Saturday, February 2, 2008

The New Mitsubishi Galant

MITSUBISHI SHOWCASES NEW 2009 GALANT AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

Mitsubishi will showcase its new 2009 Galant midsize sedan at the Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. Presenting expressive new styling, new user technology and a new value standard, the 2009 Galant brings Mitsubishi performance and character to the highly competitive midsize segment. The 2009 Galant arrives at Mitsubishi dealers in February.

The introduction of the new 2009 Galant follows a rise in Mitsubishi's 2007 sales (+9% over 2006) along with a line of major new model launches. Building on the success of the all-new Lancer launched in spring 2007 and the all-new Outlander crossover SUV, Mitsubishi introduced the high-performance 2008 Lancer Evolution that arrived in dealerships in late January.

The 2009 Galant line offers four distinct trim levels and three performance levels, providing the wide array of choices that midsize buyers seek. The performance-tuned Galant Ralliart tops the line, which for 2009 also includes the 4-cylinder ES, the new 4-cylinder Sport Edition, and the V-6 Sport. The 2009 Galant Sport models integrate new standard factory value packages that add a long roster of premium equipment at a substantial savings over what those features would have cost separately. As a result, the 2009 Galant Sport models offer a significant $1,000+ MSRP value advantage over comparably equipped competitive midsize models.

Further enhancing value, all 2009 Galant models come standard with a Sportronic® automatic transmission – a 4-speed with the 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed with the two V-6 engines. Sportronic allows manual shift control for a more engaging driving experience.

The Galant midsize sedans, along with the Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder sports models and the Endeavor crossover SUV, are all built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill. One of the industry's most flexible assembly plants, the Mitsubishi manufacturing facility is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary of vehicle production in 2008.

Performance and Top Safety in One Package

At the top of the Galant line, the Ralliart model is powered by a 258-hp 3.8-liter MIVEC V-6 engine and equipped with a 5-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, plus special Ralliart-tuned sport suspension, new 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive exterior styling. A 160-hp 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine, teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic, powers the Galant ES and Sport Edition models. The new Sport V-6 model exclusively features a smooth, responsive 230-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine.

Four-cylinder Galant models sold in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont are certified as Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicles (PZEV). That means that they not only meet the ultra-stringent California Super Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) standard but also have zero evaporative emissions from the fuel system and come with an extended (15 years or 150,000 miles) warranty on emission-control components. The PZEV-certified Galant has just slightly less rated power output – 155 hp compared to 160 for the federally certified model. PZEV-certified vehicles can also be purchased in states neighboring those with the requirement.

The Galant's rigid body structure sets the stage for responsive handling and a sporty driving experience, balanced by a smooth, quiet ride. The proven MacPherson strut design front suspension attaches to a sub-frame featuring a large, rigid cross member. The low-mounted, multi-link rear suspension features stiff hydro-formed cross members that minimize flex and help reduce road noise inside the cabin.

All Galant models come standard with a high level of safety technology, including anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side front and rear curtain airbags.

Galant Sport V-6 and Ralliart are both equipped with standard traction control that helps prevent wheel spin by monitoring and controlling the speed of each front drive wheel. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), standard on all Galant models, can immediately alert the driver to a sudden loss or change in tire pressure.

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