2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor Ralliart Concept

While Mitsubishi hasn't actually decided to build a Ralliart version of the Endeavor, or the Galant sedan that it was

If Mitsubishi does decide to produce the special performance Endeavor, and its new Galant sibling, it will give the company three Ralliart production cars. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

introduced next to at SEMA, it does offer a street-tuned Lancer Ralliart for sale, featuring components from the brand's Lancer EVO VIII as well as parts exclusive to the model. If Mitsubishi follows through and builds the prototypes, which is expected, it will spice up its six model (including the new Raider pickup and excluding outgoing Diamante and Montero Sport) lineup with three Ralliart production cars.

I covered the Galant Ralliart's details last week, and therefore will focus on what the Endeavor Ralliart has to offer here and now. At the heart of the SUV is a modified version of the production model's 3.8-liter V6, combined with a 5-speed automatic featuring Mitsubishi's

At the heart of the Endeavor Ralliart is a modified version of the production model's 3.8-liter V6, combined with a 5-speed automatic featuring Mitsubishi's Sportronic manual-mode. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

Sportronic manual-mode, instead of the 6-speed manual gearbox that was chosen for the Galant Ralliart, being that the automatic was felt more suitable for sport utility duties.

Now featuring MIVEC, short for Mitsubishi Innovative Valve and lift timing Electronic Control, the 260 horsepower engine gets a 35 horsepower boost over the base model. It's the same engine, and optional transmission combination that debuted in the automaker's all-new Eclipse coupe, by the way, that was introduced in Detroit earlier this month.