2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart Preview

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Introduction

Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart -- 2007 Preview: Even grown-ups need to have fun. And many of us like to get our quota of smiles by driving a car. Trouble is, as we grow up, our needs from daily transport expand. It's no longer enough to drive just anything that flies, we've got to have comfort, don't want to offend the neighbors, yet still want to feel alive when the light goes green and there's open road ahead. Plus - cops don't notice cars like the 2007 Galant Ralliart, which was introduced at the recent 2006 Chicago Auto Show. That's a big part of the reason why such cars are popular: these tweaked but conservative sedans make for great sleepers, wonderful rides that fly below the radar and give our daily commutes a little spice. The Galant makes for the perfect sleeper, in fact. After all, who is ever going to believe that a Galant just smoked 'em?

What it Is

The 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart spearheads the introduction of a freshened Galant for Mitsubishi, taking its place at the top of the trim ladder. Changes to the regular Galant are mainly front-end styling and interior upgrades. The Ralliart version, however, is new and long-promised. Powered by a 258 horsepower (at 5,700 rpm), 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 258 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, Mitsubishi says the Ralliart will get to 60 mph in about seven seconds. This, by the way, is the same engine that powers the new Eclipse GT. According to Mitsubishi execs at the Chicago Show, the Galant Ralliart will get a price tag below the Nissan Altima SE-R, and will be available this summer - along with the updated mainstream Mitsubishi Galants.

Why it Matters

As the standard-bearer of a struggling automaker's mainstream family sedan, the Galant Ralliart is crucial in setting the stage for a warm welcome of the revised Galant. The Galant is not all-new, after all, so the Ralliart must put a little spice into the image of a sedan that has had trouble staying relevant in the ultra-competitive midsize market. With a low price (lower than the Altima SE-R), a rockin' stereo, and a zippy engine most enthusiasts already know about and approve of, the Ralliart model stands an excellent chance to help Mitsubishi sell more copies of its namesake.

What's Under the Hood

As the performance variant of an existing, mainstream sedan, the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is a bit of an odd bird. It's powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that makes 258 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of twist at 4,500 rpm, but Mitsubishi decided to forego a manual gearbox, opting instead for its new five-speed automatic. It's strange that a performance car doesn't give drivers the option of working a clutch. The powertrain will take the Galant Ralliart to 60 mph in around seven seconds, according to Mitsubishi, which is slower than the Altima SE-R - that particular fun machine gets to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. Also according to Mitsubishi: the Galant Ralliart will create 220 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm, making life off the line quite fun. Additional changes include suspension enhancements such as higher-rate springs, stiffer dampers and a large rear stabilizer bar, all attached to 18-inch wheels.

What's Inside

It's all about the noise, bubba, the sound of the engine and the sound of your own tunes, cranking out of Mitsubishi's Rockford Acoustic Design audio system. Yeah, the Galant Ralliart has all the performance trimmings you expect, like leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and aluminum pedals. But so what - what's special about the inside of this Galant is the noise that comes out. The sound system features MP3 capability, wired to an eight-channel amplifier that produces 360 continuous watts of power. The Rockford system also features Digital Signal Processing, which optimizes output and provides a choice between "Normal," "Studio," "Club," and "Concert." Other standard features include a Sirius satellite radio package with a free six-month subscription.

What it Looks Like

Well - it looks like a Galant. Good or bad, it is what it is, though the front end has been restyled and improved, with a new grille and front fascia. All Galants get the change, and the Ralliart also gets a mesh grille and two-tone bumpers, color-keyed side skirts, 18-inch alloy wheels, and Ralliart badges.

What We Think

It's simple: 258 horsepower is always nice, as is 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Add to it a rockin' stereo and 18-inch wheels in a sleeper design wearing a low price tag, and we'll take it for a spin. Or two. Whether or not the Galant Ralliart can get more bums behind the wheel of the regular Galant, however, remains to be seen, though it stands an excellent chance of injecting a little excitement into the Mitsubishi brand in the minds of thirty-something sedan shoppers.

When You Can Buy It

Coming this summer to a dealer near you, pricing has not been released for the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart, though company executives say it will be less than the Nissan Altima SE-R.

Key Specs

Engine Size and Type: 3.8-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 258 horsepower at 5,700 rpm
Engine Torque: 258 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic with Sportronic mode
190.4 inches
72.4 inches
108.3 inches
57.9 inches
13 cu.-ft.
Max. Seating Capacity: 5
Competitors: Acura TSX, Chevrolet Malibu SS, Dodge Charger, Honda Accord EX V6, Mazda Mazdaspeed 6, Nissan Altima SE-R, Pontiac G6 GTP, Subaru Legacy GT, Toyota Camry SE V6, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S40 2.5T