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

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]