The Lancer (LA series in Australia, where it was called the Chrysler Valiant Lancer initially) was first launched in 1973 and proved to be particularly successful in rallies, a claim that it retains to this day. At the time of its launch, Mitsubishi had the Minicakei car and the compact Galant, so the Lancer served to fill the gap in the small to lower-medium segment of the growing Japanese market. Twelve models were launched, ranging from a basic 1.2 L sedan to a more powerful rally-derived 1600 GSR model.

There were three body styles, 2-door coupes, 4-door sedans, and a rarely seen 5-door station wagon.

In 1975, the Lancer was complemented by a hatchback coupé called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste (also called the Mitsubishi Celeste or Colt Celeste in some markets; it was the Chrysler Lancer Coupé in Australia and the Plymouth Arrow in the United States), and sold with 1.4 L and 1.6 L options (a 2.0 L model was added later).

Facelift and exports

A facelifted Lancer followed soon after, called the LB series in Australia (and without the Valiant tag). It was this series that emerged in the United States as the Dodge Colt for the 1977 model year, taking over from a badge-engineered Mitsubishi Galant front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage. from the previous year. It was offered for one more model year before the Dodge Colt name was transferred to the to the front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage.

In 1979, the Lancer EX was unveiled in Japan. Two engines were only offered back then, a 1.4 L MCA-JET equipped engine paired with Mitsubishi's Silent Shaft Technology, which generated 80 hp (60 kW) and a 1.6 L engine that generated 85 hp (63 kW) and 100 hp (75 kW). The MCA-JET system was something new than the used carburator system. The MCA stands for Mitsubishi Clean Air which meant that the EX passes both Japan and US emission standards whilst the new cylinder head design of the engine gave way for a third or Jet valve that introduces an extra swirl of air to the combustion chamber swirling the fuel-air mixture for a cleaner, efficient and thorough burn. Another new breakthrough in the Lancer is the Silent Shaft Technology which is actually two counterbalancing shafts that rotate in opposite directions, cancelling the power pulses a normal 4 cylinder engine would be inherent back then, reducing engine noise and vibration providing a smoother ride. The 1.8 L Sirius 80 engines was then introduced in the Lancer in 1980, along with a new 70 hp (52 kW), 1.2 L engine a year after providing a wider choice of engines for the Lancer. Also, a turbocharged, 135 PS (133 hp/99 kW) engine was added in 1980 for a sportier performance and an Intercooler system was integrated in the existing turbocharged engine to produce 165 PS (163 hp/121 kW) in 1983.

Lancer EX 1800GSR and GT Turbo

In 1980, The Lancer EX was introduced with a 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder option known as the 1800GSR and GT Turbo. The first generation 1800GSR and GT only came out generating 135 PS (133 hp/99 kW) only not until in 1983 where the Intercooler was introduced that made the 1800GSR Turbo achieve 165 PS (163 hp/121 kW). No other information was found if whether the 1800GT Turbo also had the Intercooler in 1983.

Lancer EX 2000 Turbo

In Europe, the Lancer EX was offered with a turbocharged 2.0 L 4–cylinder engine known as the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo. It was the first Lancer to use the very first 4g63 engine which was then used in succeeding models such as the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 and the Lancer Evolutions I to IX. It achieved a maximum output of 168 bhp (125 kW) and manages a top speed of125 mph (201 km/h) in less than 15.5 s. A new feature on this model is that it is equipped with ECI or Advanced Electronically-Controlled Fuel Injection which gave the Lancer more power and outstanding fuel economy as it did 23.0 mpg in city driving and 28.8 to 37.2 mpg in highway driving. A rally version of the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo was made for the 1000 Lakes Rally that gave 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW).

Philippines

In The Philippines, the Lancer EX (which is popularly known as the Box Type Lancer) was offered with three variants. These variants are the SL, GSR, and GT. The Lancer SL was the base model with either a 1.2 L engine that generated 70 hp (52 kW) and the MCA-JET 1.4 L engine that generated 80 hp (60 kW) . The GSR was equipped with a 1.6 L engine that generated 100 hp (75 kW) with 5 speed transmission and 4 wheel disc brakes. A 1.8 L option was then available for the GSR. The GT had the 1.6 L engine that also generated 100 hp (75 kW) (there were instances that Turbochargers were also introduced as standard option with the GT) with 5 speed transmission, 4 wheel disc brakes as standard kit and wore the Lancer EX turbo front airdam and rear spoiler. All engines were equipped with the Silent Shaft Technology (the SL had the 1.4 L MCA-JET engine) and soon after, Automatic was available for SL and GSR variants.

In 1982, a new model was launched called the Lancer Fiore also know as third version, based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Fiore was often sold as a Lancer in international markets, but also the Mirage Sedan and, with the five-door hatchback model, remained in production for a good part of the 1980s. In Australia, it would eventually be sold as the Mitsubishi Colt Sedan. Thus, Mitsubishi had two similarly sized models competing in the same market segment.

The following year, both Mirage and Lancer lines were renewed from the third generation. The Mirage four-door and Lancer sedan became the same car. Fuel injected and turbocharged models were an integral part of this range. A station wagon was added in 1985, and it spawned a raised, four wheel drive version. Often, the Mirage (or Colt) would be the name used on the three-door hatchback, and the Lancer name used on the remainder.

This model formed the basis of the original Proton sedan, the Saga, Malaysia's first car, which was still in production until early 2008.

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In 1988, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the Galant. A five-door hatchback was added to the range. The Mirage and Lancer nomenclature continued. The station wagon continued on the old platform and shape, as did, in some markets, a five-door version of the Mirage. In Australia, all models were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer. By that time, the Lancer name was shared with the Dodge Lancer sold in North America. The sedan was sold as the Mirage Aspire in Japan.

In some markets a 'van' model was produced, being the three-door hatchback (which had an upright profile) without rear side window (this triggered a reduced sales tax burden in the Dutch market).

 

 

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It was only in 1991 that there was greater differentiation between the Mirage and Lancer. Although both were on the same platform, the Lancer sedan received different sheetmetal from the Mirage four-door. The Mirage variant was sold in North America under the Eagle Summit name. Minivan models, such as the Mitsubishi Space Runner and Mitsubishi Chariot, were mechanically related. In 1993, the Lancer wagon, named the Libero in Japan, was launched. An electric version was also released named the Libero EV that ran on NiCd batteries. A V6 variant was also introduced with only 1.6 L, making it the smallest mass-produced V6. 

 

The high-performance, turbocharged GSR version formed the basis of the contemporary Lancer Evolution (or 'Lancer Evo') from September 1993, using the drivetrain of the successful Galant VR-4 rally car.

The Mirage Asti Coupé in Japan was offered as the Lancer Coupé in many export markets.

The fifth generation Lancer was rebadged as the Proton Wira sedan and 5-door hatchback models in Malaysia in 1993 with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 L engine capacities. A short-lived 2.0 L diesel model was also available. Currently, the car has stopped production as one of the longest running Proton models in Malaysia after Proton Saga, which is also based on a previous Lancer model. The Proton Wira was recently replaced by Proton's latest model, the Proton Persona.

Australia (1992–1996)

In Australia, this generation was commonly referred to as the CC series. It was sold as a 2-door coupe, as well as a 4-door sedan, wagon and 5-door hatchback (essentially carried over from the previous generation). The GL trim model was the last Lancer to use a carburetor engine. The rest of the range used an EFI

engine. This generation was sold until 1996, when it was replaced by the popular CE series model.

Philippines (1992-1996)

Described as "Lancer itlog"/Lancer egg (also known as Lancer hotdog type), because of the shape of its body and its rear signal light.

Model and trim levels

• EL - 4 door sedan. Powered by a 1.3 L Cyclone Variable Venturi carbureted engine (4G13 SOHC) (59 kW)

• GLi - 4 door sedan. Powered by a 1.5 L Cyclone ECI-MULTI engine (4G15 SOHC) (66 kW)

• GLXi - 4 door sedan. Powered by a 1.6 L Cyclone ECI-MULTI engine (4G92 SOHC) (86 kW)

• EX - 4 door sedan. Same specifications as the EL, and released in 1996.

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In 1995, the Lancer was renewed for its sixth generation, building on the earlier model's format. Apart from the Evo models' continuation, it did not depart from the established Lancer formula. A sedan and wagon (Libero in Japan) were offered, with a related Mirage model. The coupé continued as the Mirage Asti in Japan, known as the Lancer Coupé elsewhere. The 1995 Lancer (Model from 1995-2002 in some countries) is more popularly known as the 1997 Lancer. A turbocharged GSR version continued to be sold until the end of the 1990s. This platform was also the basis for the Mirage, as it was known in North America and various other markets.

 

From 1996-2004, the Mitsubishi Carisma replaced the Mitsubishi Lancer in some markets.

It is of note, that the Lancer Evolution V was the only Lancer Evolution to gain Mitsubishi the WRC constructors championship. However, driver Tommi Makinen was able to claim four WRC driver's championships for himself, in 1996-1999, driving Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution III, IV, V & VI.

Philippines (1996–2002)

Described as "Lancer Pizza" such for their pizza-shaped rear lamps.

• EL - 4 door sedan with 1.3 L carb engine (4G13 - 55 kW)
• GL - 4 door sedan with 1.5 L engine (4G15 - 65 kW)
• GLXi - 4 door sedan with 1.6 L SOHC engine (4G92 - 85 kW)
• GLX - 1999-2002 model 4 door sedan with 1.5 L carb engine
• GLS - 1999-2002 model 4 door sedan with 1.6 L Fuel injected engine
• MX - 1999-2002 model 4 door sedan top of the line with 1.6 L EFI SOHC engine with INVECS automatic transmission.
• GSR - 2-door coupe (97-02) Powered by 1.6 L 4G92 SOHC engine

In the Philippines, the Lancer was offered in 4 trims- GLX as the base, with a 5-speed M/T, the GLS with a CVT, the MX with a CVT plus leather seats and the GT, which is an Evo-inspired, and a 4-speed automatic with sports mode.

The year 2000 saw the release of the seventh-generation Lancer Cedia in Japan (meaning - Century Diamond); though in most markets the seventh generation Lancer continued, built at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant in Japan. The new model was available in sedan and station wagon forms. The Mirage, apart from the export models, became a different car in Japan that was unrelated to the Lancer. In Europe, the Lancer was not offered in some countries, being too close to the size of the Dutch-built Carisma, so the Evo VII model sold there bore the Carisma name. This is the first generation in many years where the Lancer nameplate is universally used.

 

In North America, the Lancer Cedia was introduced in 2002 as a direct replacement for the Mirage. It is powered by a 2.0 L 4G94 engine producing 120 hp (89 kW) and 130 ft·lbf (176 N·m) of torque.

In Australia, the seventh generation Lancer was introduced as the CG series in July 2002 with the 2.0 L 4G94 engine. It was introduced as a replacement for the seventh generation sedan, and was sold alongside the popular seventh generation coupe.

Mid-generation facelift (2003-06)

For 2004, a heavily restyled Lancer surfaced with a front facia that brought it into line with the Mitsubishi corporate look, as well as a restyled rear, to further differentiate itself from the Lancer Evolution and for a more modern appearance.

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In 2005, Mitsubishi revealed the Concept-X model car at the Tokyo Motor Show and its Concept-Sportback model at the Frankfurt motor show. The new Lancer is based on these two concepts. The new Lancer was officially revealed in January 2007 at the Detroit Motor Show and went on sale in North American markets on March 2007. New Lancer features Mitsubishi's next-generation RISE safety body.

Asia

With the exception of the Lancer Evolution X, the Lancer is marketed as the Galant Fortis (Latin for strong, steadfast and courageous) in the Japanese domestic market. It comes in 3 trim levels Exceed, Super Exceed and Sport.

 

The new Lancer was released on September 15, 2007 in Taiwan and has been named Lancer Fortis. It's powered by a 4B11, 2.0 litre DOHC engine outputting 157 hp (117 kW) and the transmission is a 6-speed (fixed gears in sport mode) version of the CVT. However, unlike other Lancer models in USA and Japan, Mitsubishi has changed the front and rear ends to make it look like a family car.

Due to popular demand of the 7th-gen Lancer in Singapore, it will continue to be sold alongside the new Lancer which will be called the Lancer EX to differentiate it.

 

 

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