Hey guys, we're doing some development on the '09 Ralliart. We borrowed a SoCal test mule that Mitsu has floating around.



Having figured out the major differences between the EVO X and the RA, we'll have a bolt-on IC piping kit and BOV for the RA.

We are also going to prototype and exhaust and downpipe for the magazine to test.

I want to get some feedback on different product variations:
1) What do you guys think about a downpipe with high-flow cat?
2) O2 housing with an integrated, bolt-on external wastegate?

I also need to get educated on where this model is going if you guys have good info. I've heard various things about this being a limited production. But seeing the sportback model, it looks like there is some volume coming for this car. What else do you guys know?

 

1. Downpipe with high flow cat - definitely. In the DSM/EVO world, there are more hardcore guys who are willing to run a testpipe to extract every last tenth of a hp. The RA is more "daily-driver" oriented, I think a much larger percentage of owners would gladly trade a little power for emissions compliance and reduced sound level. I'd go with a 200 cell metal substrate cat to make it worthwhile.

2. External gate o2 housing - not worth it. If you check the EVO section, there's maybe 2 guys running externals on stock frame turbos. The stock internal actuator/flapper does a fine job of controlling boost for everyone, it's money that could go to better use elsewhere.

As for where the model is going, I think it's impossible to say with any certainty given the current volatility of Mitsu (and the auto market in general). Sales of niche/fun cars are slow, Mitsu isn't listening to the majority that want this car in a manual trans, so that isn't helping. It's also priced a little high relative to cars like the WRX, Cobalt SS, and Mazdaspeed 3 given the performance return. I also think options like the Recaros and HIDs should be offered ala-carte.

If they start listening to their target audience instead of trying to up-sell to people who aren't even looking at this car as an option on their radar, they could definitely have a hit and bring in more numbers, but I think the reality is that it'll stay a low volume car and be killed off eventually due to lack of sales.

 

If you borrowed the car from MMNA why don't you ask them?

 

a nice sounding BOV, would be cool.

 

blow off valve a +!!! i just bought the down pipe from ultimate and the selling point for me was that it can be used for the evo. which if i ever upgrade to evo itll be money well spent. also figure out how much the TCU and tranny can handle. Maybe an intake with a heat shield

 

i agree with a BOV, all i have heard about has been exhaust, tunes and wheels.. a nice BOV is certainly high on my list

The car has a future (in my opinion and what i have read) although it has been bashed on when compared to the mazda3speed and wrx ( like steve93talon said) i think mits will def make adjustments to compete with these cars. they know its the perfect car for people that want more than a lancer but see an evo as being to much for a daily driver like me. The car dealerships on the east coast in december (when i bought mine) had a hard time finding me one because of the demand for the car at the time, i dont think this will be a limited production.

If you look into BOVs feel free to let me know. i will b more then interested

 

Another exhaust isn't needed. I think there are 4 available or soon to be. A BOV would be nice and suspension options would also be nice. I believe RobiSpec is the only company offering anything suspension wise. The more options we have the better, but we need a broader range of products right now.

 

Agreed. Suspension parts would be nice. Some RA specific coilovers especially. Maybe some sway bars, i havent seen anyone offering them yet.

 

CAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please!!!

 

Robispec has swaybars available.

 

Suspension pieces DEFINITELY. An intake, and maybe some exterior pieces would be nice too. I'd like to see someone offer a kit to get rid of the chrome nose piece and chrome door pieces.

 

Springs with a subtle drop (inch or less) would be great also.

 

+1 on the CAI!

 

i'd like someone to make some exterior pieces as well... a good cf lip would look good (like the one ralliart made, but not so expensive haha)

 

Lots of great input guys, I'm going to try to tackle as many as I can.

Steve- The problem is that most anyone only thinks of wastegates for boost-control, we believe that there is much more to it than simple boost control. I believe that Mitsu isn't listening to anyone, because they need to keep their buying volume up on the Getrag twin-clutch trannies so that it is affordable for them to have in the flagship EVO X MR.