It's all speculation at this point. But I can't see mitsubishi upgrading the whole design of the seats in a package. I don't know.. maybe. Only time will tell

 

id rather have the cloth recaros, leather is too much up keep for me.

 

Well, leather/alacanta. Either way I do agree with you as the pictures I mentioned are not full leather, but a mix of materials including leather.

So you think they will skip the cloth all-together and go straight from standard Lancer seats to the Leather and alacanta/cloth Recaro's?

 

I was thinking that the alacanta/cloth Recaro's wouldn't make production, largely b/c I didn't think they are offered in the EvoX but I might be wrong about that.

 

according to Mitsubishi down in Davie, Florida they were saying Octoberish...

 

They weren't offered in the base VIII or IX. Only in the MR. I am unaware if the X MR has the combo or not, just one of those things we have to wait to find out.... Just like the entire thread.

 

Probably in the US there will be a more stripped down base model -- where they could even offer a classic manual transmission (who knows) -- but up here in Canada the base price point is considerably higher (for both the Impreza and Lancer models), so I'm expecting Recaros in the base model. Personally, I don't care, since I'll be getting the premium version of the Ralliart (may be the only version in Canada anyway, who knows) -- I'm just hoping that doesn't mean all-leather, as that's not my preference for looks or comfort.

 

That's a bit too pessimistic -- Mitsubishi officially released some details after the Detroit show, and there were more details after the other auto shows, especially Toronto (OK, some of that may be speculation, and some may be country-specific, but the Mitsubishi info should be reasonably solid).

The following seem to be the only hard facts (from Mitsubishi's press release), and they almost all have to do with the drivetrain:

• powered by a new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooler/turbocharged engine
• Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission
• full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD)
• electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential, vectoring drive torque to the front/rear according to different driving conditions
• more aggressive styling that features an exclusive front bumper design, rear air dam, dual mufflers
• lightweight aluminum engine hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger
• manual gearbox-type shifter found on the Lancer Evolution
• Max. output: 177 kW (240 PS) [that's 237 hp]
• Max torque: 343 Nm (35 kg-m) [that's 253 ft-lbs]
• Tires: 215/45R18

 

My dealer seemed to expect September or October delivery in Eastern Canada, with the first cars off the boat in August, based on their past experiences, but there are rumours of delays because of the TC-SST -- Australia was officially told the third quarter, which means the first one should ideally arrive there by Sept. 30, and as we know manufacturers always adhere to their expected ship dates (that last bit was extreme sarcasm, in case it wasn't obvious...)

So, apparently all we know is that we can expect Ralliarts at dealerships by the end of 2009... since it's officially dubbed the "2009 Lancer Ralliart". Myself, I'm hoping for them to be here in Canada by November 2008, because beyond that point I'd probably have to start seriously considering other brands as alternatives to the Ralliart.

 

As soon as possible?

 

Yeah, so do we. They don't make them anywhere else.

 

I spoke to my dealership a couple weeks ago after they attended a seminar mitsubishi gave on the EVO, they were told the Ralliart would be released in May! Lets hope so!!! Still can't decide (base gsr or loaded R/A)!

 

Well, let's hope it's sooner than later. As far as I know, the MRs won't be hitting the Greater Toronto Area dealerships anytime soon (maybe another month or so) -- so until that happens, I don't imagine we'll be seeing any RAs until afterwards.

 

The Canadian specs are in one of the pics..

 

I think fall also since I can't even order them yet and it takes 3 months from order to build to ship to arrives at dealer....

Sept maybe?