Walking around in San Antonio, Texas a couple of weeks ago, I found myself looking at a display in one of the car dealerships.

Something caught my eye. I noticed the front bumper of a Mitsubishi Lancer that had a slightly different look to it.

It had a rather unique and “aggressive” look to it.

On closer inspection I realized what I was looking at was the 09 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Think of 09 Lancer Ralliart this way: it’s more than a Lancer GTS but not an Evo X, performance wise at least.

It’s sort of like an in between or a toned down Evo X.

The Ralliart is powered by the same turbocharged 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder, turbocharged 16-valve MIVEC4 engine as the Evo X but for want of a better word, “downgraded” to just 236 hp as compared to the X’s 295 hp.

It also has full time 4WD which features Active Center Differential or ACD uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential that shifts drive torque to either the front or rear based on the type of driving conditions in order to achieve the best balance between steering response and traction characteristics be it asphalt, snow or gravel surfaces.

The Ralliart aside from the uniquely designed front bumper also distinguishes itself by its lightweight aluminium ducted hood that allows cool air to flow to the turbocharger, rear air dam, rear bumper cover and dual outlet mufflers.

On the inside you find hands free telephone interface, FAST key, easily accessible steering column mounted paddle shifter and it also has the same Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission or TC-SST as the X.

Optional are a 30 GB Hard Drive Navigation system, a power sunroof, Recaro seats, 650 watt Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker audio system, HID headlights and a Sirius satellite radio.

You should swing by the San Antonio Mitsubishi Dealership and have a look for yourself.