At the 2008 Paris Motor Show next week, Mitsubishi will be showing its Lancer Sportback and the Lancer Sportback Ralliart. The number three Japanese automaker has just released a bunch of images of both models for us to drool over.Power for the base Lancer Sportback will come from either an entry-level 1.5L producing 108-hp, 1.8L producing 141-hp or a 2.0L turbo diesel producing 138-hp. The diesel will arrive in Europe?in spring of 2009 while the other two models will go on sale later next month.The Lancer Sportback Ralliart will also join the lineup with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged unit pumping out a total of 237-hp with a maximum torque of 253 lb-ft. Power is transferred to the wheels via Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST transmission.Mitsubishi has previously confirmed that the Lancer Sportback will make its way to the U.S. right before 2010. Lets hope they are sticking to that plan.Cick through for the high-res image gallery and the press release.2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Lancer Sportback Ralliart:???Press Release:Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l’Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer*1 sports sedan and Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.With its inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity the sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, a body type that is very popular in Europe. The model is available in versions powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine. The Lancer Sportback offers an “auto-folding function” which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors’ new diesel engine in spring of 2009.The Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*2 engine . This is mated to Mitsubishi’s high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.*2 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control systemTags: 2008 Paris Motor Show, , 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, , Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart