If you did not see the episode today this is what they had to say about the all new 2008 Lancer:



_Heres the orginal link(Info from page is posted below)http://www.pbs.org/mpt/motorweek/search.shtml
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ENGINE: 2.0-liter dual-cam 16-valve 4-cylinder

HORSEPOWER: 152

TORQUE: 146 lb feet

0-60 mph: 7.7 seconds

1/4 mile: 15.9 seconds @ 95 mph

60-0 mph: 124 feet

EPA: 22 mpg city/ 29 mpg highway

Mixed loop: 25 mpg


2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
Program #2636

It's been 25 years since the Mitsubishi compact sedan arrived in America. Since then it has grown from a single humble econobox to a mainstay Lancer carline with a commuter at one end, a fiery performer at the other and a dependable family four-door in the middle. And for 2008, the Lancer is redesigned and ready to see just how much further it can reach.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is the sportiest sibling of the new Lancer lineup. And like its relatives the DE and ES models, it's refreshingly all-new.

And thanks to a platform shared with the latest Outlander crossover utility, the ninth generation Lancer is also taller and wider than its predecessor. It's clad in tight, crisp lines derived from 2005's Concept X show car. And in GTS form, it wears even more sporty accoutrements, tying it closer to the next generation Lancer Evolution.

The GTS ensemble includes a deep front air dam with fog lights and black screened air intakes - lower sill extensions - a tall rear spoiler and 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels wearing 45-Series performance tires. As in '08, all models have standard tire pressure monitoring.

The GTS supports its sporty looks with a reworked MacPherson strut front suspension with firmer shocks and springs and a thicker 21-millimeter stabilizer bar than the base car. The rear suspension is a new trailing-arm multi-link design, again with firmer tuning and a thicker bar.

But power for the GTS is the same 2.0-liter dual-cam 16-valve 4-cylinder used in the DE and ES. It makes a reasonable 152 horsepower, and 146 pound-feet of torque in 49-state tuning.

All Lancers can be ordered with either a 5-speed manual or continuously-variable automatic. The CVT in the GTS adds manual mode with magnesium paddle shifters for more enthusiastic driving.

And drive it does! The Lancer GTS displays excellent balance in corners; plus lots of front-end feel, boosting driver confidence when entering fast, tight switchbacks.

Steering has just the right weight and feedback, while the firm suspension minimizes distracting body roll. For not being a true performance sedan, it is one sharp handler.

Braking is also above average, stops from 60 in a good 124 feet, thanks to 4-wheel discs with 4-channel ABS and electronic brake-force distribution. Pedal feel is firm and precise, while the new chassis remains rock solid even when you hammer the pedal.

After such strong handling and braking, the 152-horse CVT drive train was bound to pale in comparison. And while it did turn in a respectable 0-to-60 of 7.7 seconds, and a best quarter-mile of 15.9 seconds at 95 miles-per-hour, it doesn't match the chassis' sharp sporting feel.

The engine is slow revving, with a flat power curve. Manual gear changes with the paddle shifters are also slow.

But this GTS has street smarts, with a model sport sedan ride, firm but not harsh.

Fuel economy didn't disappoint either. Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 22 city 29 highway with the CVT. We averaged 25 in mixed driving on regular grade.

The Lancer's insides are smart too, slightly larger, and with upscale design and materials. And it's much more comfortable, thanks to firm, supportive sport seats. They command gauges that are clear and purposeful.

The cabin is safer too, with a total of seven standard airbags, including side impact curtains and the segment's first driver-side knee airbag.

A 140-watt CD stereo and Bluetooth with voice recognition are standard. Our tester's 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system came with a big trunk mounted subwoofer.

Also available is a Navigation and Technology package that includes a 30-gig hard drive, and a 7.5-inch touch screen that can be used to view DVDs when the car is parked.

The rear seat is fine for two adults but would make a tight commute for three. Trunk space is increased slightly in the new model, and now measures a class typical 11.6 cubic-feet.

Pricing for the Lancer is pretty class typical, too, starting at $14,615 for the base DE and $16,615 for the ES. Our GTS stickers at $18,115 with a manual and $19,115 with the CVT.

But, given the genuine sportiness of the Lancer GTS, that's a bargain, even if it could use a few more ponies under the hood. Something that Mitsubishi sources have hinted could come soon; hopefully in the form of a GTS Turbo.

But even in its current form, it's no reach to say that the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is a handsome, entertaining, value-packed sport sedan, one that plenty of car buyers will be very happy with, right now.
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I think they liked it! What do you think?

 

I think they nailed it for the most part. The exterior fit and finish is top notch, with great panel alignement and small gaps and good paint finish overall. Interior fit and finish is pretty good with no rattles or squeeks, generally good materials. The door inserts of near crushed velvet leave something to be desired and while the seat material is great looking, I suspect it's long term wearability and it certainly picks up and shows every bit of lint, hair, dust, etc.

The center arm-rest is next to useless unless you are very short. It needs to telescope or something. Interior storage with the compartment underneath is also too small.

One other complaint I can make on the interior is the carpeting in the cabin. It's cheap, pure and simple, and on the passenger side there are several easily visible access cutouts in it with the passenger seat all the way back.

More complaints: The manual elevation handle for the driver seat is relatively flexible and I can see it breaking off with a heavy set person in the seat trying to use it. The headrests lack any forward to rear travel and are large... while I find them comfortable and assuring, I can see how some women or shorter folks will not like the positioning of them.

As for the guages, I find the spedo on the left to be placed a bit off... the sightline just isn't 'perfect', and I constantly have to adjust my sightline to see it properly, either by moving an arm or my head.

The rear view from the rear view mirror is iffy. The large spoiler, which I like from an asthetics point of view, does intrude and split your view, and the third headrest gets in the way as well. Side mirror visiblity is fine.

Steering is great at speed, but I find it a bit stiff at under 20mph. Turning radius is excellent.

The Multi-media system is generally very well executed. The navigation is accurate with multiple route options and tweaks and the voice over works well. The CD ripping system is a PITA, pure and simple and there are apparently no other options (Such as dumping MP3s from a CD full of them or even plugging in a USB thumb drive or similar device). Bluetooth voice command recognition works shockingly well without training and integration with the phone is very tight. The screen visiblity is fine day or night, but it would be nice if it was angled slightly more towards the driver. DVD playback and audio are very good (especially the audio, wowsers) but it's not going to be mod friendly; looks like the system links to GPS movement detection for cutoff so a work around to enable playback while driving for the passengers will be tough, though likely impossible. The audio system with the RF amps and speaker is very powerful, and while not 'audiophile' quality it is very satisfying and generally well executed. Sirus integration is perfect, though reception is sometimes lacking, even under single canopy of trees. The Aux input is not the cleanest connection, even with high quality cables and input, some static leaking through. The screen is also very prone to picking up finger prints and dust.

Cabin noise is not an issue at cruise, but when accelerating the buzziness of the exhaust and CVT are quite noticeable and not very sporty sounding.

The rims and tires are a nice addition, but users should realize that those tires in replacement won't be too cheap.

Missing options: Leather, Heated seats, HID lights, LED rear lights, heated mirrors, a autodim/homelink mirror, HUD, Ipod Interface, Aux video input for user devices or possibly a rear view camera system.

Edit: Anyone here read that with the voice of the show's narrator/main commentator? Heh...

 

I saw one at a dealer that had leather in it... Black with red inserts. It was a aftermarket dealer installed option it was real nice. Worse come to worse get a katskin kit.

 

They get paid to give almost every car they talk about great reviews. Kinda blah imho. I saw one at the dealer. Meh...

 

nice review. all the reviews that ive been reading are positive. its a great car for the price. cant beat it

 

MY dad wanted to watch it yesterday to see if they liked it, HE was wanting to know what they said becasue most of the time they are right, this great review makes my chances of getting one Grater! I can't wait I have my garage all cleaned out to fit 2 cars in it!