Mitsubishi debuts Ralliart rocket

[FISH]

http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/car-review/1565741.aspx

Words - Gautam Sharma
February 2006

Could this be the image leader Mitsubishi Australia needs to boost lacklustre sales of its 380 sedan?



Unveiled at the recent Chicago Auto Show, this warmed-over Ralliart model is the new spearhead of the US Galant line-up. (Galant is the name by which Americans know the 380)

Apart from the obvious visual tweaks, the most significant upgrade for the Ralliart flagship is the insertion of a MIVEC (Mitsu's acronym for variable valve timing) V6 engine that boosts power and torque to 190kW and 350Nm respectively. Drive is channeled to the front wheels by a five-speeed automatic transmission with Sportronic sequential shift mode.

Complementing the fettled powertrain are higher-rate springs and dampers and a 21mm rear stabiliser bar. The Ralliart's 235/45R-18 all-season tyres are wrapped around 18x8-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels.

Mitsubishi claims the Galant Ralliart can bolt from rest to 100km/h in around seven seconds, which is on par with the likes of the Ford Falcon XR6 and Holden Commodore SV6. What's more, the MIVEC technology is said to boost low-down grunt, with nearly 300Nm on tap from just 2000rpm.

Externally, the Galant Ralliart is distinguished by a unique front aero bumper, sport mesh grille projector-style ellipsoid headlamps, two-tone bumpers and colour-keyed side air dams.

Inside, Galant Ralliart scores perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, an automatic climate control system, a power glass sunroof with sunshade and auto-dimming rear view mirror. Aluminium pedals and Micro-delta print accent panels add to the sporting theme.

Audiophiles will be pleased to know that the Galant Ralliart also comes with a Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system with MP3 playback capability, six-disc in-dash CD changer, a linear eight-channel 360-watt amplifier, eight speakers in six locations, and Digital Signal Processing.

No word yet on whether Mitsubishi Australia plans to offer a similarly specced 380 locally, but here's hoping…

[Gm786]

Ugly! It's like Mitsubishi is depending on one car of theirs to hold them up! Lol. Ugly anyways in my opinion.

[redimpss5]

Looks just like the maxima.

[JoeT]

If Mitsubishi's Aussie operations survive, I would love to see a Ralliart version of the 380, just as they did with the Magna.

[yassir(snowman)]

mistsubishi should get back with daimler, some mitsubishi 4drs seem too be alot like the way kias and hundays were in the 90s.

[CobaltSScrazy]

no, i didn't even need to read the article to tell you it wont sell. its a shame b/c ive seen the galant and its not a BAD car, but not even good either.

[NemesiSupra]

Blehh.

Just take the Evo drivetrain, beef it up and boom sales!

[stevecmh]

I saw it at the Chicago auto show. It is not that impressive. looks cheap

[genjy]

The last couple generations of Galant have had nothing special to offer in the midsize sedan pack. They aren't exceptionally sporty, luxurious, soft-riding, refined, safe, fuel-efficient, reliable, or cheap. I don't even know how to label the car... sporty sedan? Family sedan? The recent Diamante/Magna we got was more like it, but that car got canned in the U.S. in like a year after it was released.

[Aych Es Vee]

"Mitsubishi claims the Galant Ralliart can bolt from rest to 100km/h in around seven seconds, which is on par with the likes of the Ford Falcon XR6 and Holden Commodore SV6"


pfffft, a special 'tuner' version would only compete with an XR6 and SV6? thats sucky. Chrysler seriously needs to buy them out, and bring back the Valiant.

[JoeT]

...and Holden should bring back the Kingswood!

[yassir(snowman)]

Originally Posted by JoeT

...and Holden should bring back the Kingswood!

absolutly

[boston boy]

need to make Vr4 galant again

[Aych Es Vee]

Originally Posted by JoeT

...and Holden should bring back the Kingswood!

it would just be a new commodore with a Kingswood badge, lol.

[gmfan3]

IMO, mitsubishi does not have 1 good looking vehicle.