2.7 is pushing it far as displacement. Otherwise you're talking about a whole new block family, and the R&D for that wouldn't really be a great, cost effective solution for a moderately priced, entry level sedan. Even if the Outlander gets it, and the Galant, the Outlander isn't exactly enjoying stellar sales. I still say the most likely thing that will happen is a 2.4 in the 04, possibly fitted with a MIVEC system.

As for the Neon thing... I seriously doubt it. I think that information comes from the rumors that the SRT-4 was initially going to share the Lancer platform, but instead changed at the "last minute" to use the PT Turbo platform.

And I also doubt that the Lancer will get a full change... I mean, chances are the only thing that will change will be exterior styling, so that it looks similar to the EVO VIII. I doubt the chassis, suspension (beyond tweaks for the upper models), or the engine/drivetrain (on the ES/LS/OZ at least) will change at all.

Oh, and no offense, but, I don't think anything is known for sure until that car hits the salesfloor. It will, however, be what I trade my current lancer in for.

 

Actually, the new shared Neon/Lancer platform isn't scheduled to appear until 2006 model year. Those cars will be powered by the new Global Alliance Engine, Hyundai/DCX are developing together. And yes, the next gen Lancer for the U.S. will be built in the U.S. alongside the Neon.

 

We were told specifically it would be an all-new car, not a facelift. Earlier this year I had been led to believe it might be a facelift but that's not what Mitsu is telling us now. This makes sense with the Daimler-Chrysler tie-in and the 500k by 05' plan.

I think the 2.7 is an all-new motor but I can't confirm that. It is absolutely confirmed for the 04 Outlander, Galant and some versions of the Lancer. The 2.4 is on the way out, without question. It won't be in any Mitsu in the U.S. after MY04. A new motor is necessary to keep up with the Jones' because the 2.4 isn't up to the job anymore. Keep in mind the 2.7 motor is going not only into the Lancer, but also the Outlander, Eclipse and Galant. More than half the vehicles Mitsu sells in the states each year will have this engine.

All this information comes BTW from the Mitsubishi national sales training staff and my district sales manager. The information presented has been consistent for the last several months. There's no speculation here. The only unknown at this time is whether or not DC will opt to use the Lancer platform for its next generation Neon. If they do (which makes sense and seems likely) the Lancer will eventually be built in the same plant as the Neon, which is unfortunate.

 

well one year payment down already...and 2 more to go...i guess i got to wait to the end of 04 to decided if i should get the evo or not...and maybe the new 04 lancer if it really runs about 170hp hehe...well i hope to see some pics up some

 

Thanks for the additional info. I'm really curious to see the press conference at L.A. and Detroit next year when they'll show the new models and, hopefully, the new engine. Exciting indeed
Just a thought... DCX has a 2.7l V6... makes me wonder...

 

If he's only getting one car (which is probably true) if I were him I'd auction it to the highest bidder too.

As for the "Mach EVO" he's talking about, the name is bunk but the car isn't. Along with the re-design for 2004 there will be two new Lancer models. A Sportback (think Toyota Matrix) model with (optional?) AWD and new 2.7L 4-cylinder and a Ralliart sport sedan version with the same motor, FWD and sport suspension. This will slot in above the OZ Rally but below the EVO at under $20,000. It will go up against vehicles like the Spec V and SVT Focus.

As I've posted elsewhere the 2.7 will be replacing the 2.4 across the board by the 05 model year.

 

Closed until I can merge it with that other monster Lancer thread.

 

That's actually pretty close to what's happening. The Montero Sport Limited has already been discontinued and the XLS will follow in a few months leaving just the ES and LS. All the new vehicles (Galant, Eclipse, Outlander, Endeavor) will be getting variations of two engines - a new 2.7L four and a revised 3.5 V6. I don't know yet if the 04' Montero Sport ES and LS will keep the 3.0 or go to the 3.5 - my guess is they will not - but all other 3.0 V6 applications will be gone by the 05' model year.

The Montero may at some point get a motor supplied by Mercedes Benz BTW. That's been an on-again, off-agian proposition for a while.

 

I still contend that nothing seems to be certain with car manufacturers until they hit the show room floor. So, I don't think that this information "puts things to rest" at all, but just serves as further speculative ideas, be they from inside Mitsubishi or not. It's a well known fact that usually multiple versions of new cars a conceived and built on the basis of contingencies as far as alliances building/falling, consumer reception, and cost.

 

God damnit, had I known that the lancer was going to be faster and come in a vareity of body styles as well as being more like the evo, I definatly would have waited. Now, all I have are the what if's.

 

my info comes from a friend at mmsa. but i go to the tech info deal this thursday the 12th. the class is for the evo and only for techs. as far as the middle version i dont no for sure but i'm sure they will touch on it. i know the sport back is coming but its a forth lancer and just a wagon

 

i don't know much about rumors....but don't you think that building the lancer and neon on the same platform has it's advantages? more compatability for aftermarket parts, easier to get OEM parts in general, more domestic manufacturers (no shipping from japan or singapore etc.)....the engineering is the same on the car, who cares where it's built? you're worried your car is going to be in the same category as the neon?

 

I just went to my dealer yesterday, he was surprised I knew such thing about the 2004 lancer, hatchback, evo8 bumper crash test that did not pass (I'm in Canada), etc. But when I asked him if the engine in the hatchback will be the 2.4L, he told me it will be in the regular lancer, maybe not in the hatchback So I find it pretty cool the 4 doors lancer will have the 2.4L . Of course nothing is written in stone yet... so wait...

 

Mitsubishi has the youngest customer demographic in the industry. Honda and Toyota have some of the oldest. You don't think that's scaring them? Honda and Toyota are rapidly becoming old-people cars, like Caddy's and Buicks. Mitsu is grabbing buyers when they are young and trying to hang on to them by offering a much wider range of vehicles to grow into as they get older. Customers start out in Lancer's or Eclipse, then move into Outlanders, Galants, Endeavors etc as they get older and priorities change. That wasn't really possible just a few years ago.

Mitsubishi aims to sell 500,000 cars in the U.S. by MY05. That's a serious threat to Honda and Toyota.

 

Mitsubishi sales staff nationally are being trained on these changes. Some of them (like the Sportback and Ralliart) we've been told about almost a year ago. Everything I posted above are CONFIRMED changes for 2004. If it was speculation I would have posted it as such.