Mitsubishi has announced that it will enter a modified Lancer in next year's Dakar rally, the legendary and gruelling race through Africa. .
Siblings of sorts: Racing Lancer (top) and Lancer Sportback (below)
So far Mitsubishi has only released a sketch and some specifications of the car, dubbed "Racing Lancer" and designated MRX09, that it intends to enter in Dakar. The body design is based — however loosely — on the Lancer Sportback, which Mitsubishi will show off at the Paris Auto Show this spring.
The MRX09 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine producing over 190kW and 640Nm of torque. The car's all-wheel-drive system uses a centre limited-slip differential, similar to that on the Lancer Evo X, and a five-speed sequential manual gearbox. Mitsubishi achieved 12 wins in past Dakar rallies using its Pajero four-wheel drive as its racing platform, so the Lancer represents a significant departure from tradition.
The only question that remains is whether the Dakar rally will actually happen, as the 2008 race was cancelled because of the threat posed by armed groups along the route.
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