan models, such as the Mitsubishi Space Runner and Mitsubishi Chariot, were mechanically related. In 1993, the Lancer wagon, named the Libero in Japan, was launched. A V6 variant was also introduced with only 1.6 L, making it the smallest mass-produced V6. The high-performance, turbocharged GSR version formed the basis of the contemporary Lancer Evolution (or 'Lancer Evo') from September 1993, using the drivetrain of the successful Galant VR-4 rally car.
The Mirage Asti Coupé in Japan was offered as the Lancer Coupé in many export markets.
The sixth generation Lancer was rebadged as the Proton Wira sedan and 5-door hatchback models in Malaysia in 1993 with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8L engine capacities. A short-lived 2.0L diesel model was also available. Currently, the car is still in production as one of the longest running Proton models in Malaysia after Proton Saga, which is also based on a previous Lancer model.
[edit] Australia (1992–1996)
In Australia, this generation was commonly referred to as the CC series. It was sold as a 2-door coupe, as well as a 4-door sedan, wagon and 5-door hatchback (essentially carried over from the previous generation). The GL trim model was the last Lancer to use a carburetor engine. The rest of the range used an EFI engine. This generation was sold until 1996, when it was replaced by the popular CE series model.
Model and trim levels:
- GL - 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon. Powered by a 1.5L engine (67kW)
- GLXi - 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.6L engine (4G92 SOHC - 86kW)
- Executive - 4-door sedan and wagon. Powered by a 1.8L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86kW)
- GSR - 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8L engine (4G93t DOHC - 141kW)
[edit] Philippines (1992-1996)
Described as "Lancer itlog"/Lancer egg (also known as Lancer hotdog type). such because the shape of their body and its rear signal light.
Model and Trim levels
- EL - 4 door sedan. Powered by a 1.3L Cyclone Variable Venturi carbureted engine (4G13 SOHC) (59kW)
- GLi - 4 door sedan. Powered by a 1.5L Cyclone ECI-MULTI engine (4G15 SOHC) (66kW)
- GLXi - 4 door sedan. Powered by a 1.6L Cyclone ECI-MULTI engine (4G92 SOHC) (86kW)
- EX - 4 door sedan. Same specifications as the EL, and released in 1996.
Although the next generation Lancer had become available in the local market, this particular model was released to cater demands for taxi use. The EX model was only available in white color, with a bare trim.
[edit] Sixth generation
| Sixth Generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 1995–2003 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FF/AWD (GSR) |
| Engine | 1.5L SOHC I4 1.8L SOHC I4 1.8L DOHC Turbo I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 4-speed semi-auto 5-speed manual |
| Related | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Mitsubishi Carisma Volvo S40 Volvo V40 Mitsubishi Mirage Mitsubishi Chariot/Space Wagon/Expo Dodge/Plymouth Colt Eagle Summit |
In 1995, the Lancer was renewed for its seventh generation, building on the earlier model's format. Apart from the Evo models' continuation, it did not depart from the established Lancer formula. A sedan and wagon (Libero in Japan) were offered, with a related Mirage model. The coupé continued as the Mirage Asti in Japan, known as the Lancer Coupé elsewhere. The 1995 Lancer (Model from 1995-2002 in some countries) is more popularly known as the 1997 Lancer. A turbocharged GSR version continued to be sold until the end of the 1990s. This platform was also the basis for the Mirage, as it was known in North America and various other markets.
From 1996-2004, the Mitsubishi Carisma replaced the Mitsubishi Lancer in some markets.
It is of note, that the Lancer Evolution V was the only Lancer Evoultion to gain Mitsubishi the WRC constructors championship. However, driver Tommi Makinen was able to claim four WRC driver's championships for himself, in 1996-2000, driving Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution IV, V & VI.
[edit] Australia (1996–2004)
In Australia, the seventh generation Lancer was sold from 1996-2004. It was designated as the CE series. Like the previous generation, it was available in a variety of body styles, which helped to cater for a more broad audience. The introduction of a sporty MR coupe helped to target this model directly towards a younger audience. The station wagon continued on as a CE model, even though it was essentially carried over from the previous generation. This model had an unusually long model run, becoming increasingly uncompetitive as the years went by and often heavily discounted by dealers. Towards the end of its model run, Mitsubishi introduced some limited edtion models (based on the GLi) to remain competitive with its rivals, these editions featured extras such as sports interiors, alloys and bodykits off higher spec models. Generally, this generation sold well throughout its production run.
It should be noted that despite the introduction of the eighth generation Lancer Cedia in 2002, the CE series continued to be sold alongside it until mid-2004. The sedan was available in GLi trim, until it was finally discontinued in 2003. The coupe was facelifted and now only available in GLi and MR trims.
Due to its appearance, affordability, and the rise in status of the Lancer Evolution, this generation was quite popular with young car enthusiasts and the aftermarket modified Japanese car scene. Some popular modifications include exhaust systems, suspension, after market stereos and replica Evolution bodykits.
Model and trim levels:
Series I (96-98) and Series II (98-99)
- GLi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.5L engine (4G15 SOHC - 69kW)
- GLXi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.8L engine (4G93 SOHC - 88kW)
- MR - 2-door coupe. Powered by a 1.8L engine (4G93 SOHC - 86kW)
Series III (99-03)
- GLi - 2-door coupe (1.5L) and 4-door sedan (1.8L)
- GLXi - 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 1.8L engine
- MR - 2-door coupe. Powered by a 1.8L engine
Series IV (02-04) coupe update only
- GLi - Choice of 1.5L engine (discontinued in 2003) or 1.8L engine
- MR - Powered by a 1.8L engine
[edit] Philippines (1996–2002)
Described as "Lancer Pizza" such for their pizza-shaped rear lamps.
- EL - 4 door sedan with 1.3L carb engine (4G13)
- GL - 4 door sedan with 1.5L engine (4G15)
- GLXi - 4 door sedan with 1.6L SOHC engine (4G92)
- GLX - 1999-2002 model 4 door sedan with 1.5L carb engine
- GLS - 1999-2002 model 4 door sedan with 1.6L Fuel injected engine
- MX - 1999-2002 model 4 door sedan top of the line with 1.6L EFI SOHC engine w/Invecs transmission
- GSR - 2-door coupe (96-02) Powered by 1.6L 4G92 SOHC engine
[edit] Seventh generation
| Seventh Generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 2000–2007 |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine | 4G13 1.3L SOHC 4G18 1.6L SOHC 4G94 2.0L SOHC I4 4G63 2.0L DOHC I4 4G69 2.4L SOHC MIVEC I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 4-speed semi-auto 5-speed manual invecs III CVT |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in |
| Length | 180.5 in (sedan) 181.3 in (Sportback) |
| Width | 66.8 in |
| Height | 54.9 in (sedan) 56.1 in (Sportback) |
The year 2000 saw the release of the eighth-generation Lancer Cedia in Japan (meaning - CEntury DIAmond); though in most markets the seventh generation Lancer continued , built at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant in Japan. The new model was available in sedan and station wagon forms. The Mirage, apart from the export models, became a different car in Japan that was unrelated to the Lancer. In Europe, the Lancer was not offered in some countries, being too close to the size of the Dutch-built Carisma, so the Evo VII model sold there bore the Carisma name. This is the first generation in many years where the Lancer nameplate is universally used.
[edit] North America
The Lancer Cedia was introduced in 2002 as a direct replacement for the Mirage. It is powered by a 2.0L 4G94 engine. Facelifts for the Lancer Cedia (known simply as Lancer in the US) occurred in the 2004, 2005, and 2006 model years. In 2004, the front facia was changed and brought it into line with the Mitsubishi corporate look, as well as a restyled rear. In 2005, the grille was changed to include more fins to reflect a closer similarity to the North American Galant.
For 2006, the facia was changed again from a bridged facia to one with an open vent after Mitsubishi received complaints from current owners regarding its similarity in appearance to General Motors Division Pontiac's corporate look, and to bring the appearance closer to its bigger brother, the Evolution.
North America received two additional models to the Lancer line in 2004 - Sportback and Ralliart. Both these models had high levels of equipment, based on the Australian Lancer VR-X. The main difference being that these cars came equipped with Mitsubishi's 4G69 engine (rated at 160 hp/162ft·lbf for the Sportback, and 162 hp/162ft·lbf for the Ralliart), included a new, stiffer suspension package that improved handling and lowered the cars stance by 1 centimeter, 16" alloy wheels, front bucket seats borrowed from Japan's Mitsubishi Evolution GT-A, Fog Lamps, and a new aerodynamic ground package. The Ralliart also came equipped with a cosmetic rear deck spoiler, and clear rear tail lights. The Sportback was equipped with a 4-speed INVECS-II automatic transmission, with no option for a manual transmission, while the Ralliart came with a 5-speed manual transmission with an option for the 4-speed automatic.
Due to Mitsubishi's deteriorating financial situation and slow sales, the Lancer Sportback wagon was cancelled in the United States one year after its release. As of 2006, the Mitsubishi Lancer wagon is sold in Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
[edit] Australia
In Australia, the eighth generation Lancer was introduced as the CG series in July 2002 with the 2.0L 4G94 engine. As with the US and other markets, it underwent a major facelift for the 2004 model year; this facelifted model was dubbed the CH series. The facelift introduced a heavily updated VR-X, which included new 16" alloys, stiffer suspension, body styling kit, sports seats, and gear shifter borrowed from the Lancer Evolution. In 2004, the new Cedia wagon was introduced as a direct replacement for its ageing predecessor (still based on the sixth generation).
In August 2005, all Lancers were upgraded to the 2.4L 4G69 engine, producing 115kW (154hp) and 220Nm of torque. The upgraded engine also saw a change in trim levels and upgraded equipment - The ES and LS models now featured a more upmarket looking black interior, while the VR-X gained the same front grille as the 2006 US Ralliart. The luxury Exceed model was made redundant due to the LS and VR-X gaining extra equipment. The ES and LS models were given a minor facelift for the 2007 model year; this time gaining the same front grille as the US models, and putting it into line with the current corporate look - similar to that of the Colt and the locally built 380.
Model and trim levels:
CG series (2002-03)
- ES
- LS
- VR-X
- Exceed
CH series I (2003-05) - Major Facelift
- ES
- LS
- VR-X
- Exceed
CH series II (2005-)
- ES
- LS
- VR-X
NB - Wagon variant was introduced in 2004, and is available in ES and VR-X trim levels
[edit] Other markets
In Pakistan, this variant was launched in 2005 with cosmetic changes from the front and the back. Thai production was switched to the new model, and in all markets except for India the seventh-generation model was no longer marketed, four years after the Cedia's introduction. India received the new Lancer in 2006, known locally as the Mitsubishi Cedia to distinguish it from the original Lancer that is still assembled and sold.
In some European markets, the Lancer began to take the place of the Carisma in 2004. It is powered by a 1.3-litre SOHC 4G13, 1.6-litre SOHC 4G18 engine and a 2.0-litre DOHC 4G63 (all 4-cylinder).
In Mexico, the Lancer was only available in LS and GS trims with a 2.0-litre DOHC 4G63 engine. There were no estate versions: only the four-door saloon.
[edit] Eighth generation
| Eighth Generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 2007- |
| Body style | 4-door sedan (GS41) 5-door hatchback (GS44S) |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | Mitsubishi GS platform |
| Engine | 4B11 2.0L DOHC MIVEC I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (F5MBB) 6-speed CVT automatic (F1CJA) |
| Wheelbase | 2635mm (103.7 in) |
| Length | 4570mm (180 in) |
| Width | 1760mm (69.3 in) |
| Height | 1490mm (58.7 in) |
In 2005, Mitsubishi revealed the Concept-X model at the Tokyo motor show and its Concept-Sportback model at the Frankfurt motor show. The new Lancer is based on these two concepts. There would also be a huge leap on build quality to match the new Civic and the oncoming Corolla and Impreza. The new Lancer was officially revealed in January 2007 at the Detroit motor show.
Certain (disguised) test mules have been spotted with features usually found on turbocharged cars but different than those found on the Concept-X showcar. This has lead to speculation that the next generation Lancer Ralliart will be an all wheel drive, turbocharged model that will slot in between the front-wheel drive Lancers and the Evolution X, to compete directly with the Subaru Impreza WRX.
For the USDM, the new Lancer will be available initially in DE, ES and GTS trim levels. All three will be powered by a GEMA 2.0 liter DOHC engine outputting 153 hp (except for California models which have been detuned to 147 hp to meet regulations). Transmission options will include a brand new CVT, sourced from Jatco (code: F1CJA), along side a regular 5-speed manual sourced from Aisin AI (code: F5MBB). GTS models will be getting a 6-speed (fixed gears in sport mode), paddle shift version of the CVT.
For Australia, the same new 2.0L DOHC MIVEC engine outputting 113kW will be available along with a 2.4L MIVEC engine. The model lineup will likely remain similar to the US, with minor adjustments to suit the needs of the Australian market.
Mitsubishi has commenced shipping the 2008 Lancer on March 20, 2007. They will start to show up at dealerships all over North America throughout late March into early April.
[edit] Performance models
[edit] Lancer GSR
The original flagship of the lineup.
In later years, the GSR would become the stop gap between the standard Lancer range and the high performance Evolution. The sixth and seventh generation models featured an 1800cc turbocharged engine to differentiate itself from the Evolution. The GSR was finally discontinued in 1999.
[edit] Lancer Ralliart
The Ralliart model is the current stop gap between the standard Lancer range and the Evolution. The eighth generation model, while still being front wheel drive, does features an uprated engine and suspension package. In Japan, a turbocharged 1.8L GDI engine is used; while in other markets, the 2.4L 4G69 MIVEC engine is used. The Australian model VR-X, while not officially a 'Ralliart', is related as it shares all the same upgrades as the Ralliart.
The ninth generation will see a return to the 'GSR' days, as the Ralliart becomes essentially a 'detuned' Evolution X. It will feature a less sophisticated all wheel drive system, but the same all new 2.0L turbocharged engine.
[edit] Lancer Evolution
Main article: Lancer Evolution
The Evolution (or EVO) is the high performance version of the Lancer. It has always featured a 2.0L turbocharged 4G63 engine and all wheel drive. The first EVO was released in 1992 and based on the then current sixth generation Lancer. There have been nine Evolution models since its introduction, with each model gaining increased capabilities over its predecessor.
The next generation Evolution X will feature a turbocharged version of the all new 2.0L 4B11 MIVEC engine.
[edit] References
- ^ "All new 2008 Lancer", AllnewLancer.ca
[edit] External links
- Mitsubishi Lancer official history from archive.org (archived Nov 22, 2004)
- Lancer project
- Mitsubishi Lancer Global website
- Mitsubishi Lancer US website
- 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
- The new Mitsubishi Lancer sports sedan 2007
- Melbourne's The Age reveals the next generation Mitsubishi Lancer
