Ralliart Kicks Galant into High Gear
When Mitsubishi pulled off the covers of its two project vehicles at the 2004 SEMA tuner car show, it had an instant hit on its hands. The Galant and Endeavor Ralliart Concepts were immediate stars garnering plenty of positive feedback, and everyone thought that these sporty vehicles would get the green light right away - especially the Galant. But they didn’t, and for a while it was thought that the idea had been killed off due to Mitsubishi’s poor state of financial health. Nevertheless, at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, two years after its original introduction, the Galant Ralliart has made its official production debut.
Part of what made the original Ralliart Concept so appealing was that it looked like a true sports sedan. Thankfully, none of its sportiness was lost in the conversion. Its low, wide stance has been improved with the addition of an aggressive body kit with integrated fog lamps and a wide low-mount intake. While all 2007 Galants will get the new chrome-coloured nose cone, as well as new, less cluttered front and rear bumpers, the Ralliart features unique elliptical projector-beam headlamps, mesh inserts as well as a large, chrome-tipped exhaust pipe. Ralliart bi-colour badges on the front grille advertise that this is no ordinary Galant.
Mitsubishi has dressed up the interior of the Galant Ralliart as well, with luxurious and sporting appointments. Among the list of upgrades includes a new steering wheel from the Australian Mitsubishi 380 sedan, perforated leather sports seats, and new textured trim, which replaces the bright-silver plastic fitted on standard models. All Ralliart models have a standard power sunroof, auto-dimming rear mirror, digital climate control, trip computer and the fantastic 360-watt Rockford Fosgate DSP sound system featured (in a more powerful form) in the Eclipse. The only major option for the Ralliart is a new DVD-based navigation system.
The main thing that separates the Galant Ralliart from just any old Galant can be discovered under the hood. Mitsubishi has given this special sporting version the same heart as the new Eclipse, which means a big, burly 3.8-litre V6 with MIVEC variable valve timing. Compared to the non-MIVEC version of this engine featured in the Galant LS and GTS, the Ralliart pumps out an additional 28-horsepower for a grand total of 258-horsepower. While it may not be as powerful as Acura’s TL, Nissan’s Altima SE-R, or Toyota’s V6-powered Camry, it more than makes up for it with 258 lb-ft of torque.
Mated to the uprated engine is a new five-speed automatic gearbox, snatched from the Eclipse. And what about a manual? Despite the fact that the Eclipse’s six-speeder is a natural mate for the engine as well as the chassis architecture (they both ride on the same platform), it won’t be available because the Ralliart’s projected sales are too small to justify offering two gearboxes. Nevertheless, the additional cog in the automatic is a step forward, and if drivers desire, they can shift gears sequentially via Sportronic mode. Mitsubishi figures that with the extra power, the Galant should hit 100 km/h in a little under seven seconds. The five-speed automatic will also replace the old four-speed gearbox in the V6-powered Galant ES and GTS, improving performance and economy on lesser models.
After successfully transforming the humdrum Lancer econobox into an eager and willing Lancer Ralliart sports compact sedan with best-in-class handling, the Galant Ralliart has a lot to live up to. Mitsubishi has applied the same tricks it employed on the Lancer to the midsize Galant, allowing it to cope better with corners. The Ralliart features revised springs and dampers for a firmer ride, plus thicker, 21 mm diameter anti-roll bars in front and back to conquer body roll and a strut brace over the engine to improve structural rigidity. Grip should also be high thanks to enormous 18-inch wheels, pinched from the Eclipse GT.
Excited about the new Galant Ralliart? It will be in dealers starting this spring, and although pricing has yet to be announced it is expected to undercut the equivalent performance models from Nissan, Acura and Toyota by a significant amount. Mitsubishi hopes to shift more than 5,000 units of the Galant Ralliart - of which it should have no difficulty doing, considering its power, cornering potential and aggressive pricing. Mitsubishi is also the only manufacturer to build a midsize performance sedan backed by a ten-year warrantee, which should add further appeal.
Based upon the Galant’s sales performance, Mitsubishi will decide on whether to subject its other products to the Ralliart treatment… and as always, we’ve got our fingers crossed.
