Mitsubishi Lancer
A long-running Japanese compact car with a notable rally heritage.
The Mitsubishi Lancer is an automobile produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1973 until 2024. It has been marketed under numerous names including the Colt Lancer, Dodge Colt, Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries. In Japan it was sold at the Car Plaza retail chain. Between its introduction and 2008, over six million units were sold across ten generations. The Lancer's rally history began with the first-generation 1600 GSR model, which won the Safari Rally twice and the Southern Cross Rally four times.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- Mitsubishi Motors
- Production
- February 1973 – August 2017 (worldwide) / December 1993 – April 2024 (Taiwan)
- Class
- Subcompact car (1973–1995) / Compact car (1996–2024)
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1973–1987) / Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1982–2024) / Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (2007–2017)
- Predecessor
- Mitsubishi Colt 1200/1500
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The first Lancer (A70) was launched in February 1973, filling the gap between the Minica kei car and the larger Galant. It was offered in four body styles: two- and four-door sedans, a two-door hardtop coupe, and a five-door station wagon. Engines included 1.2-liter, 1.4-liter, and 1.6-liter fours. The sporting 1600 GSR model began the Lancer's rally success. In February 1975, the Lancer Celeste hatchback was introduced, succeeding the Galant FTO, and was sold under various names including the Plymouth Arrow in the United States. The Celeste received a facelift in 1978 and production ended in July 1981.
The second generation (EX/A170) arrived in 1979, available only as a four-door sedan. It featured Mitsubishi's Silent Shaft Technology and the MCA-Jet engine system for cleaner emissions. Engine options expanded to include a 1.8-liter Sirius 80, a turbocharged 135 PS engine in 1980, and an intercooled turbocharged version producing 160 PS in 1983. A rally version of the Lancer 2000 Turbo was homologated for Group 4 and Group B, producing 280 PS. In Europe, the Lancer EX sold well and was offered with a 1.2-liter option for local tax conditions, as well as a turbocharged 2.0-liter SOHC engine (Lancer EX2000 Turbo) achieving 170 PS and a top speed of 200 km/h. In Japan, the second generation continued alongside the front-wheel drive Lancer Fiore until 1987.
Reader's Guide
The Mitsubishi Lancer's significance lies in its long production span of 51 years and its evolution from a compact family car to a rally-bred performance icon. The first-generation 1600 GSR established the model's rally credentials with multiple wins in the Safari and Southern Cross rallies. The second generation introduced advanced engineering such as Silent Shaft Technology and the MCA-Jet system, which reduced vibration and improved emissions. The Lancer EX2000 Turbo and its Group 4/Group B rally homologation version demonstrated Mitsubishi's commitment to performance. The model was sold under a wide array of nameplates across global markets, reflecting its adaptability. Production ended worldwide in August 2017 except in Taiwan, where an extensive facelift by Pininfarina's Chinese offices kept the Lancer alive until 2024, marking the end of the nameplate after 51 years.
Did You Know?
- The Lancer was sold under at least ten different nameplates worldwide, including Dodge Colt, Plymouth Arrow, and Chrysler Valiant Lancer.
- The second-generation Lancer EX introduced Silent Shaft Technology, using two counterbalancing shafts to reduce engine noise and vibration.
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