Mitsubishi has released details of the model with which it aims to take on Subaru's iconic WRX. And the big news is the new Galant Fortis Ralliart (Ralliart Lancer, to you and me!) will feature a version of Mitsubishi's new TC-SST twin-clutch sequential gearbox as standard.

Details on the Ralliart models have been relatively scarce. Though Mitsubishi has previously published details on the Ralliart's outputs and powertrain, the data had the inherent caveat of relating to "Prototype" models and showcars.

Indeed, even at this week's Lancer Evolution launch (more here) Mitsubishi Australia officials were able to confirm little about the new car, save for the arrival date (last quarter of 2008) and the fact the vehicle would be sold Down Under in both sedan and Sportback (five-door hatch) configurations. Still up for debate was whether the car would be offered in manual-only or whether a version of the Evolution's TC-SST twin-clutch six-speed sequential gearbox would be available.

Now, it seems the question mark hangs over a manual version. And with that a question mark over whether Mitsubishi Australia can offer the Ralliart at an attractive enough price to take on the WRX and other hot hatches head-to-head.

Yesterday's announcement appears to confirm the Japanese model (at least) will be twin-clutch only and punch out a WRX-bettering 177kW and 343Nm. Though we'll have to wait until the local variant is fully certified, it's worth noting that torque figure is just 23Nm short of the full-bottle Lancer Evolution.

The TC-SST gearbox is lifted almost straight from the Evolution, though fifth and sixth ratios have been changed. So too the all-wheel-drive system -- closely based on the Evo's with a three-setting Active Centre Differential, the Ralliart's simpler drivetrain doesn't get the Evolution's Active Yaw Control; instead featuring mechanical limited slip diffs front and rear.

The Ralliart's bodyshell is closer to that of the standard Lancer models, but it still boasts an aggressive body makeover. Like the Evo, the bonnet is alloy. In Japan the rear wing is optional.

Under the skin there are big four-wheel discs and the car rolls on 18-inch alloys standard. The suspension features stiffer control arms and mountings and the use of "high-rigidity cast iron trailing arms" at the rear. Spring and damping rates have also been upgraded over the VRX spec.

The Japanese release features images of the sedan version only. Mitsubishi Australia is adamant both body shapes will arrive Down Under, however.

While it's likely the Ralliart's performance credentials will be strong, Mitsubishi insiders say they are now worried that the addition of TC-SST to the standard specification could hamstring the vehicle.

Initial estimates had the car on sale in Australia at around $42K -- a $2000 premium over the WRX. With TC-SST adding $5000 to the price of the Lancer Evolution, the clever DSG-style gearbox could see the Ralliart Lancer's sticker price rise to around $47,000.

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