2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

The Lancer has been about the only successful car line to come from Mitsubishi in recent years, due in no small part to the fanatical enthusiast following generated by the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive, rally-bred Evo models.

The all-new Evo X is one of the most anticipated new cars from Japan (along with the Nissan GT-R). Mitsubishi sources are confirming that regular iterations of the next Lancer will share a lot more Evo DNA in a bid to boost sales.

The turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Lancer Ralliart shown above is intended to be more mild-mannered than the Evo X and has been designed to compete with Subaru's WRX.

It's meant to be a halfway step between the regular Lancer sedans and the all-out performance version to give Mitsubishi a car line with broader appeal.