2004 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart Concept

So what are the details of the Galant Ralliart? It debuts a modified version of its 3.8-litre V6 coupled with a new 6-speed manual

The Galant Ralliart debuts a modified version of Mitsubishi's 3.8-litre V6 coupled with a new 6-speed manual gearbox. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

gearbox. Now featuring MIVEC, short for Mitsubishi Innovative Valve and lift timing Electronic Control, the 260 horsepower mill gets a 30 horsepower boost over the base model. It's the same engine, transmission combination that will debut in the automaker's all-new Eclipse, by the way, shown in Detroit last week.

MIVEC, in case you aren't up on Mitsubishi specific technology, uses two different cam profiles to optimize the engine's dual intake valves. After reaching a specified rev threshold,

The Galant Ralliart sports massive 19 by 8.5 inch Racing Hart F10 alloy rims wrapped in 245/40/19 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 performance tires. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

a more radical lobe engages and the Ralliart pulls with the ferocity of a turbo, but with a much more linear ramp-up of power and more tractable torque curve. Also important, both fuel economy and emissions are improved.

Other Galant Ralliart upgrades include massive 19 by 8.5 inch Racing Hart F10 alloy rims wrapped in 245/40/19 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 performance tires, that should improve the agile sedan's road-holding well beyond it's accomplished levels in stock trim. Adding to its track image is a Ralliart exhaust system, a custom cold air intake system and a coilover springs suspension developed by Road Race Engineering.