Intro
The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart emerged as a bridge between the standard Lancer and the rally-bred Evolution, continuing Mitsubishi’s performance legacy that began in the 1970s. Born from Mitsubishi’s rallying success, the Ralliart badge represents the company’s motorsport pedigree while offering enthusiasts a more accessible entry point to legitimate performance.
In JDM culture, the Ralliart holds significant reverence as part of the Lancer lineage that dominated World Rally Championship stages and secured Mitsubishi’s place in performance car history. While the Evolution models gained legendary status, the Ralliart maintained the essence of Mitsubishi’s rally DNA in a more attainable package, helping spread the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive philosophy that defines Japanese performance cars.
This particular build stands out for balancing period-correct modifications with modern performance enhancements, preserving the Ralliart’s identity while elevating its capabilities beyond factory specifications. By focusing on the vehicle’s inherent strengths—its robust 4B11 engine architecture and adaptable chassis—this example demonstrates how the often-overlooked middle child of the Lancer family can be transformed into a compelling performance machine that honors its competition heritage.
Builder Profile
After moving from Yokohama to Southern California in 2009, Takeo Nakamura brought with him both engineering expertise from his time at Mitsubishi and a passion for rally-inspired performance. Working now as a suspension dynamics consultant for aftermarket parts manufacturers, Nakamura approaches his personal Lancer Ralliart build with a philosophy of “functional aggression” – prioritizing balanced performance upgrades that maintain daily drivability.
Known in local time attack circles for his methodical approach, Nakamura tests each modification extensively before moving to the next. He’s become a respected voice in the EvoX/Ralliart community, organizing quarterly meetups at Buttonwillow Raceway and contributing technical articles to Sport Compact Car’s online platform.
His Ralliart represents the middle ground he preaches – not as extreme as a full-blown track car, but considerably more capable than stock, embodying his belief that “the best performance cars can handle both Monday commutes and Sunday track days without compromise.”
Why We Love It
The 2008 Lancer Ralliart exists in that perfect liminal space between everyday practicality and the raw EVO experience. While its 237-horsepower 2.0L MIVEC turbocharged heart doesn’t match the EVO’s ferocity, it delivers torque with the characteristic urgency that defines Mitsubishi’s rally DNA. The hydraulic steering system communicates with exceptional honesty, transmitting surface texture variations through the leather-wrapped wheel in a way that modern electric systems have sacrificed for efficiency.
What truly distinguishes the Ralliart is its chassis balance. The AWC (All-Wheel Control) system, though lacking the sophisticated active differentials of its EVO sibling, still maintains that quintessential Mitsubishi trait—pivoting the car with supernatural neutrality when provoked. The aluminum hood, reminiscent of Tommi Mäkinen’s WRC machines, reduces front-end mass precisely where it matters.
In retrospect, the Ralliart represents the final chapter of Mitsubishi’s purist approach to accessible performance—before emissions regulations and market pressures diluted the formula. Its six-speed TC-SST dual-clutch transmission, with its instantaneous 0.2-second shift times, feels positively analog compared to today’s nine-speed units prioritizing fuel economy over engagement.
The Ralliart isn’t merely a decontented Evolution; it’s the spiritual continuation of the rally-bred philosophy that made Mitsubishi a household name on dirt tracks from Sanremo to Safari. Its significance lies in being among the last proper driver’s machines from an era when mechanical feel wasn’t yet engineered out in favor of refinement.
Mods
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
- ARC Dual Chamber Intake System
- HKS Hi-Power Exhaust System
- HKS SSQV Blow-Off Valve
- Cusco Oil Catch Can
- Tomei Expreme Manifold
- Mishimoto Performance Radiator
- Samco Sport Silicone Hoses Kit
- ACT Performance Clutch Kit
- Exedy Hyper Single Clutch
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
- Tein Super Street Coilovers
- Cusco Front and Rear Sway Bars
- Cusco Strut Tower Bar
- Whiteline Rear Control Arms
- Brembo GT Brake Kit (4-piston front, 2-piston rear)
- Project μ Brake Pads
- Goodridge Stainless Brake Lines
- ARP Extended Wheel Studs
WHEELS & TIRES
- Volk Racing CE28N (18×9.5″, +22 offset)
- Work Emotion CR Kai (18×8.5″, +38 offset)
- Rays Gram Lights 57DR (18×9″, +35 offset)
- Yokohama ADVAN A052 (245/40R18)
- Toyo R888R (245/40R18)
EXTERIOR / AERO
- Voltex Type 2 Rear Wing
- C-West Front Lip
- Charge Speed Side Skirts
- APR Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors
- Seibon Carbon Fiber Hood
- Rally Armor Mud Flaps
- JDM Evo X Headlights
- HID Conversion Kit (6000K)
- Varis LED Tail Lights
INTERIOR
- Bride Zeta III Seats
- Takata 4-Point Harnesses
- Personal Neo Eagle Steering Wheel
- Works Bell Quick Release Hub
- Defi Advance Control Unit with Boost, Oil Pressure, and EGT Gauges
- AEM Wideband Air/Fuel Gauge
- Carbon Fiber Interior Trim Kit
- Cusco Roll Cage (4-point)
ELECTRONICS / ECU
- EcuTek ECU Reflash
- AEM Engine Management System
- GReddy Profec B Spec II Boost Controller
- Innovate Motorsports LC-2 Wideband Controller
- Haltech Elite 2500 ECU
- Blitz Power Meter Digital Display
- Kenwood Excelon Head Unit
- Rockford Fosgate Amplifier and Subwoofer System
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart represents a carefully orchestrated balance of performance modifications that coalesce into a cohesive driving experience. Each modification complements the others to create a purposeful street-performance package that remains civilized enough for daily driving while offering significant performance capabilities.
The suspension upgrades—featuring Tein coilovers and reinforced sway bars—work in harmony with the widened stance and aggressive wheel fitment to deliver responsive handling without excessive harshness. This balanced approach allows the Ralliart to corner with confidence while still absorbing everyday road imperfections.
Power delivery modifications focus on usable street performance rather than raw numbers, with the turbocharger upgrades and exhaust system creating a linear powerband that’s accessible throughout daily driving scenarios. The improved cooling systems guarantee this performance remains consistent during spirited driving sessions.
The build philosophy clearly prioritizes street performance with weekend circuit capabilities. Rather than chasing extreme specialization in any one discipline, the modifications create a versatile platform that excels in real-world driving conditions while maintaining the ability to tackle occasional track days. This isn’t a dedicated time attack build nor a pure show car—it’s a thoughtfully executed street performance vehicle with genuine driver engagement as its north star.
FAQ
How reliable is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart?
The 2008 Lancer Ralliart offers moderate reliability with proper maintenance. While more robust than the Evolution models, the Ralliart requires regular attention to the SST transmission fluid changes and turbocharger inspections to avoid costly repairs. Most owners report 150,000+ miles with appropriate care.
What is the tuning potential for the Lancer Ralliart?
The Ralliart’s 4B11T turbocharged engine responds exceptionally well to tuning. With basic bolt-on modifications and a proper tune, power can be safely increased from the factory 237hp to 280-300hp. More extensive modifications can yield 350+hp, though this typically requires supporting upgrades to the fuel system and internals.
What are the most common issues with the 2008 Lancer Ralliart?
Common issues include SST transmission overheating, ACD pump failures, premature clutch wear, and turbocharger wastegate actuator problems. The factory intercooler is also prone to heat soak during aggressive driving, and timing chain guides may wear prematurely on high-mileage examples.
What are the best first modifications for a Lancer Ralliart?
The most effective initial modifications include a cat-back exhaust system, cold air intake, intercooler upgrade, and an ECU tune. These provide the best performance gains while maintaining reliability. SST transmission coolers are also highly recommended for those who drive spiritedly or participate in track events.
How does the Ralliart compare to the Evolution X in daily driving?
The Ralliart offers a more comfortable daily driving experience than the Evolution X, with a less harsh suspension setup and better fuel economy. While sacrificing some of the Evolution’s raw performance and handling prowess, the Ralliart delivers 90% of the experience with greater practicality and lower maintenance costs.
What should buyers inspect when purchasing a used Lancer Ralliart?
Prospective buyers should check for SST transmission service history, signs of excessive modification without proper supporting upgrades, ACD pump operation, and turbocharger health. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Mitsubishi specialist is strongly recommended, as repair costs can be substantial.
Conclusion
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart stands as a lasting illustration of practical performance engineering. While newer models have emerged, the Ralliart’s balanced approach to everyday usability and driving excitement keeps it relevant in today’s market. Its turbocharged engine, capable handling, and reasonable price point continue to represent an attainable entry point into performance driving that many contemporary vehicles have abandoned in favor of luxury or extreme specialization.
The Ralliart’s significance extends beyond its mechanical specifications, holding an important position in JDM culture. As Japanese performance cars become increasingly collectible, the Ralliart preserves the spirit that made these vehicles cultural icons – approachable performance wrapped in practical packaging. For enthusiasts, it represents the golden era of accessible Japanese sports sedans, offering the tuning potential and community connection that define the JDM experience. In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by crossovers and electrification, the Ralliart remains a tangible link to an enthusiast culture that values driver engagement and mechanical authenticity above all else.