Each time I drive our long-term 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, I find myself remarking to myself how good the chassis is. The bodyshell is stiff, and this solidity gave Mitsubishi's engineers the freedom to equip it with damper valving that provides lots of wheel control yet a supple ride.
And that's exactly what they did. Excepting the weaksauce engine, this car simply drives and steers with the composure and precision of a more expensive car, and I notice it every time I'm behind the wheel...
So what does this have to do with my photo of the Lancer's glossy hood? Nothing, really. It's just that black cars only stay clean for about two hours after being washed, since every speck stands out as if under a spotlight. So there you have it--a shot of our Lancer five minutes after a scrub. Looks sharp... right now.
Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor @ 14,214 miles
ahightower says:
01:15 PM, 03/17/08
Is anyone else annoyed by that big fat weatherstrip sticking out of the hood/bumper seam? It looks like it practically rises above the hood panel.
I do agree that the chassis is on par with the Mazda3 and Civic. I'm sure the previous generation - anything remotely related to an Evo - was as well.
dougtheeng says:
01:37 PM, 03/17/08
I had a problem on my Lancer where that piece of weatherstripping would sometimes get stuck under the hood, so it wasn't doing its job properly. I agree that this is a poor design.
bemanix88 says:
03:24 PM, 03/17/08
I want to know how Chrysler managed to make so bad what Mitsubishi made good?
psychogun says:
12:41 PM, 03/18/08
I think that the 2009 GTS with the 2.4l engine should also be a nice improvement over the 2.0l. Especially since the price is only slightly higher than the 2008 GTS.
Edmunds, can you guys test-drive a 2009 GTS? Please?
daveflores says:
04:16 AM, 03/21/08
Ah, the Ralliart... if it gets half decent fuel mileage (19/26 or better)I'll be saving my pennies without a doubt.