EDMONTON, Alta. (February 27, 2008) - Coming off a record sales year, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) is showcasing high performance in several variations at the 2008 Edmonton Motorshow. Highlighting the Mitsubishi display will be the first Canadian showing of the 2009 Galant Ralliart grand touring sedan and the rally inspired, internationally acclaimed Lancer Evolution high performance sports sedan. Other performance models displayed include the gorgeous Eclipse Coupe and the new 2009 Lancer GTS sports sedan.

The 2009 Galant Ralliart is the latest edition of an established world class driver’s car and features a complete grand touring performance package. Capable of accelerating from zero-to-100 kph in about seven seconds, the Galant Ralliart has a 3.8 litre V6 engine producing 258 hp at 5,750 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm, making it one of the most powerful import brand sport sedans in the segment. This exceptional V6 is matched to a five-speed Sportonic® automatic transmission which enables manual shift control by the driver when desired. Ralliart also features its own, higher-rate springs and dampers, and is exclusively equipped with a 21-mm rear stabilizer bar, plus its P235/45R18 tires are mounted to 18 x 8 inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. As such, Ralliart will challenge the best sport sedans while still delivering competitive pricing and renowned Mitsubishi value.

For 2009, Mitsubishi Galant is available in three distinct trim levels: The Galant ES, Galant GT and the high performance Galant Ralliart.

The all new 2008 Lancer Evolution is the tenth generation – the newest and most sophisticated version – of the legendary Lancer Evolution, a high performance sports sedan that has been available in many countries for the last 16 years. This latest generation Lancer Evolution showcases several new technologies, including a 291 hp, 2.0 litre DOHC, turbocharged-intercooled engine and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC), a vehicle dynamic control network that provides an extraordinary level of control at individual wheels, going well beyond the capabilities of other all wheel drive systems.

Three 2008 Lancer Evolution models will be offered in Canada. The Lancer Evolution GSR features a 5-speed manual transmission. The Lancer Evolution MR and Lancer Evolution MR Premium both feature the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST), a new generation automated manual transmission. Lancer Evolution MR models are also equipped with Bilstein® shock absorbers and Eibach® springs, two-piece Brembo® front brake rotors for better heat dissipation, BBS® forged-alloy wheels, HID headlamps and additional interior features.

In Canada, Mitsubishi presents seven different models in a total of 21 distinct trim levels. Captivating passenger cars include the compact Lancer in DE, SE, GT and GTS trim and the value packed midsize Galant in ES, GT and high performance Ralliart versions. The stylish compact Outlander SUV adds a new trim level, the ES 2WD and ES 4WD, to compliment the LS 4WD and XLS 4WD, while the midsize Endeavor is available as an SE 2WD, SE 4WD and the super luxurious LIMITED 4WD. Next, the stunning sports duo of Eclipse Coupe and Spyder, both available in GS or GT-P trim. And lastly, the all new, World Rally Championship inspired, 291 hp, high performance, Super All Wheel Control, Lancer Evolution sports sedan – available in GSR, MR and MR Premium trim levels – each of which is absolutely bristling with cutting edge drivetrain technology. Look out Canada, Mitsubishi is on the move.

Yesterday, Sympatico/MSN and Mitsubishi Canada launched an exclusively Canadian online integrated marketing campaign and contest entitled “Hunt for the Total Eclipse.” Running until Feb. 29, the initiative is a scavenger hunt for sufficient auto parts to virtually assemble a Mitsubishi Eclipse using content from Sympatico/MSN’s Auto, Shopping and Finance channels. The grand prize is a two-year lease of a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT-P.

MSN Autos - Hunt for the Total Eclipse Contest

TORONTO, Ont. - Celebrating a record sales year, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) today introduced the all new 2009 Lancer Ralliart high performance sports sedan and showcased the innovative Concept-cX, a new generation turbo diesel compact SUV, at the Canadian International Autoshow.

Commenting on sales Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. said “We ended 2007 with a record year for Mitsubishi. But even more important, our CY07 sales results of 16,759 units led the industry in percentage gain, with a 53 percent increase over CY06. Our increase far outstripped the next closest competition. Obviously, we are pleased and honored. I can also tell you that our dealers are very happy, too.”

Bridging the performance gap between Lancer GTS and the technologically advanced Lancer Evolution, the 2009 Lancer Ralliart is a distinct departure from the previous generation model. Equipped with Mitsubishi’s sophisticated All Wheel Control (AWC) and a detuned yet very potent version of the Lancer Evolution’s 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder, the 2009 Lancer Ralliart offers exceptional performance and handling.

Lancer Ralliart’s AWC system is a direct descendant of the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) used on the Lancer Evolution. Equipped with full time all-wheel drive, the AWC system features a front helical limited slip differential, a rear mechanical limited slip differential and Mitsubishi’s proven Active Centre Differential (ACD).

The all new 4B11 powerplant, introduced in the 2008 Lancer Evolution, is recalibrated for use in the 2009 Lancer Ralliart. This all aluminum turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 engine develops 237 hp @ 6000 rpm and 253 lb-ft of torque @ 3000 rpm and is mated to Mitsubishi’s exciting new Twin Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission or TC-SST. The 2009 Lancer Ralliart will be available in dealerships by late summer, with an estimated MSRP in the $30,000 to $35,000 range.

The uniquely styled Mitsubishi Concept-cX compact SUV represents a new generation of vehicle that realizes an ideal balance between environmental and everyday practical performance. Concept-cX uses a high output, high efficiency 1.8 litre clean diesel engine featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system, for compliance with Europe’s Euro 5 emission standards. Mitsubishi’s new TC-SST transmission adds superior efficiency for responsive performance combined with excellent fuel economy with low emissions. One new environmental technology applied in Concept-cX is the use of interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi’s own Green Plastic, which is made from bamboo and other plant-based resins. Inside a high seating position expands the view, while the compact size makes for easy maneuvering. and the split tailgate allows easy loading and unloading of luggage. And for both performance and safety reasons, Concept-cX uses Mitsubishi’s electronically controlled 4WD system with 19 inch wheels and 225/45R19 tires to provide intuitive handling and outstanding stability on all road surfaces.

In Canada, Mitsubishi presents seven different models in a total of 21 distinct trim levels. Captivating passenger cars include the compact Lancer in DE, SE, GT and GTS trim and the value packed midsize Galant in ES, GT and high performance Ralliart versions. The stylish compact Outlander SUV adds a new trim level, the ES 2WD and ES 4WD, to compliment the LS 4WD and XLS 4WD, while the midsize Endeavor is available as an SE 2WD, SE 4WD and the super luxurious LIMITED 4WD. Next, the stunning sports duo of Eclipse Coupe and Spyder, both available in GS or GT-P trim. And lastly, the all new, World Rally Championship inspired, 291 hp, high performance, Super All Wheel Control, Lancer Evolution sports sedan – available in GSR, MR and MR Premium trim levels – each of which is absolutely bristling with cutting edge drivetrain technology. Look out Canada, Mitsubishi is on the move.

I was already feeling a bit down, a little bored and discontented, when I came across this in England’s Daily Mail newspaper: “If you’ve just turned 40 and think you’re heading for a midlife crisis, you may wish to look away now. For scientists have confirmed that we really are most likely to feel depressed when we reach middle age.”

Read the entire article at globeandmail.com:
Road-ready rally rocket

Adding the word ‘Evo’ to Mitsubishi, results in more than just a very potent car. It’s an image.

It began in 1981 with the World Rally Championship rules. In order to race the car, it had to be based on a ‘production’ version. The result, a no-holds-barred rally Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo for short) that has since become the stuff of urban legends, fanned by its ubiquitous use in just about every road rage video game on the planet.

Read the entire article at Mississauga.com:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR | The legend comes to Canada

Mitsubishi’s Lancer isn’t a new model; it’s been available in Canada since 2003 and in the U.S. for much longer. But what’s new for Canada this year is the arrival of the latest generation of the Lancer Evolution, a turbocharged and all-wheel-drive version of the car that will go head-to-head with the latest Subaru WRX STi, a new version of which is also due out this year.

Read the entire article at driving.ca:
Lancer Evolution finally makes it to Canada

MALIBU, Calif. - For those previously uninitiated into the joys of mischief and mayhem Evolution style, this is the 10th version of Mitsubishi’s top-end road rocket. You might well wonder how 10 iterations of any car — let alone a sporty little roustabout with a worldwide reputation for incredible performance — could appear in almost every market worldwide other than in Canada. After all, we get all manner of exotic Mercedes, BMWs and Ferraris — surely Canadians could afford a relatively lowly Mitsubishi. - National Post

Read the entire article at NationalPost.com:
Preview: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

“Born more than 16 years ago in deference to World Rally Championship requirements, Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution has never been sold in Canada, until now.” - Wheels.ca

Read the entire article at Wheels.ca:
Mitsu Evo comes to life (finally) in Canada

MONTREAL, Que. (January 17, 2008) - Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. today announced competitive pricing for the all new, rally inspired, high performance, all wheel drive, 2008 Lancer Evolution sports sedan – during it’s first public showing in Canada at the Montreal Auto Show.

This high technology, tenth generation Lancer Evolution, which is being offered for the first time to Canadian buyers, is available in three distinct trim levels – Lancer Evolution GSR, Lancer Evolution MR and Lancer Evolution MR Premium.

The boldly styled Lancer Evolution GSR, equipped with an intercooled-turbocharged 291 hp, 2.0 litre DOHC, MIVEC engine and 5-speed manual transmission has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $41,498.

The Lancer Evolution MR, which comes standard with a 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $47,498.

The top of the line Lancer Evolution MR Premium features a 650 watt (max) Rockford Fosgate® stereo with 9 speakers, and has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,498. All of these prices are exclusive of taxes, freight and PDI.

In Canada, Mitsubishi presents seven different models in a total of 21 distinct trim levels. In addition to the Lancer Evolution, passenger cars include the compact Lancer in DE, SE, GT and GTS trim and the value packed midsize Galant in ES, GT and high performance Ralliart versions. The stylish compact Outlander SUV adds a new trim level, the ES 2WD and ES 4WD, to compliment the LS 4WD and XLS 4WD, while the midsize Endeavor is available as an SE 2WD, SE 4WD and the super luxurious LIMITED 4WD. And lastly, the stunning sports duo of Eclipse Coupe and Spyder, both available in GS or GT-P trim. Look out Canada, Mitsubishi is on the move.

The Montreal International Auto Show provided the backdrop for a Canadian premiere: the unveiling of Mitsubishi’s all-new and powerful 2008 Lancer Evolution (EVO 2008), one of the world’s finest performance vehicles, which will soon be available in Canada.

The presentation was true to the values of the brand: reliability, durability, and athleticism! To illustrate these values, eight strongmen, including Hugo Girard, who’s held the title of “North America’s strongest man” twice and “World’s strongest man” once, moved the 2008 EVO weighing 1,635 kg (3,606 lbs.) with their bare hands! The first feat of its kind in the world! A show of strength that impressed more than a few!

Next, Tomoki Yanagawa, Vice-President, Sales and Corporate Planning, Mitsubishi of Canada, and actor Karim Toupin-Chaïeb, presented this exclusive version, i.e. the latest and most sophisticated in a line of now-legendary performance vehicles, whose first model was introduced some 16 years ago.

“We are proud to announce that the Lancer Evolution, which is part of an exciting generation of vehicles showcasing new performance and handling technology, will be available in Canada as of February,” stated Tomoki Yanagawa.

Video recording of Mitsubishi’s presentation of the 2008 Lancer Evolution at the Montreal International Auto Show (video in French):