One of the stars of the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show was a car called the Concept X. This sleek sport sedan kept its basic shape and style when it was introduced as the production version of the all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. With a bold design featuring a “shark nose” effect in the front that’s inspired by jet fighter air intakes, the Lancer is a complete departure from the generation it replaces. Based on a global platform also shared by the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Lancer has a longer wheelbase and wider track than its predecessor, but the overall length has been reduced. The body structure is stiffer than the previous version, which allows for sport-oriented suspension tuning and a smooth, compliant ride. A new 152-horsepower 2.0-liter MIVEC engine teamed with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) power the Lancer. In addition to its eye-catching designs, the Lancer is also available with a number of high-end features not typically found in this class of vehicle. These class-cutting features include a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system, a hard-drive-based navigation system that includes a digital music server, and Bluetooth connectivity. The much-anticipated Lancer Evolution will likely debut later this year, with sales beginning early in 2008 as a 2009 model.