The last Lancer was a swell compact sedan, but the all-new 2008 Lancer is so much better. First and foremost, the 2008 Lancer is considerably more powerful. The current four-cylinder produces 152 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 146 pounds-feet of peak torque at 4250 rpm (vs. the last engine’s 120 horsepower and 130 pounds-feet of peak torque). If the argument isn’t yet convincing enough that the power is better, this engine (thanks to MIVTEC/Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control technology) produces at approximately 2500 rpm the same torque that the past engine produced at its rpm peak, which was 4250 rpm. The 2008 model year Lancer is also the first Mitsubishi vehicle sold in North America to offer a continuously variable transmission/CVT. Front wheel drive Lancer is offered in three model trims: DE, ES, and GTS. Even the base level trim (DE) offers the market segment’s first driver’s knee airbag as standard fare. Other safety features include front seat-mounted side impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags as well as a tire pressure monitoring system. The ES and GTS trimmed vehicles provide anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. MSRP for the DE trimmed Lancer is $13,990. The MSRP for Lancer ES is $15,990, and the GTS has a MSRP of $17,490. Options include a $1,500 Sun & Sound Package that features a power sunroof, Rockford-Fosgate audio system, and Sirius Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription. The four-door Lancer with five-speed manual transmission gets estimated per gallon mileage of 21 city and 29 highway.