The is an automobile which was produced by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi from 1969 until 2012. The model name was derived from the French word galant, meaning "chivalrous". There have been nine distinct generations with total cumulative sales exceeding five million units. It began as a compact sedan, but over the course of its life evolved into a mid-size car. Initial production was based in Japan, with manufacturing later moved to other countries.
First generation (A50; 1969)
The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969 at a new Mitsubishi Japanese dealership called Galant Shop. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Initially only available as a four-door sedan, five-door estate and two-door hardtop (A53) variants were added in 1970. The hardtop was Mitsubishi's first production passenger car with full side windows and no side pillars. In March 1973, with only two months of production left, the cleaner "MCA-II" version of the 1.6 arrived. With it was three horsepower down on the regular version.
From 1970, a fastback coupé model was developed, the Galant GTO. Fashioned after contemporary American muscle cars, the hardtop GTO was available with a choice of two "Saturn" engines and the 2-litre Astron 80, and was available until 1975. The nameplate was sufficiently highly regarded in Japan for it to be resurrected for the 1990 Mitsubishi GTO coupé.
A third, more compact coupé was introduced on a chassis shortened by 12 cm in 1971, the Galant FTO. Powered by the 4G41 1.4 L engine, it too would leave a legacy for the company to return to in the 1990s with the Mitsubishi FTO.
New Zealand
Although the earlier Colt had been imported in limited numbers, this generation, in 1.6-litre coupé form only, was the first model to establish the Mitsubishi brand in New Zealand from 1971 when newly appointed distributor Todd Motors, which also imported and assembled Chrysler and Hillman, started selling a small number of Japanese-assembled cars to supplement its mainstream Hillman Avenger and Hunter models.
The coupé was assembled in New Zealand from 1972, firstly at Todd's Petone factory, on the Avenger/Hunter line and, from 1974, at the brand-new purpose-built factory in Porirua (closed in 1998).
<gallery widths="200" heights="120">
File:1970 Mitsubishi Colt Galant AII Custom L.jpg|1970 Mitsubishi Colt Galant A II Custom L sedan
File:1971 Mitsubishi Colt Galant Estate V 16L GL.jpg|1971 Mitsubishi Colt Galant Estate V 16L GL
File:1974 Chrysler Valiant Galant (GB) GL sedan (2015-06-08) 01.jpg|Chrysler Valiant Galant (GB) GL (Australia)
File:Mitsubishi Colt Galant Hardtop 16L rear.jpg|Mitsubishi Colt Galant Hardtop 16L
</gallery>
Second generation (A112, A114, A115; 1973)
The second generation Mitsubishi Colt Galant A11* series was built from 1973 and received a replacement in 1976. Introduced on 24 May 1973 (on sale 1 June) in the Japanese domestic market, the second generation Galant was more widely exported as Mitsubishi's ambitions grew. It was again sold by Chrysler in many different guises; as the Dodge Colt in the United States, as the Plymouth Colt and Plymouth Cricket in Canada (from 1974), as the Chrysler Valiant Galant and as the Chrysler Galant in Australia, and in Europe as the Colt Galant. Transmissions were now all floor mounted and include a four-speed manual and a five-speed unit for sportier models. A three-speed automatic transmission was also available. The smaller 1600 engine was also available in the cleaner "MCA-II" version right from 1973, a model which met Japan's 1975 emissions standards. This version was marginally less powerful, with rather than the engine seen in the previous model.
This new Galant model was more curvaceous, influenced by contemporary "coke bottle styling", and featured a range of larger 'Astron' engines developing up to 125 PS in 2000 cc form to complement the 'Saturn' units. During the second generation, the first Astron 80 engines were introduced in some markets using Mitsubishi's newly developed "Silent Shaft" balance shaft technology for reduced vibration and noise. Body styles remained the same as the first generation Colt Galants offered in sedan, wagon, pillar-less two-door hardtop coupé with the addition of a fixed post coupé for some markets. New models were added to the line up, including GL-II, SL-5, GT and GS-II. The Estate (A112V, sold as a commercial vehicle in Japan) was only available with the 100 PS 1600 engine, in Custom, GL, or SL-5 (with a five-speed manual transmission). It had vestigial wood panelling, featuring a narrow strip on the tailgate only.
In New Zealand the hardtop, now with an 1855 cc engine producing at 6,000 rpm, was again assembled by Todd Motors at Porirua. The sedan was not offered as Todd was planning to assemble the larger Galant Sigma sedan and wagon range from late 1977 and they were also still importing the British Avenger and Hunter models, close in size and market to the Galant saloon.
In South Africa, the Dodge Colt 1600 GS arrived in late 1975 (YB series) to replace the earlier AY. Aside from the new body, with wider wheels and improved handling, it also benefitted from a new five-speed gearbox. In August 1976, the name was changed to Chrysler Colt, and the new GS II received a 2.0-liter engine with . The 1600 also became available in less sporty GL trim, and a set of four-door models complemented the earlier hardtop. This new range signalled a move away from British and Australian sourced Chrysler products, with the four-door replacing the locally built Chrysler Vogue. Only three months later, Chrysler South Africa ceased operations. Mitsubishi production was continued by the new Sigma Motor Corporation.
Third generation (A120/A130; 1976)
In October 1987 the same platform was used for a sixth-generation model which adopted taller, rounded styling. This generation won the Car of the Year Japan award in 1987 and the GS model became Motor Trends Import Car of the Year in 1989. This Galant began American sales in 1989, side by side with the previous generation Sigma.
Mitsubishi developed Dynamic ECS adaptive air suspension, the world's first production semi-active electronically controlled suspension system in passenger cars; the system was first incorporated in the 1987 Galant model.
thumb|left|Facelifted Mitsubishi Galant sedan, US
thumb|right|Facelifted Mitsubishi Galant Super Saloon, Latin America
The Galant range underwent a minor facelift in 1991, with new grilles and other modifications. Also in 1991, Mitsubishi Motors Company completed a new assembly facility at Barcelona, Venezuela, with the Galant being one of the first models produced. It was sold there until 1994 under the ZX, MF, MS and MX names, which identified the various levels of equipment and transmission.
The Sigma designation disappeared with the 1990 model. A new hardtop liftback model was added in 1988, called the (). and in Japan, the Eterna was only sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza. This generation Galant was also sold in Canada as the Dodge 2000 GTX and Eagle 2000 GTX. The five-door liftback version was never offered in North America, where buyers prefer traditional sedans. In most of the world, the sixth generation Galant was replaced towards the end of 1992, but North American sales only ended in 1994, when the next generation Galant arrived there.
A limited edition based on the GTi-16v model was introduced in 1989, modified by German tuning company AMG (owned by Mercedes-Benz since 1999), with mildly uprated engine () and unique body kit, alloy wheels, and full leather interior. The AMG appearance treatment was also achieved on the Debonair for 1986. It, along with the Debonair and Honda Ballade, were the only Japanese cars that received the AMG treatment.
In New Zealand, this generation took over from the Sigma as MMNZ's mid-size offering. It was launched in June 1988, initially in GL (1.6L), GLX (1.8L), Super Saloon and SE (both 2.0L) trim levels. These were assembled in Porirua at the MMNZ plant.
The sixth generation was also the first to see the introduction of the VR-4 variant, which was the basis for Mitsubishi's participation in the 1988–1992 World Rally Championships. The Galant's 4G63 two-litre DOHC turbocharged engine and 4WD transmission was later adopted for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with little modification and would remain in production for fifteen years. Starting in 1989, the Mitsubishi Galant V-series were produced for the Japanese market as a sporty alternative to the regular Galant range. The lineup consisted of Viento and VX-S/VZ-S models featuring the higher output 1.8 and 2.0 Turbo DOHC engines with both automatic and manual transmissions available. The V-series featured the VR-4 interior, exterior design and updated bumpers (without side skirts), clear indicator lens covers, optional two-tone body paint, as well as standard air conditioning, full electrics, rear windscreen wiper, spoiler and alloy wheels. Fans sometimes call this car the "Evo Zero" but this was never more than a nickname as the Evolution series is Lancer-based.
;Safety
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings for 1991–1992 Galant:
- Frontal Driver:
- Frontal Passenger:
- Side Driver:
- Side Rear Passenger:
- Rollover:
Seventh generation (E50/60/70/80; 1992)
A new Galant debuted in September 1992 at the Tokyo Motor Show (model year 1994 in the US), originally only available as a four-door sedan (which was the only model to be sold in the US). A five-door liftback derivative made its world premiere at the February 1993 Dutch Motor Show. A Japan-only hardtop derivative called the () (French for emerald) was also launched in 1992. The width dimensions of the model sold in Japan no longer complied with Japanese government dimension regulations for compact cars, placing it in a higher tax bracket.
In Japan, the Galant was offered with a variety of engine options, namely the 1.8 L 4G93 (SOHC) and 2.0 L 4D68 turbodiesel four-cylinder engines, as well as several V6 engines such as the 1.8 L 6A11, 2.0 L 6A12 (SOHC/DOHC) and 2.0 L 6A12TT twin turbo (VR-4). In October 1993, Mitsubishi introduced another sport model below the VR-4 model called "VX-R", offered a MIVEC version of the DOHC 2.0 L V6 engine, a high revving naturally aspirated engine with more aggressive tuning. This engine is also found on Mitsubishi's midsize sports car FTO's GP trim levels which introduced in 1994. Output was placed at at 7500 rpm and of torque at 6000 rpm, and more than the non-MIVEC DOHC "VX" version. A month later, a 5-door liftback body style was added to the line up. However, it was marketed as an "RV" (crossover) style rather than the conventional styling of the export models, similar to the Subaru Legacy SUS. It was only powered by two version of 2.0 L V6 engines, SOHC for base FWD model and VR-4's twin turbo engine for the "GT" AWD model
This generation marked a substantial change in suspension design. The front switched from struts to a multi-link structure featuring two lower arms and one upper arm. The rear switched from a beam axle to a newly designed multi-link system. This was the world's first 4-wheel multi-link suspension in an FF car. Both designs would carry over to the second generation Mitsubishi Eclipse and its sister vehicles.
The facelifted model appeared in October 1994 with new front bumper, taillights and the revised version of the 1.8 L 4G93 engine with fuel injection and DOHC cylinder head. The Galant Sports liftback was discontinued in November 1995, due the lack of demand.
VR-4
For 1992, the emergence of the homologated Lancer Evolution meant that the top-spec Galant VR-4 was no longer constrained by sporting regulations. The new generation thus became a less overtly competition oriented vehicle. The existing, proven 4WD transmission was carried over, in keeping with Mitsubishi's reputation for performance-enhancing technology, but the old inline-four was superseded by a smoother twin-turbo 2.0-litre V6, and mated either to a conventional five-speed manual, or a four-speed INVECS auto complete with "fuzzy logic", which allowed the transmission to adapt to the driver's style and road conditions "on the fly". It was capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in about 6.5 seconds, and if derestricted could reach about .
Variants of the VR-4 using the same engine and drivetrain were sold in Japan as the Eterna XX-4 (1992) and Galant Sports GT liftback.
Export
Production in the United States began on 24 May 1993 when the first seventh generation Galant rolled off the assembly line in Normal, Illinois. The North American Galant was initially only available with two version of 2.4 L 4G64 four cylinder engines, SOHC for "S, ES and LS" models and DOHC version exclusively for the top model "GS". The GS is equipped with speed-sensitive steering and rear stabilizer bar as standard. From 1995 model year, the GS DOHC model was dropped from the line up. The Galant received a facelift for the 1996 model year with a new front bumper.
In Europe were also available a "GTi" model with naturally aspirated 2.5 L 6G73 24-valve DOHC engine, which was mounted with four-wheel drive, 5-speed manual transmission and four-wheel-steering. Four cylinders 1.8 L, 2.0 L 4G63 (SOHC), 2.0 turbodiesel engines as well as 2.0 L V6 engine and all-wheel drive options were also in this market. Body styles were four-door sedan and five-door liftback. Rear differential was not available with limited-slip. In option were sunroof, A/C, cruise control, power windows, central locking, electrical heated seats and electrical side-mirrors.
In Asia such as in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, the seventh generation Galant sedan was appeared in late 1993. It was offered in 2 grades: VR and top-spec Super Saloon. There were 2 engine choices offered: the 2.0 L four cylinder SOHC carbureted 16-valve 4G63 engine mated to a 5-speed manual for the VR or a 2.0 L non-Mivec DOHC V6 engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The V6 engine was rated at , same as the European version. The four cylinder engine was updated with fuel injection for the facelifted model.
;Safety
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test ratings for 1997 and 1998 Galant:
| class = Mid-size car
| body_style = 4-door sedan (ExxA)<br />5-door station wagon (ExxW)
| layout = Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (EAxx)/four-wheel-drive (ECxx)
| related = Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
| engine =
| transmission =
| wheelbase =
| length = (sedan)<br /> (North America)
| width = Both engines were mated to a standard four-speed conventional automatic transmission. Another difference between Asian and European models was the lack of ABS, which was only installed on 3.0 L models. It received a facelift for the 2002 model year, the 2.4 L engine was derated to .
In August 1998, Mitsubishi introduced the Aspire as the successor of Eterna. Externally identical to the facelifted Galant at the same time of introduction. The Aspire was only powered by 1.8 and 2.0 L engines.
Mitsubishi opted to further develop the technology in its range-topping VR-4, which was now powered by an enlarged 2.5 L V6 twin-turbo. The car features either a conventional five-speed manual or INVECS-II transmission. Some variants (all of the pre-facelift model and Type-S for the facelift model) were also fitted with the same advanced active yaw control (AYC) as the Lancer Evolution, to give it greater agility than would be expected of such a large vehicle. Finally, as with the rest of the range, the VR-4 could now be had either as a Galant sedan or as a Legnum station wagon. The VR-4 appearance package was also offered as "Viento" in Japan or "Avance" in select export markets.
The MIVEC version of the 2.0 L 6A12 V6 model was eliminated from the Japanese market model, but offered in select Asian market (such as Hong Kong or Singapore) with a trim level called "VR-M" and equipped with Viento/Avance aero package. The larger 2.5 L 6A13 V6 was more common in the rest of the world. It produced for export markets, but rated higher at for the Japanese market Legnum station wagon.
;Safety
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash test ratings for 2001 Galant without side airbags:<br />
1696 kg (3739 lbs) (Ralliart)
North America
thumb|left|Rear view
The United States has had the sedan-only ninth-generation PS platform model since October 15, 2003. It was announced at the 2003 New York International Auto Show in April for the 2004 model year, following the exhibition of the SSS concept sedan at the North American International Auto Show three years before. The ninth-generation United States-sourced model is available for sale only in a few regional markets, namely the United States, Puerto Rico, Russia, Ukraine and Arabia. Russia began sourcing its Galants from the United States from 2006. The Arabian markets began sourcing their Galants from the United States from the 2007 model year. The Galant had also been available in Canada and Mexico until the 2010 and 2009 model years, respectively.
A size increase resulted in slightly more interior space and a weight gain of several hundred pounds. The four-cylinder engine, while still 2.4 liters in displacement, upgraded from Mitsubishi's 4G64 design to the newer 4G69 design, resulting in a horsepower increase from to and . Likewise, the V6 jumped from a 3.0-liter with to a 3.8-liter with and . All North American Galants gained all-wheel disc brakes but lost their rear stabilizer bar.
A Ralliart version joined for 2007, finally upgrading the V6 to a class-competitive and while also adding a firmer suspension, front strut tower bar, rear stabilizer bar, and eighteen-inch alloy wheels. Furthermore, the Ralliart trim was the first Galant to receive Mitsubishi's updated infotainment system (MMCS) featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display with GPS navigation. The Ralliart was further distinguished from other Galant trims by a unique front aero bumper, sport mesh grille, projector-style ellipsoid headlamps, two-tone bumpers and color-keyed side air dams.
This iteration of the Mitsubishi Galant only went on sale in the Middle East region for the 2007 model year, with a 2.4-liter engine and a 3.8-liter engine, imported from the United States.
Osamu Masuko, the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, indicated that the ninth generation of the Galant would be the last to be manufactured in North America, to be replaced on the MMNA production line in Illinois by smaller vehicles which are more likely to appeal to export markets.
The final Mitsubishi Galant rolled off the assembly line in the United States on August 30, 2012. The Mitsubishi Concept-ZT that was unveiled in 2007 was initially expected to become the tenth generation Galant but this never materialized.
Facelifts
2006
The Galant receives some cosmetic changes, such as an AC adapter, a standard MP3 jack and upgrades to the interior.
2007
In 2007, the Galant was restyled - the interior and exterior were refreshed and an updated infotainment system was introduced.
2009
In 2009, the Galant was restyled for a third time during this generation. The 2009 Galant launched in February 2008.
<gallery widths="200" heights="112">
File:04-06 Mitsubishi Galant.jpg|2004–2006 Mitsubishi Galant (US)
File:2007-2008 Mitsubishi Galant -- 08-16-2010.jpg|2007–2008 Mitsubishi Galant (US)
File:Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart -- 09-29-2010.jpg|2007–2008 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart (US)
File:07-08 Galant Ralliart.jpg|2007–2008 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart (US)
File:2009 Mitsubishi Galant -- NHTSA.jpg|2009–2012 Mitsubishi Galant (US)
File:Facelifted Galant (2009 MY).jpg|2009–2012 Mitsubishi Galant (US)
</gallery>
A four-cylinder Sport Edition was added for the 2009 model year. Galant Sport models include new standard factory value packages as standard. Sportronic automatic transmission is standard in all models, with a four-speed for four-cylinder engines and a five-speed for V6 engines.
East Asia
Mitsubishi also assembles and markets a Taiwan made version of the ninth-generation Galant. In Taiwan, this version is known as the Mitsubishi Grunder. Taiwan was one of the first regions outside the Americas to market the ninth generation vehicle, when the Galant Grunder was launched in December 2004 with a unique front end. It has a version of the 2.4-liter engine and four-speed automatic (INVECS-II), and comes in either SEi format or as the better equipped EXi model. It came with leather seats, remote keyless entry, eight-way power adjustment seat with variable lumbar support (driver side only), automatic climate control system, and an MP3-ready audio system. It only came in two color options; "Merlin Black" or "Excalibur Silver".
The Taiwanese-made Galant has also been sold by Soueast Motor in the People's Republic of China as the Galant since 2006. Models in China receive a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter petrol engines, each paired with an automatic transmission.
Australia
thumb|Mitsubishi 380
From 2005 to 2008, a localized version called the Mitsubishi 380 was manufactured in Australia for the Australian and New Zealand markets. No four cylinder engines were offered, the 380 being available only with the 3.8-liter 6G75 V6 with . This replaced the long-lived Magna line, and it was the last Mitsubishi car produced in Australia.
20 limited edition TMR models (Team Mitsubishi Ralliart) were made towards the end of the car's production at the Tonsley Park factory in Adelaide, running a supercharged version of the 3.8 6G75 with and .
Nameplate use with Lancer
thumb|left|The Galant Fortis at the [[Tokyo Motor Show#2007|2007 Tokyo Motor Show]]
thumb|Galant Fortis Sportback rear view
With the exception of the Lancer Evolution X, the ninth generation Lancer was marketed as the Galant Fortis (Latin for strong, brave and resolute) in the Japanese domestic market. It comes in three trim levels: Exceed, Super Exceed, and Ralliart.
Between August 2015 to August 2017, GHK Motors (Mitsubishi Brunei) offered a version of the Lancer Sportback hatchback model under the name "Galant" in Brunei. The production of this model ceased at the end of August 2017 due to poor sales. Instead of increasing Mitsubishi's popularity, it took sales away from the Lancer.
See also
- Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
References
External links
- Mitsubishi Galant at MMC's official global site