Cars - Mitsubishi Lancer

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	Cars - Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact automobile built by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. It has been sold in various countries as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt
, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage
, and formed the basis of numerous Proton models in Malaysia.

1973

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 today. At the time of its launch, Mitsubishi had its keicar, the Minica, and the mid-size Galant, so it made sense to have a compact to fill the gap in the growing Japanese concern. Twelve models were launched, ranging from a 1200 cm³ basic sedan to the powerful 1600 GSR model.

There were three bodystyles, 2 and 4 door sedans, and (rarely seen) 5-door wagon.

Celeste

In 1975, the Lancer was complemented by an attractive hatchback coupé called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste (plain 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 1400 and 1600 cm³ options (a 2000cc model was added later). The exterior design was reminiscent of the Renault 17. (It was not renewed within the Lancer range, its role taken over in 1982 by the Mitsubishi Cordia coupé.)

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 from the previous year. It was offered for one more model year before the Dodge Colt name was transferred to the front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage.

1979

In 1979, the new Lancer EX (the EX tag was not used for all export markets) débuted. The EX series included, from 1980, a turbocharged 1800 cm³ model. Stylistically, the boxy, angular look replaced the "coke bottle" of the LAs and LBs. From many angles, it looked like a scaled down Galant/Sigma.

The only bodystyle available was a 4-door sedan.

Lancer Fiore

In 1982, a confusing new model was launched called the Lancer Fiore, 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.

1983

The following year, both Mirage and Lancer lines were renewed. 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, Malaysia's first car.

1987

In 1987, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the successful 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.

1992

It was only in 1992 that there was greater differentiation between the Mirage and Lancer. Although both were on the same platform, the Mirage four-door received different sheetmetal from the Lancer sedan. 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. A V6 variant was also introduced, with only 1.6 L, making it the smallest production V6 ever. The hi-performance, sporty, and turbocharged GSR version formed the basis of the popular Lancer Evolution
(or 'Evo') from September 1993, using the drivetrain of the successful Galant VR-4 rally car, which is 4WD.

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