Mitsubishi’s versatile and stylish Lancer mid-size sports sedan lineup gains numerous materials and amenities upgrades for the 2012 model year. But the most significant change is the introduction of a new low-priced Lancer model that offers the convenience and performance all-wheel drive.

2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER GT TOURING

The sporty 2012 Lancer GT (formerly the GTS model) gains numerous new luxury and appearance upgrades including the addition of the eye-catching front fascia from the Lancer Ralliart, redesigned interior fabric and gloss-black instrument panel trim and a fresh new 18-inch alloy wheel design. Furthermore, the Touring Package now features a handy backup camera with a monitor built into the auto dimming rear view mirror (optional navigation system also includes backup camera).

The 2012 Lancer GT’s stout 168 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine comes with a crisp-shifting 5-speed manual as standard, with a high-tech continuously variable transmission (CVT) with INVEC-III and Sportronic shifting with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters is also available. Standard features on the GT include sport front bucket seats, automatic climate control and a rear spoiler.

For exceptional athleticism in high-style, the outstanding Lancer Ralliart includes many of the advanced performance technologies equipped on Mitsubishi’s remarkable Lancer Evolution exotic car. These include full-time All Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and front helical limited-slip differential, rear limited-slip differential and Hill Start Assist (HSA). The Lancer Ralliart delivers a power-packed turbocharged punch of 237 horsepower from its 2.0 liter turbocharged and intercooled MIVEC equipped inline-4 engine and rapid-shifting 6 speed automated manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) essentially a slightly detuned version of the incredible Lancer Evolution’s exceptional drivetrain.

Like the Lancer GT, the 2012 Lancer Ralliart receives an upgraded interior fabric and gloss-black instrument panel trim, along with a backup camera with rearview mirror monitor for the Touring Package.

2012 PORSCHE PANAMERA GTS

The all new Porsche Panamera GTS 2012 is the purist member of the Porsche Gran Turismo family. A powerful 430 hp 4.8 litre V8 engine with Sound Symposer sits under the bonnet of the Panamera GTS.

The heart of the new Panamera GTS is its uprated 4.8 litre naturally aspirated V8 engine benefiting from numerous modifications to give it even better performance. The 30 hp higher engine output and 20 Nm greater torque compared with the power units in the Panamera S/4S, results in the GTS producing 430 hp at 6,700 rpm and 520 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

For maximum performance, the muscular V8 drives all four wheels via a seven speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission. The four seater GTS has a kerb weight of 1,920kg and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.5 secs, and on to a top speed of 179mph.

The Panamera GTS features a tuned chassis boasting performance oriented options fitted as standard. For example, adaptive air suspension combined with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) increases both comfort and driving dynamics by adjusting the spring rate and electrically adjusting the damping system, combined with a self-levelling height adjustment function.

With the air suspension at its normal level the Panamera GTS sits 10 mm lower than the other models in the Panamera range and its damping is designed to be tauter, reinforcing the sporting personality. Dynamic performance is further enhanced by the combination of 19-inch diameter Panamera Turbo wheels, 5 mm rear wheel spacers and larger brake discs from the Turbo recognisable by their red brake callipers.

The appearance of the Panamera GTS is characterised by numerous black exterior styling details. The high-gloss black exterior package comprises the side window trim, the decorative trim on the rear lid, the headlight washer unit cover, the rear diffuser and the side air outlet panels, lends a particular sporting touch. In combination with the black side skirts, the tail end and the matt black tailpipes of the sports exhaust system the result is clear-cut and striking.