Sydney show: Lancer's double act

THE fastest production Lancer and the first cabriolet Lancer were displayed by Mitsubishi at the Sydney show.

While the $80,000 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution VI had rally fans drooling, it was the neat, locally executed chop-top coupe that was by far the more financially accessible proposition.

Mitsubishi says the Lancer Cabriolet would sell for about $22,990-$28,990, depending on the model selected. As displayed at the show, it would be $29,990.

The conversion was performed for Mitsubishi by Melbourne-based Advanced Vehicle Engineering.

The fold-down fabric roof is colour-keyed.

Further dressing up the show car are 16x6.5-incg ROH alloy wheels fitted with 205/45 Bridgestone tyres, chrome exhaust outlets, re-trimmed interior with Recaro seats and Momo steering wheel and gearshift lever.

Ralliart Australia will import 100 Evo VI Lancers under the Federal Government's low import scheme and they are expected to go on sale at selected Mitsubishi outlets late this year.

The Evo is the road car version of four-time world champion Tommi Makinen's rally car.

Powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-litre, 16-valve DOHC engine, the Evo produces an astonishing 206kW and 373Nm. Awesome acceleration sees the car reach 100km/h in 5.76 seconds and 400m in 14.31 sec.

Other mechanical equipment is just as impressive - 17-inch wheels, 17-inch front and 16-inch rear disc brakes, rear Active Yaw Control and an aggressive bodykit.

The interior equipment list is also long and includes leather trim, dual airbags, electric windows, air-conditioning, power windows and central locking.