2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

When Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X mules started popping up a few weeks back, our own Todd Lassa reported that the Japanese automaker had another turbocharged Lancer up its sleeve as an answer to the Subaru WRX. In fact, we posted spy photos last October that suggested a new turbo Lancer was in development.

Now, thanks to recent spy shots, it appears the new vehicle -- in the form of a new Lancer Ralliart model -- is nearing production. According to our previous report, the engine will need to be in the neighborhood of 230 horsepower to compete with the Subie WRX, somewhere between the current Lancer GTS's 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter and the 286 horsepower of the outgoing EVO IX's 2.0-liter turbo. A milder turbo version of Mitsubishi's 2.4-liter four, which makes 162 horsepower in naturally aspirated trim, seems the most likely candidate.

The mule caught here clearly has an intercooler visible behind the grille and front clip, which has been taped up and is likely hiding an update or two. Out back, the car sports dual tailpipes, but is sans the giant wing and huge fender flares of the Evo X. A set of 18-inch rims off of the already on sale Lancer GTS offer further proof that this could be a Ralliart mule.

Another question is drivetrain. The EVO and the WRX STI have all-wheel-drive, but Subaru's entire line, down to the basest of Imprezas, has all-wheel drive. The Lancer line has traditionally been front-drive up until now. AWD would seem natural for the new Lancer Ralliart, but Mitsubishi has to keep the price down to the lower $20s to compete with the WRX.

Mitsubishi will answer all these questions when it unveils the car, probably next January at Detroit's auto show. That'll leave one more question: Will Subie loyalists flock to the more handsome Lancer?