2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Sports sedan to debut at NAIAS

I know what your first question is, and the answer is yes: this is the model that will base the 10th generation EVO. But although we'll have to wait till October to see the new EVO, the "base" Lancer will make its official debut at the North American Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit (January 7).

Since it's a bit early for a full presentation, Mitsubishi decided to give us a teaser image of the next generation Lancer which leaves its predecessors "box on 4wheels" looks to rest in peace. As anticipated, the new Lancer which is based on Mitsubishi's first ever global platform (previewed in the second generation Outlander) sedan shares its design language with the Mitsubishi Design Europe-penned 2005 Concept-X and Concept-Sportback show cars.

According to Mitsubishi, the Lancer Sports Sedan will be launched progressively in world markets from Spring 2007 (North America gets it first). In Europe the Lancer Sport Sedan's basic version will be equipped with a 110Hp 1,5 litre engine. Later on (early 2008) we'll see a sportier 5door hatch version based on the Concept-Sportback (see picture) which will compete with C-Segment models like the VW Golf & Ford Focus.

But the best part is that the 5door hatch will also be available in a CZT guise equipped with a detuned version of the upcoming EVO's 2.0 Turbo engine producing about 220-240Hp. Mazda3 MPS's, VW Golf GTI's and Honda Type's better watch out cause a new kid is coming on the block...