New car Review 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Astute spy photographers caught photos of what is believed to be the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, a midlevel model positioned between the base Lancer and the upcoming 300-plus-horsepower Evolution version.

While the former Ralliart model offered little more than a body kit and fancy wheels, this next-gen version is expected to have all-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder making somewhere in the neighborhood of 220-230 horsepower. With that kind of hardware, the Ralliart will be well positioned to compete with the latest Subaru WRX, a sedan with similar specs but a controversial new design.

In addition to the Lancer's favored styling, the Ralliart will also benefit from Mitsubishi's latest optional technology. Optional equipment will most likely include a 30 GB hard drive, Bluetooth and a Rockford Fosgate audio system.