Mitsubishi Lancer

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2011-09-27.

Mitsubishi Colt Lancer GS R

1973 - 1979

Country:

Engine:

4 cyl.

Capacity:

1597 cc / 97.4cu in

Power:

100 bhp at 6300 rpm

Transmission:

5 spd. man

Top Speed:

103 mph

Number Built:

n/a

Collectability:

Mitsubishi’s Colt Lancer was another of those cars which, like Ford’s Escort, was available in many different formats ranging from basic and economical transport to models with considerably better performance and specification. At the bottom of the twelve car Lancer line-up was the 1200 two-door Populaire.

The power for the original Lancer was provided by a four-cylinder 1244cc, pushrod, overhead-valve, engine which produced, like the 1298 cc unit used in several versions of the Escort, 70 bhp at 5500 rpm, although at 77lb ft, there was more torque than the Ford engine. The drive was via a four-speed gearbox to a live rear axle suspended by the simple expedient of semi -elliptic springs.

The front suspension provided no surprises either, being by MacPherson struts, lower wishbones and anti-roll bar, with steering by recirculating ball. The situation changed considerably at the other end of the scale with the 1600 GS R two-door. The engine changed to an overhead-cam of 1597 cc, featuring Mitsubishi’s system of twin contra-rotating balance shafts, which produced 100 bhp at a high 6300 rpm, and 98lb ft of torque at 4000 rpm, and performance went up from a maximum speed of 93 mph to 103 mph. The transmission also differed, being through a five-speed gearbox to the live axle featuring a limited slip differential.

Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste

In February 1975 the Lancer was complemented by a liftback coupé called the “Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste”, succeeding the Galant FTO. It was also called the “Mitsubishi Celeste” or “Colt Celeste” in some markets; and sold as the Chrysler Lancer Coupe in Australia, the Dodge Lancer Celeste in El Salvador, the Plymouth Arrow in the United States, and the Dodge Arrow in Canada.

The Celeste was originally available with 1.4 and 1.6 litre options, while a bigger 2.0 litre model was added later. An even larger 2.6-litre four was available in the US-market Plymouth Fire Arrow. The Celeste was facelifted in 1978, receiving square headlights and bigger squarer bumpers. Production of the Lancer Celeste ended in July 1981 and it was replaced by the front-wheel drive Cordia in early 1982.

Mitsubishi Colt Lancer Gen 1 GS R Quick Specifications:

Engine: Front mounted, in-line, four-cylinder. 76.9mm (3. 03 in) bore x 86mm (3. 39 in) stroke 1597 cc (97.4cu in). Maximum power (DIN) 100 bhp at 6300 rpm; maximum torque (DIN) 981b ft at 4000rpm; cast-iron cylinder block and light alloy head. Compression ratio 9:1. 5 main bearings. 2 valves per cylinder operated via rockers by single overhead camshaft. 2 Stromberg 28-32 DIDSA downdraught twin barrel carburettors.
Transmission: Single dry plate clutch and five-speed manual gearbox. Ratios t st 3.215, 2nd 2.0, 3rd 1.316, atb, 1.00, 5th 0.853, reverse 3.667. Hypoid bevel final drive with limited slip differentia!, ratio 4.222: 1.
Suspension: Front-independent by MacPherson struts, lower trailing links and anti-roll bar, rear-live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
Steering: Recirculating ball. Variable ratio.
Brakes: Discs front and drums rear.
Wheels: 4.5 in x J 3 in. Tyres 155SR x 13.
Body/chassis: 2 door, 4 seats. Integral.
Dimensions and weight: Wheelbase 92. 13 in; track-front 51. [Bin, rear- 50. 0 in; length 157.28in; width 60.43in; height 53.74in; ground clearance 6.5in; weight 19621b; turning circle 31.5ft; fuel tank capacity 11 gal.
Performance: Maximum speed 103 mph; acceleration 0-60mph 11.6secs; fuel consumption approx. 27 mpg.