The new Sportback and Sportback Ralliart have debuted online prior to the Paris Motorshow in a series of stunning images.

Aimed squarely at the popular hatchback and sedan Imprezas, the base Sportback will come in four cylinder 1.5L, 1.8L or 2.0L turbodiesel models, with the Sportback Ralliart recieving a 2.0L, 177kw/321nM turbocharged MIVEC four.

The Evolution X’s AWD system, Twin Clutch SST and Active Centre Differential round out the Sportback’s impressive list of features.

[Source: NetCarShow ]

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart:

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Popularity: 6% [?]

The Japanese tuning scene lost a father and founder on Saturday with Hideki Tanabe of Amuse (Amuse Power-House) fame passing away. A master of the Japanese tuning scene, Tanabe will be sorely missed by fans and drivers across the world, and will be remembered for raising the bar on absolutely top notch work to another level of supreme quality, workmanship and dedication.

It’s business as usual at Amuse, and the ultra high quality parts and service that Tanabe embodied will continue.

Related: Please read this heartfelt tribute from NAGTROC, I cannot say it better myself.

Popularity: 5% [?]

In a shocking turn, popular Japanese tuning house and aftermarket import parts maker Trust (also known as GREDDY in some countries, notably the US) has filed for bankruptcy.

Trust filed for bankruptcy in Tokyo’s District Court after weathering a serious downturn in demand over the past decade, compounded by even worse sales since February this year. Trust is currently USD$60 million in debt, and $43 million behind on loan repayments.

It’s a sad day for a hugely popular and respected firm.

[Sources: Autoblog]

Popularity: 2% [?]

It turns out that Mitsubishi Europe has quietly released details on the Ralliart Lancer.

Mitsubishi doesn�t state whether the Ralliart will be based on the 4door Lancer or the upcoming 5door hatch, however Carscoop states the USDM Ralliart will be based on 4 door lancer sedan, whereas Europe will get the 5 door hatch. Since Australia classically gets the closest equivalent on the JDM, we can expect to see the 4 door on our roads.

The Ralliart is expected to run a detuned 177KW, 240PS version of the EVO X 2.0L, dual valve VVT turbo 4 cylinder. Coupled to this is the magnificent 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission, and AWD with Active Centre Differential and Active Yaw Control.

The final form of the Ralliart in Australia is unknown, but given the competition between Subaru and Mitsubishi in this segment we can expect the Ralliart to slot firmly into position against the standard Subaru Impreza WRX - leaving the Evo X to tackle the WRX STi.

Being somewhat given to fantasy here at IJ, we’d love to see that Sportback concept reproduced in full for the hatchback. Given the standard new Lancer is being hailed as a runaway success for Mitsu, a return of the Ralliart Lancer is sure to be nothing less than a added cream in Mitsu’s profits in an age of high demand for fast, small, fuel efficient cars.

[Source: Carscoop]

Popularity: 80% [?]

Toyota has ordered a halt to all TRD Aurion sales after a single failure occurred with a conrod and piston parting company.

Toyota are investigating all TRD Aurions that have currently been delivered and in production, and did not state when the sales halt would be lifted.

[Source: Carsales Network]

Popularity: 11% [?]