If you’re having trouble walking the walk to back up your talk, Mitsubishi’s newest addition won’t let you down. Beware: Mitsubishi’s 2009 Lancer Ralliart is not your typical sedan. It looks and feels like a racecar and will most likely ward off anyone on the road interested in a battle of speed.
The 2.0-liter DOHC Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electric Control (MIVEC) engine is intercooled and supercharged, producing an easy 237 hp with a peak torque of 253 lb/ft. The engine also teams up with Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch-SST (Sportronic Shift Transmission) gearbox, which has manual and automatic shift modes. The Lancer Ralliart has an estimated mpg rating of 17/city and 25/highway and features a full-time 4WD driveline with Active Center Differential (ACD). This ACD unit uses an electronically controlled, multi-plate, clutch center differential, guiding drive torque to the front and rear of the vehicle in order to find the best balance between steering response and traction characteristics on gravel, snow and other surfaces. With that kind of beauty and brains, the 2009 Lancer Ralliart’s MSRP of $26,490 is a little surprising when you consider such a fierce competitor. 
The exterior of the Lancer Ralliart lets you know that it means business. From the aggressively styled front and rear bumpers to the dual outlet muffler, this Mitsubishi looks like it belongs on a racetrack. The lightweight aluminum ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger is one of the many features that make a bold statement about both design and function. With its sporty exterior and equally precise handling, the Lancer Ralliart falls between Mitsubishi’s Lancer 2.4 GTS and the Evolution, promising the perfect mix of these popular vehicles.
With such an invigorating exterior, there is something almost comforting about the interior of the Lancer Ralliart, which focuses on function and driver control. The FAST-Key, hands-free telephone interface and mounted paddleshifters are all about easy access as is the small-diameter steering wheel and console-mounted shift lever. The seats, although sporty, are also very comfortable and can be folded down in back to make even more room in the trunk area.
Standard safety features include an advanced dual front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, a driver’s knee airbag, standard front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags. Safety tests are currently underway. Mitsubishi also offers a fully transferable three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty.
Drivers can opt for the RECARO Sport Package, which includes xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps, a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate Punch premium sound system with nine speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, SIRIUS Satellite Radio (with a six-month subscription!) and RECARO sport seats. Also optional is a 40-GB HDD navigation system, which can be port-installed.
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed speed demon or just looking to spice up your life (and your driveway for that matter), the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is sure to get your heart pumping. As one happy driver confirms, “It's fast, but don't get the wrong idea. Using the paddleshifters will push you back in the seat and get you to triple digits fairly quick.” With an MSRP under $30,000 and tons of toys both standard and optional, the Ralliart is bad in a very good way.
