In 1980, The Lancer EX was introduced with a 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder option known as the 1800GSR and GT Turbo. The first generation 1800GSR and GT only came out with a turbocharged, non-intercooled 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp). And in 1983, an Intercooler was then introduced, making it achieve 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp)..

Japan model and trim levels

* 1400SL – 4-door sedan powered by a 1.4L engine, with a 4-speed Manual Transmission. 5-speed was also introduced. (1979-1987)
* 1200SL – Same as the SL, with a 1.2L engine option. (1979-1983)
* 1400GL – 3-speed Automatic version of the SL (1979-1983)
* 1400SL A/T – Same as the GL, with minor changes. (1983-1987)
* 1600XL – 4-door sedan powered by a 1.6L engine, with a 3-speed Automatic Transmission. (1979-1983)
* 1600GSR – 4-door sedan powered by a 1.6L engine with twin carbs, with a 5-speed Manual Transmission. (1981-1983)
* 1600XL Super – Same as the XL, with minor changes. (1983-1987)
* 1800SE – 4-door sedan powered by a 1.8L producing 100 hp (75 kW) engine, and available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission or a 3-speed Automatic Transmission. (1981-1983)
* 1800GSR Turbo – 4-door sedan powered by a turbocharged 1.8L engine producing 135 hp (101 kW), with aesthetic upgrades.(1981-1983)
* 1800GT Turbo – Same as the GSR, but with a different body trim. (1981-1983)
* 1800GSR Turbo Intercooler – Intercooled version of the first turbo version, producing 160 hp (119 kW), and with minor changes to the aesthetics. (1983-1987)
* 1800GT Turbo Intercooler – Same as the GSR Turbo Intercooler, again with different body trim. (1983-1987)
* 1800GSL Turbo – Same as the GSR Turbo Intercooler, only it used the engine from the GSR/GT Turbo, and equipped with a 3-speed Automatic Transmission, and with a more luxurious interior. Along with an AM/FM Multi-Cassette Stereo System. (1983-1987)

In 1979, the Lancer EX was unveiled in Japan. Two engines were only offered back then, a 1.4 L MCA-JET equipped engine paired with Mitsubishi’s Silent Shaft Technology, which generated 80 hp (60 kW) and a 1.6 L engine that generated 85 hp (63 kW) and 100 hp (75 kW). The MCA-JET system was something new than the used carburetor system. The MCA stands for Mitsubishi Clean Air which meant that the EX passes both Japan and US emission standards whilst the new cylinder head design of the engine gave way for a third or Jet valve that introduces an extra swirl of air to the combustion chamber swirling the fuel-air mixture for a cleaner, efficient and thorough burn. Another new breakthrough in the Lancer is the Silent Shaft Technology which is actually two counterbalancing shafts that rotate in opposite directions, cancelling the power pulses a normal 4 cylinder engine would be inherent back then, reducing engine noise and vibration providing a smoother ride. The 1.8 L Sirius 80 engines was then introduced in the Lancer in 1980, along with a new 70 hp (52 kW), 1.2 L engine a year after providing a wider choice of engines for the Lancer. Also, a turbocharged, 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) engine was added in 1980 for a sportier performance and an Intercooler system was integrated in the existing turbocharged engine to produce 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) in 1983.