Basically available in two levels, the Lancer compact sedan has DE and ES models as well as the in-between GTS model that adds some pizzazz and a new 2.4 MIVEC engine for 2009, and the thrilling Evolution high-performance model. Now, the Ralliart joins the Evo and adds a new sporty dimension poised between the GTS and Evo.

With lots of global racing series wins, the Lancer's newest offering has the appearance of a hot racer with its unique front fascia, and it drives like one. "We have lots of motorsports-oriented folks at Mitsubishi, including engineering, design, and marketing people," said John Koenig, vice president of marketing.

The new Ralliart takes much from the high-performance Evo but has plenty of special features to make it stand out. Along with the unique front fascia for Lancer models, the Ralliart also has a different rear fascia. While all Lancer models feature high body rigidity, the unibody Ralliart has a modified rigidity factor from the Evo, not quite as rigid, and it has a modified air intake induction system.

At the U.S. press introduction in Seattle, journalists were able to drive new Ralliart models equipped with standard a full-time 4WD driveline on the track at Pacific Raceways as well as through a timed cone course. The new sedan reacted exceptionally well during hard driving that pushed performance levels to a maximum level.

Koenig said the Ralliart has "razor-sharp steering," and he was right on target. A new variable-flow power-steering pump, in conjunction with other handling and suspension elements, allowed precision driving during track testing. Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (with a Tarmac, Gravel, and Snow selector) was also beneficial to that experience.

Part of the excitement of the Ralliart, as well as the Evo that we have tested on track, is the powertrain system. It is powered by a 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine mated with a Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shift Transmission) with paddle shifters. The DOHC 16-valve high-boost aluminum engine produces 237 HP at 6,000 RPM and 253 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 RPM.

Displacement is 122 cubic inches. It's a very responsive and aggressive for a four-cylinder engine and the shifting is high-ratio, making it fun to drive.

Beyond superb power, the Ralliart has a solid suspension system with a MacPherson strut design in front with unique Ralliart tuning. The rear is a multilink design with a rear trailing arm for performance. There are also front and rear stabilizer bars. The platform is from the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV, which is also found on the Evo.

The brakes on the Ralliart are larger than the DE, ES, and GTS models. Ventilated front disc and rear solid brakes with ABS and electronic brake force are standard and worked well in dynamic stopping conditions during testing.

On the interior of the Ralliart are easily accessible controls, including steering wheel controls; a 40GB hard-drive navigation system, sporty seats (a Recaro seat package is the only option), and 60/40 split seats.

Overall, the new Ralliart offers plentiful power, lots of performance, and one of the best sport designs in the market.

2009 Lancer Ralliart
Wheelbase: 102.7 in.
Length: 108.9 in.
Height: 58.7 in.
Turn radius: 32.8 ft.
Engine: 2.0-liter Turbo
Transmission: Twin SST
Brakes: 11.6 in. Disc/ABS
Tires: 18-inch Yokohama
Cargo cap: 10.0 cu. ft.