http://media.mitsubishi-motors.com/p...etail1805.html

 

Wow, a V6 turbodiesel in a Lancer, that'll be a little torque monster.

260 HP
479 ft/lbs torque

 

mmm tdi lancer

 

In light of the corporate decision to focus the firm's cross-country rallying activities on the development of a new diesel engine, Mitsubishi Motors sees it as a natural step for the Lancer (known in Japan as Gallant Fortis), a commercially and globally important model powered by the diesel powerplant, to take over the competition baton from the Pajero/Montero and the Pajero/Montero Evolution. The technological expertise accumulated thanks to the firm's cross-country rally program - which includes the Dakar - will be applied to its diesel engine development, including the new-generation clean diesel that will power the future production cars.

Whoa, that would be a hell of an upgrade to the Sportback. Turbodiesel, it's not just for trucks anymore. Now that we have clean diesel fuel, it's gonna be a great way to get monster power and good mpg's.

 

5 speed

 

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed a new competition car, the Racing Lancer, whose mission will be to target victory on next year's Dakar which breaks new ground in 2009 with a switch from Africa to South America. For Mitsubishi Motors, not only does the Dakar serve as a platform for the sales and marketing of the Pajero/Montero but it also provides a unique proving ground for powertrains and 4WD transmission systems. In light of the corporate decision to focus the firm's cross-country rallying activities on the development of a new diesel engine, Mitsubishi Motors sees it as a natural step for the Lancer (known in Japan as Gallant Fortis), a commercially and globally important model powered by the diesel powerplant, to take over the competition baton from the Pajero/Montero and the Pajero/Montero Evolution. The technological expertise accumulated thanks to the firm's cross-country rally program - which includes the Dakar - will be applied to its diesel engine development, including the new-generation clean diesel that will power the future production cars. Meanwhile, as was previously the case, the 4WD systems technology will also be carried over to the production versions after their configuration has been optimized as a function of their end-use.

Under its new corporate communication tagline 'Drive@earth', Mitsubishi Motors has a commitment to providing the joy of mobility for customers worldwide while at the same time taking a responsible stance on the environment. Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart will also play an important role as an integral part of the automobile research and development program.

The Racing Lancer is a Super Production Cross-Country Rally car, which has been developed in compliance with the FIA's Group T1 regulations (modified cross-country rally cars). It also complies with the new rules due to come into force in 2010. Needless to say, the new rally car has profited from the technical expertise and experience gained with the Pajero/Montero and the Pajero/Montero Evolution which secured 12 outright Dakar wins during its uninterrupted 25-year participation on the celebrated African event, a sequence which began with the fifth edition of the rally in 1983. The MRX09 features a new, multi-tubular steel frame which has benefited from advanced CAE analysis with a view to optimizing the layout and dimensioning of the tubing. The car will be powered by the 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine which the company is currently developing on qualifying rounds of the 2008 Dakar Series and the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup. The carbon-fibre bodywork of the MRX09 is redolent of the Lancer Sportback, a new sporty hatchback due to be released on the European market this summer. The new car will be equipped with the same 4WD system, drive train, suspension and brakes following their modification in accordance with the new technical regulations and as a function of the characteristics of the diesel turbo powerplant.

 

Where can I get one?

 

Looks like my kid's matchbox toy...

 

Wow. A Montero Evolution.

 

Just pre-ordered mine.

 

That's 5-speed sequential. I'm sure the extra torque thanks to the gearing is a lot more useful for this application.

 

yep. But it is a little unorthodox for sequential to have a 5 speed in rally.
pluss it can be stronger gears in the same housing vs 6.

 

The link states the weight to be 1900KG??? Can this be correct?

 

Well, the new off-road racing Lancer is out and from the looks of it, where do I sigh up to get one? Anyway, the car looks really good and hopefully Mitsubishi will continue its off-road racing dominance it has enjoyed with previous generation vehicles.

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/mot...ng_lancer.html

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/m...racing-lancer/

 

I'll take 1 in GG...