Mitsubishi Galant

A Legend that Lives On

In December, 1969, the very first Galant customer drove his new car out of the dealership and into history. Today, more than 28 years later, the now legendary Galant has won the highest praise from customers, the media as well as motorsports fans around the world. This popularity has translated into sales of nearly 4.9 millions units to date worldwide. Throughout each generation, Mitsubishi engineers have built from one strength to the next to keep the Galant ahead of the pack. The Galant today is renowned for its sophistication in styling, superb performance, total passenger comfort and the integration of the latest automotive technologies -- all characteristics which have come to symbolize the series through 8 generations.

The 1st generation Colt Galant was released in 1969. Its exterior design was derived from the aerodynamically advanced dynawedge line which was a revolutionary concept for vehicles in Japan at the time. The 1300cc AI series attained a top speed of 150km/h, the 1500cc AII 160km/h and the 1500cc AIII 175km/h making for breathtaking performance.

The Colt Galant 2-door Hardtop, introduced to the market in 1970 was stylish and aerodynamic in design. It was the first passenger vehicle in Japan to have full side windows without central pillars.

1970 saw the release of yet another model. The Colt Galant GTO represented the synthesis of the dynawedge, ducktail and tumble form. The GTO was powered by the new Saturn engine. The MR model adopted a 1,600cc, twin carburetor, DOHC version with a power output of 125ps.

In 1973 Galant saw its first full model change. The performance oriented AIIGS model featured a 2-liter Astron engine with a maximum output of 125ps. Like the AIIGS model, the 2nd generation Galant Hardtop released the same year also adopted the Astron engine. The Astron engine equipped in the hardtop model featured dual single barrel carburetors and an advanced crossflow combustion chamber. In 1975, the GTO model incorporated Mitsubishi's own unique Silent Shaft technology. This technology has been licensed out to several other automobile manufacturers offering V8 smoothness and quietness to engines with smaller configurations.

The stylish 3rd generation Galant released in 1976 featured a dynamic new beltline and ergonomically designed driver's area for enhanced operation and comfort. This Galant incorporated the MCA-Jet engine which set new industry records for anti-pollution. In 1981, this model was named Car of the Year in New Zealand.

The Lambda (Mitsubishi Sapporo) introduced in 1976 featured a new slant nose design, all around aerodynamic styling and a refined interior environment.

The 4th generation Galant which began production in 1980 offered two new engines. The Sirius engine series incorporated such high technology features as the ECI (Electronic Controlled Injection) and turbocharger. The new Astron 2300 Turbo Diesel was the first turbocharged diesel engine for passenger vehicles in Japan. The aerodynamically advanced new generation Lambda (Mitsubishi Sapporo) offered superior response and driving performance.

The 5th generation Galant, introduced in 1983 adopted a front-wheel drive format for improved on road performance as well as allowing for increased interior space and fuel economy. Of course its good looks and class leading performance further continued the winning tradition. This Galant incorporated the ECS (Electronic Controlled Suspension) and the EPS (Electronic Controlled Power Steering) which represent Mitsubishi's emerging approach to creating vehicles of superb operational ease and passenger safety through computer operated control of selected vehicle operations. The 5th generation Galant was honored with Germany's coveted "Golden Steering Wheel Award" in 1985.

1987 saw the release of the 6th generation Galant featuring sleek organic sculpted styling. Integrated technology reached new heights with Dynamic Four which featured 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, 4-wheel ABS as well as an active electronic controlled suspension. Among the coveted awards won by the 6th generation Galant were the "Japanese Car of the Year" award in 1987 and the "Import Car of the Year" award from the prestigious Motor Trend magazine of the U.S. in 1989. The Galant VR-4's performance was proven in motorsports with many WRC and APRC (Asia-Pacific Rally Championship) victories.

The Eterna (Mitsubishi Galant 5-door Hatchback) released in 1988 was specially designed for the European markets and proved to be very popular.

The Eterna Sava was a hardtop model designed specifically for the Japanese market.

In 1992, the 7th generation Galant was launched. Its improved aerodynamics and the All Wheel Control features -- including INVECS, a Fuzzy Shift 4 A/T and the Fuzzy TCL -- made the 7th generation Galant a smooth, quiet performer indeed. The Eterna (Galant 5-door Hatchback) also underwent a full model change and the Emeraude, a new hardtop model was introduced for the Japanese market.

The 8th generation to bear the name Galant was introduced in 1996 and the Legnum (Galant Station Wagon) was born. The all new Galant series boasts class leading style and performance -- qualities which attracted that first customer, and which have drawn so many since. The latest lineup incorporates the super efficient GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine and integrates the newly developed AYC (Active Yaw Control) and ASC (Active Stability Control) all-wheel control systems. The new Galant, in fact, is already making history by being chosen to receive the "1996-97 Car of the Year Japan" award, the most prestigious automotive award in Japan.