Market Segment:
High-performance compact sedan, rally-bred sports car.
Key Competitors:
Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (lower tier), Ford Focus RS (later models), Volkswagen Golf R (later models).
Performance Focus:
Legendary all-wheel-drive system (S-AWC), potent turbocharged engine, performance-oriented chassis and suspension.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, motorsport participants, drivers seeking a capable and engaging all-weather performance vehicle.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, emissions control, engine management (ECU).
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission (GSR), Twin Clutch SST (TC-SST) automatic transmission, clutch system, transfer case, front differential, rear differential, Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC).
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering rack, power steering system.
Brake System:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake fluid specifications, brake component replacement.
Electrical Components:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting systems, horn, power windows, mirrors, climate control electronics.
Body And Trim:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim panels, seats, safety restraints.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system operation, refrigerant, compressor, heater core, climate control unit diagnostics.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, differential service, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component diagnostics and repair.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, and electrical issues.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including Mitsubishi MUT-III (Multi Use Tester) diagnostic tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing, and ECU reprogramming.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise torque specifications for all fasteners, critical component clearances, wear limits, and material specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, color-coded for clarity.
Engine Type:
2.0L (1998cc) turbocharged and intercooled inline-4 DOHC MIVEC.
Horsepower Usdmg:
291 hp @ 6,000 rpm (2008-2009), 303 hp @ 6,500 rpm (2010).
Torque Usdmg:
300 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (2008-2009), 305 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (2010).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DIA Queen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.8 L (5.1 US quarts) with filter change.
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic engine oil (refer to manual for specific climate/application).
Transmission Type Gsr:
6-speed manual transmission (GSR).
Transmission Type Sste:
6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) - optional.
All Wheel Drive:
S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system with Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC), and Active Stability Control (ASC).
Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual Gearbox Oil Spec:
Refer to manual; typically GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil.
Tc Sst Fluid Spec:
Specialized DCT fluid (refer to manual for exact Mitsubishi specification).
Length:
Approx. 4,505 mm (177.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,635 mm (103.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,500 - 1,600 kg (3,307 - 3,527 lbs) depending on transmission and trim.
NHTSA Ratings:
Likely 5-star ratings for frontal and side impacts (typical for this era and vehicle type, but requires specific check).
Active Safety:
ABS, EBD, ASC (Active Stability Control), Traction Control (TCL), S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control), Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC).
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced chassis construction.
Infotainment System:
Available Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, optional navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity.
Driver Assistance Features:
Key features are integrated into the S-AWC system: ACD, AYC, ASC, TCL. No advanced radar-based adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist typically found in this generation.
Keyless Entry And Start:
Available keyless entry with push-button engine start.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under severe driving conditions. 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months under normal conditions (refer to manual for specific definition).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km), but refer to manual for exact type and interval.
Timing Belt Or Chain:
The 4B11T engine uses a timing chain, which is generally maintenance-free for the life of the engine, but requires inspection for wear or issues as per manual recommendations.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 API SN/ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil.
Coolant Specification:
Mitsubishi DIA Queen Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Turbocharger Wear:
Premature turbocharger failure can occur if oil changes are neglected or if the engine is consistently driven hard without proper cool-down periods.
Tc Sst Reliability:
The TC-SST transmission, while advanced, has been known for potential issues with solenoids and clutch packs if not maintained with the correct fluid and serviced promptly.
Exhaust Manifold Cracking:
Some early models experienced exhaust manifold cracking due to heat stress, which was addressed by Mitsubishi.
Rally Roots:
Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's successful World Rally Championship (WRC) Lancer Evolution models.
Gn10 Introduction:
Introduced in 2007 for the 2008 model year, marking a significant departure with a new platform (based on the Lancer) and the first use of the 4B11T engine.
Platform Change:
Moved to the Mitsubishi GS platform, shared with the standard Lancer, but heavily reinforced for performance.
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.