Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi Galant
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	1969 – 2012
Assembly	Okazaki, Aichi (1969–2006) Port Melbourne, Australia (1971-72)[1] Tonsley Park, Australia (1972-2008) Normal, United States (1993–2012) Jakarta, Indonesia
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car (1969–1980) Mid-size car (1980–2012)

For the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis, see Mitsubishi Lancer.

The Mitsubishi Galant is an automobile manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors between 1969 and 2012. The name was derived from the French word galant, meaning "chivalrous". There have been nine distinct generations, and cumulative sales now exceed five million. It began as a compactsedan, but over the course of its life has evolved into a larger mid-size car. Initial production was only based in Japan, but since 1994 the American market has been served by vehicles assembled at the former Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) facility in Normal, Illinois.

First generation (A50 series)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Chrysler Valiant Galant Colt Galant Dodge Colt Mitsubishi Colt Galant
Production	1969 – 1973
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Body style	2-door hardtop sedan 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L 4G30 I4 (A51) 1.4 L 4G33 I4 (A54) 1.5 L 4G31 I4 (A52) 1.6 L 4G32 I4 (A53) 1.7 L 4G35 I4 (A55)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,420 mm (95.3 in)
Length	4,080 mm (160.6 in)
Width	1,560 mm (61.4 in)
Height	1,370 mm (53.9 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mitsubishi Colt 1100

The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969 at a new Mitsubishi Japanese dealership called Galant Shop. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 (AI model) or 1.5 L (AII and AIII) configurations. 1.4 and 1.6 litre versions (14L and 16L) replaced these in September 1971. A larger 115 PS (85 kW) 1.7 arrived for the top GS model in January 1973. Initially only available as a four-door sedan, a five-door estate and two-door hardtop (A53) variant were added in 1970, the hardtop being Mitsubishi's first production passenger car with full side windows and no side pillars. In March 1973, with only two months of production left, the cleaner "MCA-II" version of the 1.6 arrived. With 97 PS (71 kW) it was three horsepower down on the regular version.

The Galant was offered as a competitor to the Toyota Corona, Nissan Bluebird and Mazda Capella. It became Mitsubishi's first car to be sold in the United States in 1971 when the Chrysler Corporation, the company's new partner and stakeholder, began importing the car as the Dodge Colt. It was also produced by Chrysler Australia and sold alongside the larger Chrysler Valiant models as the Chrysler Valiant Galant.

From 1970, a fastback coupé model was developed, the Galant GTO. Fashioned after contemporary Americanmuscle cars, the hardtop GTO was available with a choice of two "Saturn" engines and the 2-litre Astron 80, and was available until 1975. The nameplate was sufficiently highly regarded in Japan for it to be resurrected for the 1990 Mitsubishi GTO coupé.

A second, more compact coupé was introduced on a chassis shortened by 12 cm in 1971, the Galant FTO. Powered by the 4G41 1.4 L engine, it too would leave a legacy for the company to return to in the 1990s with the Mitsubishi FTO.

New Zealand

Although the earlier Colt had been imported in limited numbers, this generation, in 1.6 litre coupé form only, was the first model to establish the Mitsubishi brand in New Zealand from 1971 when newly appointed distributor Todd Motors, which also imported and assembled Chrysler and Hillman, started selling a small number of Japanese-assembled cars to supplement its mainstream Hillman Avenger and Hunter models.

The coupe was assembled in New Zealand from 1972, firstly at Todd's Petone factory, on the Avenger/Hunter line and, from 1974, at the brand-new purpose-built factory in Porirua (closed in 1998).

Chrysler GB Valiant Galant (Australia)

Second generation (A112, A114, A115)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Colt Galant Chrysler Valiant Galant Chrysler Galant Dodge Colt Plymouth Colt Plymouth Cricket
Production	1973 – 1976
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Body style	2-door hardtop (H) 4-door sedan (A) 5-door station wagon (V)
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	1597 cc Saturn 4G32 I4 (A112) 1855 cc Astron 4G51 I4 (A114) 1995 cc Astron 4G52 I4 (A115)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,420 mm (95.3 in)
Length	4,200 mm (165.4 in)
Width	1,600–1,615 mm (63.0–63.6 in)
Height	1,360–1,395 mm (53.5–54.9 in)
Curb weight	940 kg (2,070 lb) (sedan) 925 kg (2,039 lb) (hardtop) 970 kg (2,140 lb) Station Wagon

Introduced on 24 May 1973 (on sale 1 June) in the Japanese domestic market, the second generation Galant was more widely exported as Mitsubishi's ambitions grew. It was again sold by Chrysler in many different guises; as the Dodge Colt in the United States, as the Plymouth Colt and Plymouth Cricket in Canada (from 1974), as the Chrysler Valiant Galant and (from 1976) as the Chrysler Galant in Australia, and in Europe as the Colt Galant.

Transmissions were now all floor mounted and include a four-speed manual and a five-speed unit for sportier "GS" models. A three-speed automatic transmission was also available. The smaller 1600 engine was also available in the cleaner "MCA-II" version right from 1973, a model which met Japan's 1975 emissions standards. This version was marginally less powerful, with 97 PS (71 kW) rather than 100 PS (74 kW).

This new Galant model was more curvaceous, influenced by contemporary "coke bottle styling", and featured a range of larger 'Astron' engines developing up to 125 PS to complement the 'Saturn' units. During the second generation, the first Astron 80 engines were introduced in some markets using Mitsubishi's newly developed "Silent Shaft" balance shaft technology for reduced vibration and noise.

The hardtop, now with an 1855 cc engine was again assembled in New Zealand by Todd Motors at Porirua. The sedan was not offered as Todd was planning to assemble the larger Galant Sigma sedan and wagon range from late 1977 and was still also importing the British Avenger and Hunter models.

Gallery

1976 Mitsubishi Galant

1976–1977 Chrysler GD Galant Sedan (Australia)

Third generation (A120 / A130 series)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Galant Sigma Chrysler Sigma Mitsubishi Sigma Colt Sigma Dodge Colt
Production	1976 – 1980
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Galant Λ/Sapporo/Scorpion
Powertrain
Engine	1597 cc 4G32/G32B I4 (A121/131) 1850 cc 4G51 I4 (A122) 1995 cc 4G52/G52B I4 (A123/133) 2555 cc 4G54 I4 (A125)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,515 mm (99.0 in)
Length	4,330 mm (170.5 in)
Width	1,655 mm (65.2 in)
Height	1,355 mm (53.3 in)

The third-generation of the car was introduced in 1976, and was known as Galant Σ (Sigma). In many export markets the car was simply known as the Galant. At that time, the Dodge Colt in America was actually a Mitsubishi Lancer, not the Galant anymore, but nonetheless the Galant Wagon variant was sold with the Dodge Colt label in the US and Canada. In Australia, where the car was made locally at Chrysler's Clovelly Park plant, it was known as the Chrysler Sigma and, after the buyout of Chrysler Australia by Mitsubishi, as the Mitsubishi Sigma. Australian content was quite high and included a locally-made 2.6-litre 'Astron' four (introduced 1980) which, in December 1985, replaced the 1.6, 1.85 and two-litre engines used in other export markets.

The wagon version was introduced in 1977, a little while after the sedans. A new coupé (two door) was introduced in 1976 to replace the Galant GTO. It was known in Japan as the Galant Λ (Lambda). The coupe was sold in the United States between 1978 and 1980 as the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo.

Mitsubishi introduced the MCA-Jet engine for Japan and other emissions-controlled markets with its latest Galant. This incorporated the "Jet Valve", a secondary intake valve which improved emissions without necessitating the need for a completely redesigned cylinder head. In 1978, Mitsubishi in Japan established a dedicated dealership sales channel called (Japanese: Galant Restaurant) to sell the Galant and other selected vehicles. After late 1977 the 1850 variant was discontinued, as Mitsubishi focussed their efforts on making the 1600 and the 2000 engines pass the new, stricter emissions standards. The Galant range received a facelift with single rectangular headlights in March 1978. Only seven months later this front design was replaced with one featuring twin square headlights. Models with engines which passed the new 1978 standards changed from the A120 to the A130 range. Mitsubishi had limited resources, and the large choice of engines for the Galant lineup was reduced to one 1.6 and one 2.0, with 86 and 105 PS (63 and 77 kW), at the beginning of the 1979 model year.

Todd Motors initially assembled 1.6GL, 1.85GLX and two-litre GLS sedan models for New Zealand, with the GLS getting a five-speed manual transmission as standard with three-speed auto optional. These were the first NZ-assembled Mitsubishis to have rear screen demisters as standard. Early cars had conventional rod-suspended headliners developed locally to meet local content rules but these were notorious for collapsing on to the passengers' heads and were quickly replaced by newly developed, glued-in moulded foam liners. The range was later revised to add the wagon and drop the 1.85-litre engine.

The third generation Galant was the recipient of the Car of the Year award in South Africa in 1977.

Fourth generation

Fourth generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Eterna Σ Mitsubishi Sigma Lonsdale
Production	April 1980 – 1987
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	2-door coupé (Lambda) 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,530 mm (99.6 in)
Length	4,570 mm (179.9 in)
Width	1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height	1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Curb weight	1,190 kg (2,623.5 lb)

Mitsubishi's fourth iteration of the Galant Σ/Eterna Σ debuted many new innovations for Mitsubishi. Their new 'Sirius' engine was offered in turbocharged form for performance enthusiasts in some markets, with 145 PS (107 kW) for Japanese market cars and 156 PS (115 kW) for those export markets unencumbered by strict emissions rules. For economy, an 'Astron' 4D55, the first turbodiesel engine in a Japanese passenger car, was also offered. Unusually, the fourth Galant was never offered with a naturally aspirated diesel engine. The 2.3 Turbo D was first shown at the 1980 Paris Motor Show. A new electronic fuel injection system was introduced on some versions of the gasoline Astron engine. The car was sold as the Mitsubishi Galant in most export markets, although in Australia it was known as the Mitsubishi Sigma.

For the second generation in a row Mitsubishi could claim to be building an award-winning car, as this was chosen as Car of the Year in New Zealand in 1981. The cars sold there were again locally assembled with 1.6 and two-litre engines, and a choice of transmissions and trim. As elsewhere (see below), the wagon versions carried over the old body style with a new nose and interior.

The fourth generation sedan and coupé were both slightly larger than the third generation cars. Additional emphasis was given to ergonomics,aerodynamics, and safety. Shoulder room, leg room, and head space were all increased, and the trunk was slightly enlarged for more luggage capacity. The interior was made quieter with additional carpeting and other acoustic dampening materials and a double-thickness front bulkhead. The wagon version was also changed, although from the firewall back the vehicle remained the same as the previous version. Production of the wagon version continued in Australia until 1987 when it was replaced by the new Magna.

Mitsubishi Galant Σ Turbo

From 1982 to 1983, some of the Australian Sigmas, which had the carried-over 2.0 or 2.6-litre locally made inline-four engine, were exported to the United Kingdom with the Lonsdale badge, in en effort at circumventing the voluntary import quota restrictions adopted by Japanese manufacturers. However the car was unsuccessful, and for 1983 and 1984 it carried Mitsubishi Sigma badges in the UK before imports were finally discontinued.

The two door coupé was also redesigned for 1980 and was sold through 1983. While continuing with the Galant Λ/Eterna Λ label for the domestic Japanese market, the fourth generation was known as the Mitsubishi Scorpionin Australia, and the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo in the United States.

Fifth generation

Fifth generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Eterna/Eterna Sigma Mitsubishi Galant Sigma Mitsubishi Sapporo Mitsubishi Sigma
Production	1983 – 1989
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door hardtop sedan
Layout	FF layout
Related	Mitsubishi Magna Mitsubishi V3000
Powertrain
Engine	1597 cc 4G32 I4 (E11A) 1755 cc 4G37 I4 (E12A) 1795 cc 4G62 I4 (E13A) 1834 cc 4G93 LPG I4 (E19A) 1997 cc G63B/4G63 I4 (E15A) 1997 cc 4G63T turbo I4 (E15A) 1998 cc 6G71 V6 (E17A) 2351 cc 4G64 I4 (E16A) 2972 cc 6G72 V6 (E18A) 1795 cc Sirius 4D65 TD I4 (E14A)
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 4X2-speed manual 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,580 mm (180.3 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,385 mm (54.5 in)
Curb weight	1,160 kg (2,557.4 lb)

A fifth-generation model shifted to front-wheel drive for 1983 as a four-door sedan and hardtop (with different styling). All new chassis numbers, from E11A to E19A, marked the change. This formed the basis of the widened (by 4 inches/100mm) Mitsubishi Magna in Australia for 1985, the same year in which Mitsubishi won Bild am Sonntag's Das Goldene Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) award in Germany for the Galant and Wheels’ Car of the Year for the Magna. The station wagon was effectively replaced by the Mitsubishi Chariot in most markets. The Galant was the third Japanese car to adopt four-wheel anti-lock brakes, using Bosch's ABS system.

Export trim levels were often engine-specific, depending on the market: GL models were offered with either 1.6-litre or 1.8-litre engines, GLS models (GLX in some markets) had 2.0-litre engines (badged 2000 GLS) and Diesel versions had a 1.8-litre Sirius turbodiesel engine. The diesel model did not have a trim level, it was simply the 1800 TD. Vehicles in Japan installed with the four speed transmission were equipped with what Mitsubishi called Super Shift, essentially installing a transfer case, without adding an additional driveshaft to the rear wheels. Super Shift was no longer offered with the introduction of the five-speed manual transmission.

n the Japanese market there was also a parallel "Eterna" lineup with very minor differences in appearance and equipment. Equipment levels in Japan had more interesting names, ranging from the LS and LG via Super Saloon, Super Touring, Super Exceed, GSR-X, up to the most luxurious Royal. The top models for Japan (the "Super Exceed" sedan or "VR" hardtop) were powered by the 200 PS (147 kW) (JIS gross, later only 170 PS were claimed) turbocharged and intercooled "Sirius Dash 3/2 valve" engine. This engine switched between two and three valves per cylinder to combine high top-end power with low-end drivability as well being economical in operation.

Sales in the United States began with the 1985 model year; this was the first time that the Galant was sold stateside since the station wagon was marketed as a Dodge Colt a few years earlier.

This generation was largely replaced in 1988 by the sixth generation Galant (see below). The car continued to be produced in Australia however, as the TM-series Mitsubishi Magna, and the hardtop range continued in production until 1990 when it was replaced by the Sigma. However, the taxi-spec sedan fitted with a 1.8-litre LPG engine, continued in production for Japanese commercial use until December 1999 when Mitsubishi abandoned the taxi market. For the last three years of production, this model received an LPG-version of the 1834 cc "4G93" engine.

New Zealand - Sigma and V3000

The fifth generation Galant was introduced to the New Zealand market in mid-1984, as the Mitsubishi Sigma. Assembled by Mitsubishi's New Zealand distributors, Todd Motors, the Sigma was available with the choice of 1.8 and 2.0L engines, the 2.0 having the option of automatic transmission, and availability with a turbocharger on certain models.

Several trim levels were offered, GL, GLX, GSR, Super Saloon and SE. The top SE versions notably featured 'Sigma' branded alloy wheels, digital instrumentation, climate controlled air conditioning, cruise control, speed-dependent intermittent wipers and a salmon-brown coloured interior treatment, the treatment changing deep red colour as a running change in 1985 on this model.

Further running changes concerned the rear styling. For the initial 1984 production run the rear numberplate was located above the bumper, however for 1985 and 1986 the plate was relocated to below the bumper, in the manner of the Japanese domestic market Galant models. New taillights were fitted for 1987, the rear numberplate reverting to its original place above the bumper.

1987 was a key year for Mitsubishi in New Zealand, being that Mitsubishi Motors bought out Todd Motors automotive operations.

Although the sixth generation Galant was introduced for 1988, the older fifth generation bodyshell stayed in production alongside it. Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand intentionally decided to retain the fifth generation sedan bodystyle for a new, unique to New Zealand, flagship model, the 3.0 V6 enginedV3000. The V3000 was developed specifically to give Mitsubishi New Zealand a six-cylinder family car, suitable for towing boats and caravans, to compete with the Ford Falcon EA and Holden Commodore VN models. In practice, the combination of mid-sized car with larger engine proved popular with New Zealand's traffic patrol departments.

While the rear styling of the previous Sigma model was retained, the frontal treatment was changed, a more formal metallic upright grille replacing the previous Sigma grille.

For 1990 an update was made to the V3000, being the fitament of the Eterna hardtop's frontal treatment, New Zealand being the only market where this treatment was given to the fifth generation 4-door sedan bodyshell.

Assembly of this model continued until 1992, when it was replaced by the second-generation Australian Mitsubishi Magna TR V6 range, which for the New Zealand market continued the use of the Mitsubishi V3000 name.

Sapporo/Sigma

1985 European Sapporo

The hardtop sedan bodywork was used in export markets as well, where it received a six-window design unlike for its Japanese market counterparts. It was marketed under different names; "Galant Σ" or "Eterna Σ" (Sigma) in Japan, "Sapporo" in Europe, and plain "Sigma" in the US. US sales began in August 1988 and continued until 1990. These cars were available with a 3-liter V6 (North America, only with automatic transmission) or 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines (Europe) in the export. In the domestic Japanese market the hardtops received 2-litre fours, or the smaller 2-litre V6 6G71 engine from 1986, shared with the Mitsubishi Debonair limousine.

Japanese market Galant Sigma, with four-light design

The luxurious hardtop range continued to be available until 1990 as Mitsubishi's most luxurious offering in most export markets, until the Sigma/Diamante replaced it. It also continued on sale in Japan, but only as the Eterna Sigma after a facelift in May 1989. In Japan the hardtop was available with a 1.8-liter four at the bottom of the range and with the large 3-liter V6 in the top "Duke" version after this makeover. The European market Sapporo took its bow at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show; the large 2.4-liter 4G64 "Sirius" four-cylinder producing 129 PS (95 kW) at 5,000 rpm (124 PS or 91 kW for the catalyzed version).

Sixth generation (E31, E32, E33, E39)

Sixth generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Eterna Dodge 2000GTX (Canada) Eagle 2000GTX (Canada) Mitsubishi ZX/MF/MS/MX (Venezuela)
Production	1987 – 1993
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door hardtop sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Related	Eagle Talon Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 Mitsubishi Eclipse Plymouth Laser
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L 1.8 L DOHC 134 hp (100 kW) 2.0 L 102 hp (76 kW) I4 2.0 L 135 hp (101 kW) I4 2.0 L 197 hp (147 kW) turbocharged I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,560 mm (179.5 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,360 mm (53.5 in)

In 1987 the same platform was used for a sixth-generation model which adopted taller, rounded styling. This generation won the Car of the Year Japan award in 1987 and the GS model became Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year in 1989. This Galant began American sales in 1989 side by side with the Sigma.

Facelifted Mitsubishi Galant sedan, US

The Galant range underwent a minor facelift in 1991, with new grilles and other modifications. Also in 1991, Mitsubishi Motors Company completed a new assembly facility at Barcelona, Venezuela, with the Galant being one of the first models produced. It was sold there until 1994 under the ZX, MF, MS and MX names, which identified the various levels of equipment and transmission.

The Sigma designation disappeared with the 1990 model. A new hardtop liftback model was added in 1988, called the (Japanese: Mitsubishi Eterna). and in Japan, the Eterna was only sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza. This generation Galant was also sold in Canada as the Dodge 2000GTX and Eagle 2000GTX. The five-door liftback version was never offered in North America, where buyers prefer traditional sedans. Sales ended in 1993.

A limited edition based on the GTi-16v model was introduced in 1989, modified by German tuning company AMG (now owned by Mercedes-Benz), with mildly uprated engine (170 PS or 125 kW; 168 hp) and unique bodykit, alloy wheels, and full leather interior. The AMG appearance treatment was also achieved on the Debonair for 1986.

The sixth generation was also the first to see the introduction of the VR-4 variant, which was the basis for Mitsubishi's participation in the 1988–1992 World Rally Championships. The Galant's 4G63 two litre DOHC turbocharged engine and 4WD transmission was later adopted for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with little modification, and would remain in production for fifteen years. Starting in 1987, the Mitsubishi Galant V-series were produced for the Japanese market as a sporty alternative to the regular Galant range. The lineup consisted of Viento and VX-S/VZ-S models featuring the higher output 1.8 and 2.0 Turbo DOHC engines with both automatic and manual transmissions available. The V-series featured the VR-4 interior, exterior design and updated bumpers (without side skirts), clear indicator lens covers, optional two-tone body paint, as well as standard air conditioning, full electrics, rear windscreen wiper, spoiler and alloy wheels. The series was discontinued in 1992.

Safety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings for 1991–1993 Galant:

• Frontal Driver: 
• Frontal Passenger: 
• Side Driver: Not Rated
• Side Rear Passenger: Not Rated
• Rollover: Not Rated

Gallery

Eagle 2000 GTX, Canada	Mitsubishi Eterna Sava pillarless hardtop sedan, Japan
Mitsubishi Galant SE hatchback, Australia	Rear view of 1990 Galant sedan, US

7th generation (E52,E53,E54,E57,E64,E72,E77,E84,E88)

Seventh generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Galant ultima (Thailand) Mitsubishi Emeraude Mitsubishi Eterna
Production	1992 – 1998
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door hardtop sedan (Emeraude) 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Related	Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 Proton Perdana
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L I4 4G93 MPI 85kw 2.0 L I4 4G63 101kw 2.4 L I4 4G64 105kw 1.8 L V6 6A11 99kw 2.0 L V6 6A12 108kw 2.0 L V6 twin turbo 6A12 177kw 2.5 L V6 6G73 125kw
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,635 mm (103.7 in)
Length	4,625–4,640 mm (182.1–182.7 in)
Width	1,730 mm (68.1 in)
Height	1,395–1,400 mm (54.9–55.1 in)
Curb weight	1250 kg (2755 lbs)

A new Galant debuted in 1992 (model year 1994 in America), available as a four-door sedan and five-door liftback (sedan only in America). A Japan-only hardtop derivative called the (Japanese: Emeraude) (French for emerald) was also launched in 1992. The width dimensions of the model sold in Japan no longer complied with Japanese Government dimension regulations, and buyers were now liable for additional taxes, which affected sales.

This generation marked a substantial change in suspension design. The front switched from struts to a multi-link structure featuring two lower arms and one upper arm. The rear switched from a beam axle to a newly designed multi-link system. Both designs would carry over to the second generation Mitsubishi Eclipse and its sister vehicles.

Because the Lancer Evolution was now Mitsubishi's homologated rally car, the seventh generation VR-4 became a less overtly sporting vehicle, eschewing the old four-cylinder engine in favour of a smoother two litre V6 twin turbo. The four wheel drive transmission was retained.

Production in the United States began on May 24, 1993 when the first seventh generation Galant rolled off the assembly line in Normal, Illinois. In 1994, a slightly upgraded GS version was available with a 160 hp (120 kW) twin cam engine, speed-sensitive steering, rear stabilizer bar, and an available manual transmission.

In Europe were also available 167 hp (125 kW) naturally aspirated 2.5 L 24-valve DOHC engine, which was mounted with four-wheel drive, 5-speed manual transmission and four-wheel-steering. Body styles were 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback. Rear differential was not available with limited-slip. In option were sunroof, A/C, cruise control, power windows, central locking, electrical heated seats and electrical side-mirrors.

Safety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings for 1997 and 1998 Galant:

• Frontal Driver: 
• Frontal Passenger: 
• Side Driver: 
• Side Rear Passenger: 
• Rollover: Not Rated

1997–1998 Mitsubishi Galant (US)	Liftback (Europe)
Emeraude 4-door hardtop (Japan)

Eighth generation (EA1, EA3, EA7, EC1, EC5, EC7)

Eighth generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Legnum Mitsubishi Aspire Mitsubishi MX/MF Mitsubishi VRG Mitsubishi VRM (Hong Kong)
Production	1996 – 2003
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon (Legnum)
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Related	Mitsubishi Legnum Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L 4G93 GDI I4 2.0 L 4G63 I4 2.0 L 4G94 I4 2.0 L 6A12 V6 2.4 L 4G64 I4 2.5 L 6A13 V6 2.5 L 6A13TT V6 twin turbo 3.0 L 6G72 V6 2.0 L 4D68 I4 turbodiesel
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed semi-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,635 mm (103.7 in)
Length	4,660 mm (183.5 in)
Width	1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height	1,410–1,420 mm (55.5–55.9 in)
Curb weight	1336 kg (2945 lbs)

The eighth-generation 1996 model continued the 1992 design themes but a 5-door station wagon (known in Japan as the Mitsubishi Legnum) was added while the 5-door liftback was dropped in favour of 5-door station wagon body style. This model won the 1996–97 Car of the Year Japan award for the second time. Despite being superseded in the US from 2003, it remained on sale in other countries until 2006. In Japan, the Legnum was sold only at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza, while the Galant remained exclusive to Galant Shop locations.

This model was also produced in Barcelona, Venezuela, at the only Mitsubishi plant in Latin America. At the beginning, the Galant was marketed in that country under the MX and MF names in 1997 and 1998 (Featuring a manual or INVECS-II semi-automatic transmission respectively), then kept the Galant name until the end of its production in 2006. Although the equipment options were limited, the VR-4 appearance package was offered in that market.

The American market Galant, introduced on July 7, 1998, graduated to the US Environmental Protection Agency's mid-size class. The front suspension switched from double-wishbones to struts, though the rear was upgraded with a stabilizer bar standard on all but the base DE model. ES, LS and GTZ models were offered with a 195 hp (145 kW) V6 engine, the 6G72 3.0 L, mated to a standard 4-speed conventional auto. Another difference from Asian and European models was lack of ABS, which was only installed on 3.0 L model.

Mitsubishi opted to further develop the technology in its range-topping VR-4, which was now powered by an enlarged 2.5 L V6 twin turbo. The car featured either a conventional 5-speed manual or INVECS-II transmission. Some models were also fitted with the same advanced active yaw control (AYC) as the Lancer Evolution, to give it greater agility than would be expected of such a large vehicle. Finally, as with the rest of the range, the VR-4 could now be had either as a Galant sedan or as a Legnum station wagon.

In some Asian markets Mitsubishi offered a 2.0 L MIVEC version of the 6A12a high revving naturally aspirated V6 race engine with a sports ECU engine management module, badged as the "Galant 2.0A", or alternately as the VR-M. This engine was also found on Mitsubishi's mid size sports car FTO-GPX. Output was placed at 200 hp (150 kW) and 147 lbft (199 Nm) of torque. The larger 2.5 L 6A13 was more common in the rest of the world.

In 1998 the company introduced the Mitsubishi Aspire. Externally identical to the regular Galant, the new model name denoted the newly introduced gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines.

Safety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings for 2001 Galant without side airbags:

• Frontal Driver: 
• Frontal Passenger: 
• Side Driver: 
• Side Rear Passenger: 
• Rollover: Not Rated

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings for 1999–2002 Galant with side airbags:

• Frontal Driver: 
• Frontal Passenger: 
• Side Driver: 
• Side Rear Passenger: 
• Rollover: Not Rated

2002–2003 Mitsubishi Galant (US)

Station wagon (Europe)

Ninth generation

Ninth generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Grunder (Taiwan) Mitsubishi 380 (Australia and New Zealand only)
Production	2003 – 2012
Model years	2004 – 2012
Designer	Olivier Boulay
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Mitsubishi PS platform
Related	Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Endeavor
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L 4G69 I4 3.8 L 6G75 V6 3.8 L 6G75 V6 MIVEC
Transmission	4-speed automatic 4/5-speed semi-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,750 mm (108.3 in)
Length	4,840–4,850 mm (190.4–191 in)
Width	1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height	1,470–1,480 mm (57.9–58.2 in)
Curb weight	1540 kg (3395 lbs) ES/LS 1696 kg (3739 lbs) Ralliart

North America, CIS and Middle East

The United States has had the sedan-only ninth-generation PS platform model since October 15, 2003. It was announced at the 2003 New York International Auto Show in April for the 2004 model year, following the exhibition of the SSS concept sedan at the North American International Auto Show three years before. The ninth-generation United States-sourced model is available for sale only in a few regional markets, namely the United States, Puerto Rico, Russia, Ukraine and Arabia. Russia began sourcing its Galants from the United States from 2006. The Arabian markets began sourcing their Galants from the United States from the 2007 model year. The Galant had also been available in Canada and Mexico until the 2010 and 2009 model years, respectively.

A size increase resulted in slightly more interior space and a weight gain of several hundred pounds. The four-cylinder engine, while still 2.4 liters in displacement, upgraded from Mitsubishi's 4G64 design to the newer 4G69 design, resulting in a horsepower increase from 140 to 160. Likewise, the V6 jumped from a 3.0-liter with 190 hp (140 kW) to a 3.8 with 235. All North American Galants gained all-wheel disc brakes but lost their rear stabilizer bar.

A Ralliart version joined for 2007, finally upgrading the V6 to a class-competitive 258 hp (192 kW) while also adding a firmer suspension, front strut tower bar, rear stabilizer bar, and eighteen-inch alloy wheels. For 2008, the trimming of models left the Ralliart as the only V6 model, and the Galant skips the 2008 model year in Canada, only to return in 2009 with the facelifted model.

Four-cylinder Galant models sold in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont are certified as Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicles (PZEV), with the engine rated 155 hp (116 kW).

This iteration of the Mitsubishi Galant only went on sale in the Middle East region for the 2007 model year, with a 2.4-liter engine and a 3.8-liter engine, imported from the United States.

Osamu Masuko, the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, indicated that the ninth generation of the Galant would be the last to be manufactured in North America, to be replaced on the MMNA production line in Illinois by smaller vehicles which are more likely to appeal to export markets.

The final Mitsubishi Galant rolled off the assembly line on August 30, 2012. In Japan only, the market position held by the Galant, which was discontinued in Japan June 15, 2005, was replaced by the Nissan sourced Mitsubishi Proudia, which is a rebadged Nissan Fuga.

Facelifts

2006 The Galant receives some cosmetic changes, such as an AC adapter, and a standard MP3 jack, and upgrades to the interior.

2007 In 2007, the Galant was restyled, this included an interior upgrade, with a navigation, audio system, and updates to the interior.

2009 In 2009, the Galant was restyled again.

2004–2006 Mitsubishi Galant (US)

2007-2008 Mitsubishi Galant (US)

2009 Mitsubishi Galant (US)

A four-cylinder Sport Edition was added for the 2009 model year. Galant Sport models include new standard factory value packages as standard. Sportronic automatic transmission is standard in all models, with a four-speed for four-cylinder engines and a five-speed for V6 engines.

East Asia

Taiwanese market Galant Grunder

Mitsubishi also assembles and markets a Taiwan made version of the ninth-generation Galant. In Taiwan, this version is known as the Mitsubishi Grunder. Taiwan was one of the first regions outside the Americas to market the ninth generation vehicle, when the Galant Grunder was launched in December 2004 with a unique front end. It has a 162 PS (119 kW) version of the 2.4 liter MIVEC engine and four-speed automatic (INVECS-II), and comes in either SEi format or as the better equipped EXi model.

This facelifted model is also sold in the Philippines as the Galant 240M (using the 2.4 liter MIVEC engine), and in the People's Republic of China as the Galant, by Soueast Motor.

Australia

Mitsubishi 380

From 2005 to 2008, a localized version called the Mitsubishi 380 was manufactured in Australia for the Australian and New Zealand markets. No 4cyl was offered in the Australian market using the 3.8 6G75 V6 with 175 kW (235 hp). This replaced the long-lived Magna line.

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Last updated on 28 June 2014 at 23:22.