Mitsubishi Racing Lancer: First Official Photos

Following the release of a teaser sketch in July, Mitsubishi revealed the first official photos of its latest cross-country rally car, the turbo-diesel “Racing Lancer” that has been developed for the 2009 Dakar Rally that will take place in South America after the cancelation of this year's race in North Africa due to Islamic terror threats. The AWD Racing Lancer is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel that develops over than 260Hp and 650Nm or 479-lb/ft of torque.

After the vehicle’s first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show in the beginning of October the Racing Lancer will makes its official racing debut in round six of the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup that takes place in Portugal from October30 to November 2. The car will be in the hands of Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart driver and 9-times Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel. –More images after the jump