2007-2008 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart

Pros :
- Torquey engine.
- Tossable handling.
- Tons of space.
- Some nice styling touches.
- Large trunk capacity.

Cons :
- Sparsely equipped interior.
- Too heavy.
- Torque steer under hard throttle.
- Handling outclassed by competitors.
- No manual gearbox.

Interior :

---

---

Press Coverage :
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has introduced the new high-performance Galant Ralliart model to lead the restyled and enhanced Galant mid-size sedan line for 2007. Galant Ralliart is powered by a 258-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine and equipped with a five-speed Sportronic(R) automatic transmission, sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive exterior styling and interior features to challenge leading sport sedans - and to do it with better value. All Galant models for 2007 add standard side curtain air bags to their comprehensive safety package, which also includes advanced front air bags with occupant sensors and front seat-mounted side-impact air bags. The Galant has achieved across-the-board five-star ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offset frontal and side impact crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded Galant its highest ranking - "Good" overall - in its frontal offset and side impact crash tests. The revised styling of all 2007 Galant models is highlighted by a sophisticated new front-end treatment. Interior design and materials have been enhanced, and ride and handling have been refined to provide greater comfort and a more engaging driving experience. A new DVD navigation system with seven-inch touch screen is available as a factory option on the Galant Ralliart model. "The 2007 Galant Ralliart makes a resounding statement about Mitsubishi's "Driven to Thrill" performance and design with its bold, modern, and a uniquely Mitsubishi interpretation of what a mid-size performance sedan should be," said Hiroshi Harunari, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA). "The Ralliart shows the direction that we're taking the Galant - and the brand." New Styling, New Choices All Galant models for 2007 are identified by an updated, more sophisticated front end design featuring a new grille with chrome surround, plus a new front fascia and new bumper. The rear bumper fascia is also revised in line with the front appearance. An exclusive sport mesh grille, two-tone color bumpers, color-key side air dams, 18-inch alloy wheels and Ralliart badges distinguish the Galant Ralliart. Its front end also stands apart from other Galant models with projector-style four-bulb ellipsoid headlamps. With the arrival of the Galant Ralliart for 2007, the GTS model assumes a more luxury-leaning role in the lineup, in place of the discontinued LS model. The Galant DE and ES models are powered by a 160-hp MIVEC-enhanced 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine teamed to a standard four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic, which enables manual shift control. Ralliart: A Complete Grand Touring Performance 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, placing it among the most powerful models in the segment and making it a serious challenger to the Acura TSX and TL models and the MazdaSpeed 6. Galant Ralliart is capable of accelerating from zero-to-60 mph in about seven seconds. 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 GTS continues with a 230-hp version of the 3.8-liter V-6 and also gains the new five-speed Sportronic automatic transmission. The Galant Ralliart features its own, higher-rate springs and dampers and is exclusively equipped with a 21-mm rear stabilizer bar. The Ralliart's 235/45R-18 all-season tires are mounted to 18 x 8-inch seven-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, Galant Ralliart combines exclusive design and luxurious appointments to rival more expensive models. Standard features in this special model include perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces; heated front seats; an automatic climate control system; a power glass sunroof with sunshade, and Homelink(TM) transmitter with auto- dimming rear view mirror. Aluminum pedals and Micro-delta print accent panels further distinguish the Ralliart interior. Galant Ralliart Ready for Driving - and "Driving Music" Mitsubishi is the first auto manufacturer to factory-install the Rockford Acoustic Design(TM) premium audio system, making it standard equipment on the 2007 Galant Ralliart and available for Galant ES and GTS models. This high-end audio system - one of the most advanced on the market - provides AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, including a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. The linear 8-channel amplifier produces 360 watts continuous at less than 0.02% THD. A dedicated channel drives 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." The good sounds continue in Galant Ralliart with the standard SIRIUS(TM) Satellite Radio package with a six-month free subscription. This package is also available for the ES and GTS models. Galant Ralliart without the optional navigation system 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. Robust Platform for Sporty Driving Fine-tuning the body structure for greater rigidity enhances ride and handling in all Galant models for 2007. For the Galant Ralliart, the stiffened structure provides the ideal base for the exclusive sport suspension tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires. The proven MacPherson strut design front suspension system attaches to a sub-frame with a large, rigid cross member for responsive handling and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. The low-mounted, multi-link rear suspension features stiff hydro-formed cross members that minimize flex and help reduce road noise. The Galant DE and ES models ride on standard 16-inch wheels with 215/60R16 tires; the GTS steps up to 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires. Ralliart and GTS models feature a standard tire pressure monitoring system, which is included in the optional Sport Package for the Galant ES. All Galant models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, with the GTS and Ralliart models featuring larger front discs, and the Ralliart also getting larger rear discs. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard on all Galant models, except the DE. Enhanced Refinement for 2007 Galant provides a roomy midsize package with 101.1 cu. ft. of passenger space and a generous 37 inches of rear legroom - more room than the MazdaSpeed 6 or Volkswagen Jetta GLI sport sedans. For 2007, new door trim, a new knit-fabric headliner, new steering wheel design and chrome trim details convey a more refined appearance. New seat trim and color choices provide a warmer interior feeling than before. Premium Comfort, Great Value New for 2007, customers can infuse the Galant ES with some of the style and comfort of the V-6 Galant models by ordering the optional Sport Package and Premium Package. The Sport Package adds head-turning style with 16-inch alloy wheels, dark bezel halogen headlamps, crystal covered ellipsoid rear lamps, and a color-keyed rear spoiler. Inside, the Sport Package equips the ES model with the Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system and the SIRIUS Satellite Radio package with six months free subscription. The ES Premium Package brings in leather-trimmed seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, power glass sunroof with sunshade, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink transmitter and additional trim details. The Sun and Sound option package for the Galant GTS adds a power glass sunroof, the Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system and the SIRIUS Satellite Radio package, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink transmitter and anti-theft alarm system. All Galant models are built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., one of the industry's most flexible assembly plants. In addition to the Galant, this facility produces the the Endeavor mid-size SUV; Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder models. Premium Warranty
Mitsubishi Motors USA

Tromping the right foot on the metal accelerator pedal produces noticeable, but not excessive, torque steer. If conditions are right and the traction control is switched off, the same tromping will produce a front-wheel-drive burnout worthy of an NHRA national event. The development team apparently went out on a limb here and actually dialed up a noticeable but very controllable amount of oversteer. On the track, it was noted for its ability to counteract the tendency of nose-heavy front-drive cars to understeer their way into boredom and off our "must drive" list. This ability to rotate under trail braking into tight corners was easy to induce on the road as well. Feedback from the steering wheel, on the other hand, was somewhat less than high-quality. At the limit and in quick transitions, the steering was sullen and numb. It wasn't anything that could get you in trouble, but you just didn't get that "connected to the road" sensation.
Edmunds.com

Given that Mitsubishi's legendary Evo is such a road burner and even its little cousin, the Galant Ralliart, is a playful performer, we expected the Galant to take after the Nissan Altima SE-R. Instead, it's a more middle-of-the-road blending of sport and comfort. You can feel those few hundred extra pounds, as the Mitsu doesn't respond to handling inputs as athletically as does the Nissan, while it's quieter and rides better. The steering is faithful if not supercommunicative, and the all-season tires, even though the widest among this foursome, give up grip too soon. The brakes don't offer as much pedal feel as the others, but our tester was a preproduction unit, so we'll reserve final judgment until we drive a standard car. Although it doesn't quite sparkle like the Nissan's, there are no complaints from the engine in real-world driving: It's smooth, sounds good, has plenty of torque over a wide powerband, and, in the manual mode, the transmission will hold gears at redline until told to do otherwise.
Motor Trend

---

---

History:
1988-1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
1,997 cc / 240 hp / 217 lb-ft / 3036 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.3 sec.