After owning my GTS for two weeks and putting an impressive thousand miles on it, I thought I’d write a review to give my impressions of the GTS model.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS
CVT transmission
Sun & Sound package

Transmission – this is an area that affects a lot of the car’s feel, so I’ll start with it. The CVT transmission is totally new to me. I won’t bother detailing how it works, as this information is easily found online. The driving feel is very nice. The transmission works in both automatic and “manual”settings – very different feelings.
In automatic, the transmission feels like any auto off the line. “First gear” is rather weak. The CVT is felt as you accelerate. There is no shifting whatsoever. The car will maintain whatever RPM the driver inputs with his/her right foot. Accelerating to 60 mph can be done completely at one RPM. This setting is very smooth and comfortable. It is very obviously easy to drive.
The “manual” settings are done by the ECU setting the transmission to 6 “gearing” choices made to resemble traditional manual gears. The driving feel is very good. First gear does not offer much initial acceleration (something auto drivers are familiar with), but once the car is moving, it drives very well. Gear changes are very easy and convenient with the choice of using the gear shifter or the steering column-mounted paddles. The driver can even activate the paddles when the car is in automatic mode and then turn them back off at will without hands ever leaving the steering wheel. Driving input is not JUST like manual, but it is nicely similar. Drivers wanting an automatic that still offers some sporty driving would be happy with the CVT.

Engine – the 4B11 motor is a strong improvement for the Lancer platform. While I have not dynoed my car yet, it is clear from the 142whp of the ES that EvolutionM.net dynoed that this new motor makes between 40 and 50 more CHP than the 4G94 did. The car is very quick, especially when the MIVEC activates. Acceleration is strong and the car feels much faster than previous Lancers. The car offers a definite feeling of speed when driven hard. Oddly, despite the claimed 6500 redline, my GTS is limited at approx. 6000rpm (discussion on the forums leads me to believe that this is linked to the CVT). Also, the car does feel a power loss when the A/C is in use. Regardless, the power on hand is very good. Mileage has been around 25mpg, which is rather solid (and fitting, since Mitsubishi lists 22 city and 29 highway).

Suspension – the GTS suspension is very surprising. With stock swaybars of 21mm front and 20mm rear, the car handles very well around turns. Stock springs and struts handle very well. The car feels very flat and composed even when taking turns at high speed. I dare say this car feels as stable as my previous cars that had coilovers did. I will begin autocrossing the Lancer this month, so expect a further review once it has run (in stock class, of course).

Brakes – with 11.6” front and 11.9” rear rotors, this car knows how to stop. With stock pads and rotors, it stops much faster and harder than either of my last two cars (both of which had upgraded brakes). Even today I was surprised at how responsive the brakes were to pedal input. Even in a low-speed situation, the car stopped much harder than I’m used to from my last car. Autocross duty will determine how well the brakes handle repeated use and heat. With RRM already offering replacement front pads and rotors, the options for brake upgrades will no doubt be solid very quickly.

Interior – this is another area where the 08 Lancers shine. The interior is very nice and well done. Nothing looks “cheap” as it did in previous Lancer generations. The gauge cluster is very easy to see and read and the electronic metering of mileage, coolant temperature, service time, etc. is very convenient. The Sun & Sound package delivers a nice sunroof (which includes one-touch opening and closing) and a solid stereo system. The Rockford Fosgate stereo includes a six-disk changer and a 10” subwoofer in the trunk. Sound quality is very good, although the stereo does need to be set rather loud when the windows are open on the freeway. Switches are well-placed and easy to reach. The technology in the car is surprising – many more bits of the car are handled, including tire pressure sensors, Bluetooth cellphone access on the steering wheel, etc. Simple features make you feel much more welcome than in previous Lancers – even the fact that the driver window has both autodown AND autoup feature still amazes me. Six cupholders in the car is also a nice addition – on top of the two in the console and two in the backseat, each front door has a bottle holder. The airbag system, which includes side curtain, seat, and even a knee airbag for the driver, is quite impressive. The HVAC system works great and offers a nice AUTO setting which uses internal sensors to maintain a set temperature. Seats are very comfortable.

Exterior – you can decide for yourself whether you like it. ;)

Douglas Joseph