Mitsubishi Galant Fortis RALLIART Released in Japan

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis RALLIART

By Brian Potter
July 12, 2008 12:00 AM
Filed Under: Japanese, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi announced the launch of the Galant Fortis RALLIART (aka Lancer Ralliart) 4WD sedan in Japan which started sales yesterday in Japan for a price tag of 2,982,000 YEN. Like the Subaru WRX is to the STi, the Lancer Ralliart is to the EVO X – a low carb version powered by a turbocharged 4B11-type 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine good for 177 kW (240 PS) @ 6000 rpm and 343 Nm @ 3000 rpm. It's not as ballistic as the 300hp EVO X but provides a dynamic driving experience for far less the price. Expected to arrive on U.S. shores this September for under $27,000, the sensible Lancer Ralliart is a huge bargain compared to the EVO X's tag of $40,000.

Source: Mitsubishi and Autoblog.com

Press Release (Click to expand)

Mitsubishi Motors announces launch of low-carb version Galant Fortis RALLIART premium sporty 4WD sedan in Japan at the

Tokyo, July 9 2008  — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces the addition of the premium sporty 4WD RALLIART trim level to the Galant Fortis sedan series. The new model raises the driving pleasure bar while retaining all the utility and comfort qualities of the base model. RALLIART comes with a price tag of \2,982,000 and goes on sale at affiliated dealership throughout Japan today.

Launched in August 2007 Galant Fortis*1 was MMC's first new sedan model in seven years. It has been well received by customers looking principally for everyday utility plus a taste of sporty performance, while the Lancer Evolution X*2 finds favor with those drivers looking to enjoy a serious sport driving experience, participation in motorsport events included. The new Galant Fortis RALLIART strikes an excellent balance between everyday driving comfort and fun-to-drive dynamic performance and as such will meet the needs and demands of a wide spectrum of customers.

*1 Lancer in markets outside Japan.
*2 Lancer Evolution in markets outside Japan.

I. Product walkaround

1. Exterior

  • The car features a unique front bumper designed to reduce air resistance. Increasing the size of the "jet-fighter" grille, an element of the MMC sedan design identity, both improves engine cooling and with the chrome treatment of its perimeter enhances the premium look to the car. The bottom edge of the bumper is designed as an air dam for improved handling and vehicle stability at higher speeds.

  • The engine hood uses a lightweight aluminum panel with an air scoop to feed the turbocharger; twin air outlets discharge heat from the engine compartment.

  • The unique rear bumper accommodates twin tail pipes. The bumper's design enhances airflow control and contributes to better straight-line stability at higher speeds.

  • The factory-fitted option rear decklid wing-spoiler generates effective downforce.

  • The grille and trunk lid carry the RALLIART emblem.

2. Interior

  • The interior uses an elegant deep black color scheme while the dashboard features an ornamentation panel comprising a geometric check pattern and silver pin beading that adds a mechanical taste and gives the cockpit a sporty, high-quality appearance.

  • The unique instrument cluster dials use matte black faces with white high-contrast graphics for excellent legibility.

  • The steering wheel and shifter knob are wrapped in luxurious genuine leather. The aluminum accelerator and brake pedals are fitted with non-slip rubber strips.

  • The front seats keep the occupant securely and comfortably positioned and use high-grip suede-knit upholstery. The shoulder bolster carries the RALLIART tag.

3. Engine

  • Galant Fortis RALLIART is powered by an intercooler-turbocharged 4B11-type 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC MIVEC*1 high-performance engine. With the focus on low- to mid-range torque, the engine uses a single-scroll turbocharger. Optimization of the cooling and exhaust systems boosts output to maxima of 177 kW (240 PS) / 6000 rpm and 343 Nm (35.0 kg-m) / 3000 rpm.

  • Galant Fortis RALLIART returns 10-15 mode combined driving pattern fuel consumption of 10.2 km/l (filed with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism), and earns a 3-star rating for emissions that are 50% better than the Japanese 2005 Emission Standards.

*1: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system

4. Transmission

  • Galant Fortis RALLIART is fitted with Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) automated manual transmission that allows the driver both the fun and economy of a manual gearbox plus the convenience and comfort of an automatic transmission. The Twin Clutch SST used on the Lancer Evolution X has been modified for Galant Fortis RALLIART with different ratios for 5th and 6th gears to give improved fuel economy in high-speed cruising on longer trips.

  • The driver has the choice of two automated shifting modes: NORMAL for maximum fuel economy and comfort in everyday driving; and SPORT with shift characteristics best suited to sportier performance.

5. Full-time 4WD system

  • Galant Fortis RALLIART uses a full-time 4WD system comprising a front helical limited slip differential, an Active Center Differential*2 and a mechanical rear LSD. These components as well as Active Stability Control*3 and Anti-lock Braking*4 are all electronically and integrally managed by Mitsubishi's vehicle dynamics control system to deliver an optimum balance between sure-footed traction and steering feel, cornering and braking performance.

  • The driver can select between three ACD modes: TARMAC for dry paved surfaces; GRAVEL for wet tarmac or loose unmade surfaces; and SNOW for snow-covered surfaces.

*2: 

Electronically regulates the speed differential between front and rear wheels and feeds optimal level of drive torque to each wheel.

*3:

Improves stability by suppressing wheel spin and sudden changes in vehicle behavior on slippery surfaces or caused by sudden steering inputs.

*4:

Retains braking and steering control by preventing wheels from locking up under emergency braking and also uses Electronic Brake force Distribution for the efficient distribution of braking power to each wheel for different road surface and vehicle load conditions.

6. Body and chassis

  • Galant Fortis RALLIART uses Mitsubishi's RISE*5 high-rigidity safety body that gives enhanced multi-directional crashworthiness in frontal, rear and side collisions. The front bumper, engine hood, fenders and cowl are designed for enhanced pedestrian protection.

  • The suspension features stiffer control arms and mountings and the use of high-rigidity cast iron trailing arms at the rear. These changes and optimization of spring rates and shock absorber damping give RALLIART sportier handling, vehicle stability and ride.

  • RALLIART uses 16-inch 2-pot caliper ventilated disc brakes at the front and with optimization of front and rear systems; delivers braking that matches its higher power output.

  • RALLIART rides on 18-inch 7JJ alloy wheels fitted with 215/45R 18 89W tires.

*5: Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution

II. Sales information

1. Available at: Mitsubishi dealerships throughout Japan

2. Manufacturer's recommended retail price (MMRP)

Trim level

Engine

Transmission

Driveline

MRRP

RALLIART

Intercooler-turbocharged
4-cyl. 2.0-liter 16-valve
DOHC MIVEC

Twin Clutch SST

Full-time 4WD

\2,982,000

N.B. Prices exclusive of recycling surcharge, insurance, taxes (but inclusive of consumption tax) and registration costs.

Comments

BabyMilo
July 12, 2008 4:44 AM
y is it only these sort of cars get released in japan???

_M7_
July 12, 2008 5:14 AM
WCF you are wrong every one know this car as Lancer, EVERY ONE! its just another name to look more calmed down or somthing like that

pzigly
July 12, 2008 7:37 AM
Its called a gallant in japan. Just like the Acura TL is a honda accord everywhere else

BrianWCF
July 12, 2008 11:19 AM
M7, you should really read the story first before commenting...

w00d00
July 15, 2008 6:15 PM
stupid asshole

boondoc001
July 12, 2008 5:43 AM
Milo it is comin to the US market as the Lancer Ralliart and if ur in europe it will be there too also as a Sportback/hatchback model. and M7 what are u talkin about they said "...Galant Fortis RALLIART (aka Lancer Ralliart)...." Did u not see "Lancer" and if u knew anything in Japan it is known as the Galant Fortis. There is even a whole article of this website about it. Its call research u should try it. Anyways cant wait til it hits US shores hopefully next model year they have a manual.

Tuner_Mad
July 12, 2008 10:45 AM
Aww, they got better tailights in Japan.

Subaru have taken a turn for the worse turning their Impreza into a boring and ugly hatch. If they are continue like this, they should just give up. Stands no chance against the New Lancer.

Xanavi23
July 12, 2008 3:33 PM
I really like the Lancer Ralliart, Mitsu is very smart because ever since the Evo came over, it never had a WRX fighter, it was only Evo versus STi. Now Mitsu can compete a little lower in the sedan market. I really like the car, its worth thinking about buying for anybody looking at this pricepoint. I wish we would also get a Ralliart Sportback hatch. that would be sexy.

pzigly
July 12, 2008 8:54 PM
They have the Galant to do that though. This car is in the middle of no where. If it gets put up against a Altima or Accord its gonna be killed (room and tech wise). If it gets put up against a civic Si or a sentra SE-R, its gonna kill them. The only competition is the regular WRX and it sucks this yr.

pzigly
July 12, 2008 9:05 PM
Scratch that last comment about the WRX sucks. It just doesnt look as good.

Xanavi23
July 12, 2008 10:11 PM
None the less, this particular models only competition is the WRX, HHR, MazdaSpeed3 etc. However thats its purpose in life, to take on those cars and to introduce a new segment of buyers to the Lancer Evo derived models. The Galant takes on family sedans like the Accord, and Camry etc.

This is a sports sedan like the WRX Sedan. It will fit and Mitsubishi will make money.

pzigly
July 13, 2008 12:35 AM
O ya dont get me wrong it is a nice car, but im not sure it will make money because it has a 27k price tag on it. I hope that goes down to like 22-$24k because unless you really want this car, a wrx is 23-$24k

Xanavi23
July 13, 2008 7:57 AM
Yea thats true, they should shoot for low20s to compete well against the STi, so they can get more people than just the Evo/Mitsu fans.

Xanavi23
July 15, 2008 7:46 PM
*The Ralliart Lancer should be priced at low 20s to compete against the WRX i meant ***

radmeister
July 13, 2008 2:25 PM
I thought the gallant was the big sedan with the 3.8L V6?

AG4
July 13, 2008 10:24 PM
There is no Galant in the current Japanese Mitsubishi lineup. The all-new Lancer is sold as the "Galant Fortis" in Japan, the only new Lancer model to carry the "Lancer" name in Japan is the "Lancer Evolution X".

quilla_b
July 14, 2008 10:42 AM
it looks like an audi...

qwerty-acme
July 17, 2008 9:03 AM
too square, too aggressive.

View Comment Rules

Add Comment

You are modifying your comment

Exisiting User

Username
Password
remember me

New Users

Username
Email
Password
Comment

Your account

username
password

Other links