mitsubishi revs up the 2009 galant -...
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■ By Jim RobinsonMETROLAND MEDIA GROUP
Mitsubishi is expanding its lineup again by adding aRalliart to the 2009 Galant mid-size sedan model.
The Ralliart badge on a Mitsubishi signifies that it hasbeen given additional performance features to enhancepower, ride and handling.
Mitsubishi started humbly here in Canada just six yearsago with cobbled together cars and trucks that were alreadywell into their product cycle.
But that changed two years ago with the introduction ofthe Outlander SUV and the Eclipse sportscar. Recently thevery high performance Lancer Evolution 10 GSR and MRdebuted and now there is a Ralliart version of the Galant forthose who want more than just A-to-B driving in their lives.
The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is offered in three distincttrim levels: Galant ES, Galant GT and Galant Ralliart.
The entry-level Galant ES is powered by a 2.4-litre,SOHC, four-cylinder engine producing 160 and 157 lb/ft oftorque. The front wheels are driven through a standard four-speed Sportronic automatic transmission with sequentialshift mode.
The 2009 Galant GT features a 3.8-litre, SOHC V6 pro-ducing 230 hp and 250 lb/ft of torque with a standard five-speed Sportronic automatic also with sequential shift mode.
Then we come to the Ralliart that takes the Galant name-plate up into the level of high performance sports sedans.
Power comes from the same 3.8-litre DOHC V6 found inthe Eclipse GT-P sportscar and gives the Galant Ralliart anacceleration time of zero-to-100 km/h in about seven sec-onds.
In the Ralliart, the 3.8 litre V6 produces 258 hp and 258lb/ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, making it one of the most pow-erful import brand sport sedans in the segment.
This is accomplished in part by the Mitsubishi InnovativeValve Timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) whichhelps optimize power and engine efficiency across a broadengine speed range.
Energuide fuel consumption ratings are 12.9L/1100 kmcity and 8.1L/100 km highway.
Like the GT, the V6 is matched to a five-speed Sportronicautomatic transmission that enables manual shift control bythe driver when desired. To enhance the driving experience,the Ralliart features its own, higher-rate springs anddampers, and is exclusively equipped with a 21-mm rear sta-bilizer bar, and its P235/45R18 tires are mounted to 18 xeight-inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.
I drove an early example of the car while in MontTremblant, PQ, earlier this year while testing the very fastEvo 10 MR.
My route took me south and west towards Montebelloalong those wonderful two-lane blacktop roads that snaketheir way through the province.
The big Mitsu 3.8-litre V6 is a well-known quantity andhas the punch of a small V8. To get the maximum from theRalliart, using the sequential shift mode lets you take advan-tage of the low speed torque characteristics of the 3.8-litre,while being to hold it in gear longer to put all those 258ponies to work. Over the inevitable Quebec potholes thestiffer suspension made itself felt, but the grip and controlwas not lost. A MacPherson strut front suspension systemattaches to a sub-frame with a large, rigid cross member forresponsive handling and reduced noise, vibration and harsh-ness. A low mounted, multi-link rear suspension featuresstiff hydro-formed cross members that minimize flex andhelp reduce road noise.
While all 2009 Galant models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, the GT and Ralliart feature larger frontdiscs. The Ralliart, in addition, comes with larger rear discs.An anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard, while GT and Ralliartmodels also feature traction control.
For 2009, standard side curtain air bags have been added
to the comprehensive safety package, which includesadvanced front air bags with occupant sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, LATCH system, engineimmobilizer, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The car I drove was priced at $32,998 with a shipping feeof $1,245. It was considered a “base” model, but in truth itwas very well equipped needing few options.
The Ralliart, for instance comes with a DVD navigationsystem with 7-inch touch screen. On the road toMontebello, the nav system showed the bends in the wind-ing roads in great detail. Also, it was not slow like some thecheap portable units that take time to process informationand sometimes tell you to make a turn after you have passedit.
The Ralliart (and GT) also features a Rockford AcousticDesign premium audio system that providesAM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, including a six-disc in-dash CD changer. The eight-channel amplifier produces 360watts and a dedicated channel drives each speaker for theultimate in sonic control.
Silk dome tweeters mounted on the leading edge of thedash produce a natural multi-dimensional soundstage whileDigital Signal Processing optimizes output to provide user-selectable listening environments, including Normal,Studio, Club and Concert.
The driver’s view through 360 degress is very good with
just a hint of blind spot which you can cancel out with cor-rect positioning of the power mirrors.
Classified as a mid-size sedan, the Galant is one of thenew breed of four-doors that is more like a full-size sedan onthe inside. It is amazing to see how interior designers havemade cabins bigger and more functional compared to only adecade ago.
The Galant Ralliart powertrain is covered by a 10-year or160,000 km limited warranty. The new vehicle limited war-ranty covers bumper to bumper for five years or 100,000 kmand the body panels have a seven-year or 160,000 km anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty.
The Galant is not usually the first nameplate Canadiansthink of when considering a new mid-size sedan, but Mitsubishiis trying to change that with attractive pricing, attractive looks,an attractive warranty and solid engineering.
The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 10, 2008 - 23www.oakvillebeaver.com
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Mitsubishi revs up the 2009 Galant