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Mitsubishi Debuts Ralliart Concepts at 2004 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

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Khatir Soltani

Japan's Alternative Brand is showing a Bold New Face

Gorgeous, bold, dynamic, racy; all words voiced after Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) introduced its ultra-stylish

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. used plenty of adjectives during the debut of its new ultra-stylish Ralliart concepts at SEMA yesterday. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)
Cypress, California designed Ralliart concepts at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas yesterday.

"Mitsubishi cars and SUVs have a worldwide reputation for performance and aggressive styling," commented Ian Beavis, senior vice president, marketing for MMNA. "SEMA provides us with the opportunity to showcase our products and design ideas to a discerning audience."

While MMNA's Galant midsize sedan and Endeavor midsize crossover sport utility are already considered at the top of their respective market segments, when it comes to driving dynamics and racy styling they're are about to move up a significant notch, that is if Mitsubishi actually builds the Ralliart versions of each.

Mitsubishi's North American division already sells one Ralliart model also on display at SEMA, a street-tuned Lancer featuring components from the brand's Lancer EVO VIII as

Currently the only Ralliart model available is a street-tuned Lancer featuring components from the brand's Lancer EVO VIII. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
well as parts exclusive to the model. If Mitsubishi follows through and builds the prototypes, which is expected, it will spice up its seven (eight) model lineup with three Ralliart production cars.

So what are the details? The Galant Ralliart debuts a modified version of its 3.8-liter V6 coupled with a new 6-speed manual gearbox. Now featuring MIVEC, short for Mitsubishi Innovative Valve and lift timing Electronic Control, the 260 horsepower mill gets a 10 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, expected in Detroit this coming January.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada