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) |
"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) |
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.