First look: New Lancer destined for Detroit

MITSUBISHI will unveil its new-generation Lancer sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January ahead of an Australian debut later in 2007.

Claimed to be a product of design studios in Europe and Japan, the new Lancer will be built on the "project global" platform that underpins the new Outlander SUV (and vehicles from platform partners DaimlerChrysler and PSA Peugeot Citroen) and carry design cues from the 2005 Concept X and Concept Sportback showcars.

According to the Japanese car-maker, the Lancer will have a "low stance, long hood/short deck proportions, wide track, trademark ‘shark nose’ and distinctively deep set ‘eyes’".

Australian details are still to be announced, however the European line-up will range from an 81kW 1.5-litre petrol engine to at least one diesel unit and a high-performance 2.0-litre petrol turbo in the Evo.