2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS Gets More Power, Displacement

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X just got a 5-star rating from Mr. Michael Karesh. The regular Lancer ES "earned" a whopping 2 stars when this writer reviewed it last year. All versions of the Lancer look great on the outside, but the engine, transmission, and suspension make all the differences in the world (or at least in the 7-11 parking lot). So what about the space between the extremes? We're still waiting on an announcement from Mitsubishi about a 220-horse, Ralliart badged, turbocharged, AWD version of the Lancer, meant to go head-to-head with the Subaru WRX. Meanwhile, the 2009 Lancer GTS will replace its 2.0-liter lump of crap with a 2.4-liter 168 hp engine from the Galant. The GTS redux gains 16 horses and 21 ft.-lbs. of twist, and loses a single mpg. You're looking a not quite wallet-thrilling 21 city/27 highway (with life-sucking CVT transmission), significantly less when driven hard and put away wet. Look for a full road test of the new 2009 GTS on TTAC soon.