DEBUT OF NEW MITSUBISHI TARMAC RALLY CAR

A HOT new Mitsubishi Lancer specially developed in Australia for tarmac rally drivers will make an exciting addition to the field of sports and exotic cars in Classic Adelaide next week.

A year after the all-new Lancer Evolution first appeared in the 2007 Classic Adelaide, the TMR SST Club-Spec version will make its public debut as the flagship of Mitsubishi’s 12th year as official vehicle supplier to the event.

The four-day rally starts next Thursday, after a prologue to determine starting order run on Wednesday up the iconic Eagle on the Hill road in the Adelaide Hills.

The Club-Spec will lead cars participating in the Regularity category across 34 special stages and more than 1000 kms of South Australia’s most challenging roads.

The car has been developed in conjunction with Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited by Team Mitsubishi Ralliart (TMR), run by prominent motorsport identity Alan Heaphy.

It features extensive modifications for competition, while retaining its suitability for normal road use.

Based on the standard 217 kiloWatt Evolution sedan with TC-SST twin-clutch, six-speed transmission, the Club-Spec adds -
248 kW upgraded engine
TMR exhaust
Lowered, progressive-rate springs
Competition brake pads
245R18 R-Spec tyres
Bolt-in (removeable) roll cage
Modified front seats with 6-point harnesses
Two fire extinguishers

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, based in Melbourne, undertakes development and preparation of competition cars and enhancement of Mitsubishi road vehicles.

The Lancer Evolution TMR SST Club-Spec will be the centrepiece of a 45-car Mitsubishi fleet providing vital logistical support for Classic Adelaide course officials, who are part of the team running a complex and precisely-organised event.

Ranging from Triton utilities to Pajero and Outlander 4WD wagons, Lancer sedans and Sportbacks and a Grandis people-mover, the hard-working Mitsubishis will be used to deliver valuable and sensitive equipment to stages, check spectator locations, check the rally stages at high and low speeds, lead and follow every category and provide transport for the Chief Safety Officer, medical response team, timing team, stewards, scrutineers and other officials.

Comprehensive information for Classic Adelaide spectators, including maps and times, is available on the event website, www.classicadelaide.com.au.