As anticipated, Mitsubishi introduced the new 2007 Galant Ralliart at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show today. Powered by a 258-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine and equipped with sport suspension, 18-inch wheels and exclusive exterior styling and interior features, the new Ralliart model spearheads the restyled Galant midsize sedan line for 2007. The new Galant models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships this summer. The revised styling of all 2007 Galant models is highlighted by a sophisticated new front-end treatment. Interior design and materials have been enhanced, and ride and handling have been refined to provide greater comfort and a more engaging driving experience. Standard side curtain air bags have been added to the comprehensive safety package, which also includes advanced front air bags with occupant sensors and front seat-mounted side-impact air bags.

“The 2007 Galant Ralliart makes a resounding statement about Mitsubishi’s “Driven to Thrill” performance and design with its a bold, modern, and a uniquely Mitsubishi interpretation of what a midsize performance sedan should be,” said Dave Schembri, executive vice president for sales and marketing for Mitsubishi Motors North America. “The Galant Ralliart shows the direction that we’re taking both the Galant — and the brand.”

The Galant Ralliart is capable of accelerating from zero-to-60 mph in about seven seconds

New Styling, New Choices

All Galant models for 2007 are identified by an updated, more sophisticated front end design featuring a new grille with chrome surround, plus a new front fascia and new bumper. The rear bumper fascia is also revised in line with the front appearance. The Galant Ralliart is distinguished by a sport mesh grille two-tone color bumpers, color-key side air dams, 18-inch alloy wheels and Ralliart badges. Its front end also stands apart from other Galant models with projector-style four-bulb ellipsoid headlamps.

With the arrival of the Galant Ralliart for 2007, the GTS model assumes a more luxury-leaning role in the lineup, in place of the previous LS model. The Galant DE and ES models are powered by a 160-hp MIVEC-enhanced 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sportonic, which enables manual shift control when desired.

Ralliart: A Complete Grand Touring Performance Package

Galant Ralliart has the heart of a high-performance GT car – the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, to be precise. Its 3.8-liter V-6 produces 258 hp at 5,700 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm, making it one of the most powerful import brand sport sedans in the segment. The Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) helps optimize power and engine efficiency across a broad engine speed range. As an example of MIVEC’s benefits, the large-displacement V-6 is already producing 220 lb.-ft. of torque at just 2,000 rpm, giving the Galant Ralliart “right now” off-the-line response.

The Galant Ralliart V-6 is matched to a new five-speed automatic transmission that features Sportronic. The GTS continues with a 230-hp version of the 3.8-liter V-6 and also gains the new five speed automatic transmission with Sportronic.

The Galant Ralliart features its own, higher-rate springs and dampers and is exclusively equipped with a 21-mm rear stabilizer bar. The Ralliart’s 235/45R-18 all-season tires are mounted to 18 x 8-inch 7-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.

Inside, Galant Ralliart combines exclusive design and luxurious equipment, including standard perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, an automatic climate control system, a power glass sunroof with sunshade and Homelink transmitter with auto- dimming rear view mirror. Aluminum pedals and Micro-delta print accent panels further distinguish the Ralliart interior.

Galant Ralliart Ready for Driving – and “Driving Music”

Mitsubishi is the first auto manufacturer to factory-install the Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system, making it standard equipment on the 2007 Galant Ralliart. This high-end audio system – one of the most advanced on the market – provides AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, including a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. The linear 8-channel amplifier produces 360 watts continuous at less than 0.02% THD. A dedicated channel drives each loudspeaker for the ultimate in sonic control. Silk dome tweeters mounted on the leading edge of the dash produce a natural multi-dimensional soundstage. Digital Signal Processing optimizes output to provide user-selectable listening environments, including “Normal,” “Studio,” “Club” and “Concert.”

The Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system is also available for Galant ES and GTS. Mitsubishi’s partnership with Rockford began in 2006 with the Rockford-Fosgate Punch audio system offered in the Eclipse coupe (and now standard in the 2007 Eclipse Spyder).
The good sounds continue in Galant Ralliart with the standard SIRIUS satellite radio package with six months’ free subscription. This package, too, is available for the ES and GTS models. A new DVD navigation system with 7-inch touch screen is available as a factory option on the Galant Ralliart and GTS models.

Galant Ralliart without the optional navigation system features a standard 4.9-inch color LCD display that provides outside temperature and a compass, as well as a trip computer with fuel mileage information, a door alarm indicator, maintenance recorder, and calendar. The display also provides an interface that allows owners to customize many of the vehicle’s interior functions.

Robust Platform for Sporty Driving

Mitsubishi designed all Galant models to provide a sporty driving experience. Tweaking the body structure for greater rigidity enhances ride and handling in all Galant models for 2007. For the Ralliart model, the enhanced structure provides the ideal base for the exclusive sport suspension tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires.

The proven MacPherson strut design front suspension system attaches to a sub-frame with a large, rigid cross member for responsive handling and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. The low-mounted, multi-link rear suspension features stiff hydro-formed cross members that minimize flex and help reduce road noise.

The Galant DE and ES models ride on standard 16-inch wheels with 215/60R16 tires; the GTS steps up to 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires. Ralliart and GTS models feature a standard tire pressure monitoring system, which is included in the optional Sport Package for the Galant ES model.

All Galant models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, with the GTS and Ralliart featuring larger front discs. The Ralliart in addition features larger rear discs. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard on all Galant models, except the DE.

Enhanced Refinement for 2007

Galant provides a roomy midsize package with 101.1 cu. ft. of passenger space and a generous 37 inches of rear legroom – more room than the MazdaSpeed 6 or Volkswagen Jetta GLI sport sedans. For 2007, new door trim, a new knit-fabric headliner, new steering wheel design and chrome trim details convey a more upscale appearance. New seat trim and color choices provide a warmer interior feeling than before.

Premium Comfort, Value

Customers can infuse the Galant ES with some of the style and comfort of the V-6 Galant models by ordering the optional Sport Package and Premium Package. The Sport Package adds head-turning style with 16-inch alloy wheels, dark bezel halogen headlamps, crystal covered ellipsoid rear lamps, and a color-keyed rear spoiler. Inside, the package equips the ES model with the Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system and the SIRIUS satellite radio package with six months free subscription.

The ES Premium Package brings in leather-trimmed seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, power glass sunroof with sunshade, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink transmitter and additional trim details. The Sun and Sound option package for the Galant GTS essentially combines those two packages and adds an anti-theft alarm.

All Galant models are built at Mitsubishi’s manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, which also builds the Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder and the Endeavor sport-utility vehicle. Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles are backed by a comprehensive new-vehicle limited warranty that covers the vehicle from bumper to bumper for five years/60,000 miles. In addition, the powertrain is covered by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited warranty, while body panels have a seven-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty.

The program also includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty-related repairs for five years/unlimited miles.

    Print This Post