Redesigned Galant

[TheIntrepid]

Mitsubishi will showcase its new 2009 Mitsubishi Galant midsize sedan at the Chicago Auto Show 2008, Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. Presenting expressive new styling, new user technology and a new value standard, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant brings Mitsubishi performance and character to the highly competitive midsize segment. The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant arrives at Mitsubishi dealers in February.

The introduction of the new 2009 Mitsubishi Galant follows a rise in Mitsubishi's 2007 sales (+9% over 2006) along with a line of major new model launches. Building on the success of the all-new Lancer launched in spring 2007 and the all-new Outlander crossover SUV, Mitsubishi introduced the high-performance 2008 Lancer Evolution that arrived in dealerships in late January.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant line offers four distinct trim levels and three performance levels, providing the wide array of choices that midsize buyers seek. The performance-tuned Galant Ralliart tops the line, which for 2009 also includes the 4-cylinder ES, the new 4-cylinder Sport Edition, and the V-6 Sport. The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Sport models integrate new standard factory value packages that add a long roster of premium equipment at a substantial savings over what those features would have cost separately. As a result, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Sport models offer a significant $1,000+ MSRP value advantage over comparably equipped competitive midsize models.

Further enhancing value, all 2009 Mitsubishi Galant models come standard with a Sportronic? automatic transmission - a 4-speed with the 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed with the two V-6 engines. Sportronic allows manual shift control for a more engaging driving experience.

The Galant midsize sedans, along with the Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder sports models and the Endeavor crossover SUV, are all built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill. One of the industry's most flexible assembly plants, the Mitsubishi manufacturing facility is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary of vehicle production in 2008.

Smart Mitsubishi Styling

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant stands apart from the sedan crowd with a smartly styled front end and sophisticated new lines that are especially apparent in the rear three-quarter view. Rakish new hood lines, a new grille and lower intake highlight the completely re-designed front end. From the rear, the Galant features wider rear glass, new tail lamps and bumper treatment, and a new deck lid with a center, high-mounted stop-lamp (CHSL). New standard 17-inch alloy wheels identify the Galant Sport models.

Inside, premium materials enhance the Galant's interior and passenger comfort. Galant provides a roomy midsize package with 101.1 cu. ft. of passenger space and a generous 37 inches of rear legroom. Interior fabrics and surfaces are designed to impart comfort, warmth and refinement. In addition, a wide array of available user technologies meets with the latest consumer demands for onboard entertainment and convenience.

Performance and Top Safety in One Package

At the top of the Galant line, the Ralliart model is powered by a 258-hp 3.8-liter MIVEC V-6 engine and equipped with a 5-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, plus special Ralliart-tuned sport suspension, new 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive exterior styling. A 160-hp 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine, teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic, powers the Galant ES and Sport Edition models. The new Sport V-6 model exclusively features a smooth, responsive 230-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine.

Four-cylinder Galant models sold in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont are certified as Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicles (PZEV). That means that they not only meet the ultra-stringent California Super Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) standard but also have zero evaporative emissions from the fuel system and come with an extended (15 years or 150,000 miles) warranty on emission-control components. The PZEV-certified Galant has just slightly less rated power output - 155 hp compared to 160 for the federally certified model. PZEV-certified vehicles can also be purchased in states neighboring those with the requirement.

The Galant's rigid body structure sets the stage for responsive handling and a sporty driving experience, balanced by a smooth, quiet ride. The proven MacPherson strut design front suspension attaches to a sub-frame featuring a large, rigid cross member. The low-mounted, multi-link rear suspension features stiff hydro-formed cross members that minimize flex and help reduce road noise inside the cabin.

All Galant models come standard with a high level of safety technology, including anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side front and rear curtain airbags.

Galant Sport V-6 and Ralliart are both equipped with standard traction control that helps prevent wheel spin by monitoring and controlling the speed of each front drive wheel. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), standard on all Galant models, can immediately alert the driver to a sudden loss or change in tire pressure.

New Value Standard

Illustrating Mitsubishi's attention to customer value, the Galant Sport models are equipped as standard with such premium features as a power glass sunroof and cloth heated front seats. In contrast, many competitive midsize sedans offer these features only in the top trim line models. Additional premium features in the Galant Sport Edition and Galant Sport V-6 include an automatic climate control system, 8-way power driver's seat, steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink? garage door opener/transmitter, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, heated side view mirrors, theft-deterrent alarm system, color-keyed rear spoiler, windshield shade band, dark chrome headlamp reflectors, and an illuminated glove box.

The Galant Sport V-6 model also adds a standard 360-watt Rockford Acoustic Design? premium audio system that includes SIRIUS? Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription.

For customers seeking top Galant luxury with 4-cylinder economy, the Galant ES model can be optionally equipped with the Sun, Sound and Leather option package. This package essentially combines the Sport Edition standard equipment with leather seating surfaces, the Rockford Acoustic Design? premium audio system and SIRIUS? Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription. An accessory iPod adapter is available for all Galant models.

True Premium Audio

Galant offers a level of OEM mobile audio performance that could challenge some luxury models. The Rockford Acoustic Design? premium audio system that is standard for the Ralliart and Galant Sport V-6 and available for the ES model provides AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, including a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. The system includes SIRIUS? Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription.

A linear 8-channel amplifier produces 360 watts continuous at less than 0.02% THD, with a dedicated channel driving each loudspeaker for the ultimate in sonic control. Silk dome tweeters mounted on the leading edge of the dash produce a natural multi-dimensional soundstage. Digital Signal Processing optimizes output to provide user-selectable listening environments, including "Normal," "Studio," "Club" and "Concert."

Ralliart Performance: A Complete Grand Touring Package

Galant Ralliart has the heart of a high-performance GT car - the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, to be precise. Its 3.8-liter V-6 produces 258 hp at 5,700 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm. Galant Ralliart is capable of accelerating from zero-to-60 mph in about six seconds, making it one of the best performers in its segment.

The Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system helps optimize power and engine efficiency across a broad engine speed range. As an example of MIVEC's benefits, the large-displacement V-6 is already producing 220 lb.-ft. of torque at just 2,000 rpm, giving the Galant Ralliart forceful off-the-line response.

The Galant Ralliart features its own sport-tuned suspension with higher-rate springs and dampers and a 21-mm rear stabilizer bar. Its 235/45R-18 all-season tires are mounted on new 18 x 8-inch seven-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. All Galant models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, with the Ralliart model featuring larger front and rear discs than the other models.

In terms of standard luxury amenities, the Galant Ralliart challenges premium performance sedans by providing perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, automatic climate control system, power glass sunroof and an auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink transmitter. Aluminum pedals and Micro-delta print accent panels are exclusive interior touches.

The Galant Ralliart offers one factory option, a DVD navigation system. When not equipped with the navigation system, Ralliart features a standard 4.9-inch color LCD display that provides outside temperature and a compass, as well as a trip computer with fuel mileage information, a door alarm indicator, maintenance recorder, and calendar. The display also provides an interface that allows owners to customize settings for many of the vehicle's interior functions.

[thewizard16]

The front looks the same and the rear is a Sebring. Meh.

[BimmerM3]

The front looks the same and the rear is a Sebring. Meh.

I'd say the rear is more Lancer-ish than like that of a Sebring. I kind of like it. Emphasis on "kind of."

[cawimmer430]

 

[ifcar]

Of course, they already unveiled it at the DC show without telling anyone.

[Payman]

Of course, they already unveiled it at the DC show without telling anyone.

Nobody noticed.

[Yawn]

Just redo the whole car. It still wont sell

[thewizard16]

I'd say the rear is more Lancer-ish than like that of a Sebring. I kind of like it. Emphasis on "kind of."

Perhaps. It looks maybe like they mated the two and got some weird offspring out of the deal.

GALANT:


SEBRING:


LANCER:

[cozmik]

I saw it in Philly, and saw it looked a little different, but didn't realize they were calling it "new." What a snooze, they do need to redo the whole thing. The interior was ok when it came out, it's just depressing now. I know they have limited funds, but they could have done more than this. A new interior and more of an update up front would have been a big help O think. They should have made the styling more inline with the Lancer and Outlander.

[TheIntrepid]

The taillights aren't bad. IMO they look much better than the Sebring's.

[93JC]

I for one think it's a very attractive car. A little too close to a Hyundai, but attractive.

It's a shame they've let it languish. Sad really. This car has been a complete failure the world over.

[nickdrinkwater]

I for one think it's a very attractive car. A little too close to a Hyundai, but attractive.

It's a shame they've let it languish. Sad really. This car has been a complete failure the world over.

Didn't fail in Europe

[ifcar]

Didn't fail in Europe

Really? Europeans buy the current Galant?

[Eye of the Tiger]

Sounds like a good car, looks good, too. Needs stick shifts.

[Payman]

I agree it looks okay, but that's the problem. It doesn't stand out in a very competitive market. There's nothing about this car that would entice me to buy it over a Sonata, Magentis, Passat, Malibu, Mazda6, Accord, Altima, Aura, or Legacy. Camry, Fusion, Sebring & Avenger, yes. The others, no.

[nickdrinkwater]

Really? Europeans buy the current Galant?

No, they don't sell it, so it couldn't flop!

[thewizard16]

I agree it looks okay, but that's the problem. It doesn't stand out in a very competitive market. There's nothing about this car that would entice me to buy it over a Sonata, Magentis, Passat, Malibu, Mazda6, Accord, Altima, Aura, or Legacy. Camry, Fusion, Sebring & Avenger, yes. The others, no.

Honestly, the only advantages it's likely to have over the ones you listed is possibly stying (if the Galant is your kind of thing, which for most people, it apparently isn't). Quality is doubtful to be any better and handling on the regular trim probably won't be that much better than other options.

[omicron]

Right at the moment, a Mitsubishi 380 on run-out is a fantastic buy. I've never disliked the car, but what hope did it have against the might of the Camry and Aurion's advertising and reputation, and the strength of local support for the Falcon and Commodore?

Also, Mitsubishi's model mix left a lot to be desired - when Holden and Ford made their high-end models noticeably distinctive and fully-featured over their less-expensive counterparts, a pricey 380 was nothing more than a base model with some extra equipment stuck to it. The $46k 380 GT buyer got the same engine, transmission, suspension and styling flaws as the $29,990 380 ES buyer, whereas a six-litre V8 Calais V is definitely not the same as Mr. Average's $32k Commodore Omega. This is a worry when sales to private buyers of cheaper models are diminishing, but the top-end $50-60k performance and luxury models are experiencing strong sales growth. A decent car at the wrong time, and it sank Mitsubishi Australia as a manufacturer.

[ThunderCharger]

More like a refresh than a totally new model, but whatever I don't ming the front, I kinda like the design. It's the rear that bothers me. Just doesn't look right. The interior seems to have remained mostly the same, which isn't bad.

[Raza]

More like a refresh than a totally new model, but whatever I don't ming the front, I kinda like the design. It's the rear that bothers me. Just doesn't look right. The interior seems to have remained mostly the same, which isn't bad.

What they need is an Evo version with AWD and a stickshift.  A new VR4.

[SVT666]

Meh.

[ThunderCharger]

What they need is an Evo version with AWD and a stickshift.  A new VR4.

If they ever did I'd get one of those if I weren't living in the city.