Mitsubishi debuts Ralliart rocket
Could this be the image leader Mitsubishi Australia needs to boost lacklustre sales of its 380 sedan?Unveiled at the recent Chicago Auto Show, this warmed-over Ralliart model is the new spearhead of the US Galant line-up. (Galant is the name by which Americans know the 380)
Apart from the obvious visual tweaks, the most significant upgrade for the Ralliart flagship is the insertion of a MIVEC (Mitsu's acronym for variable valve timing) V6 engine that boosts power and torque to 190kW and 350Nm respectively. Drive is channeled to the front wheels by a five-speeed automatic transmission with Sportronic sequential shift mode.
Complementing the fettled powertrain are higher-rate springs and dampers and a 21mm rear stabiliser bar. The Ralliart's 235/45R-18 all-season tyres are wrapped around 18x8-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels.
Mitsubishi claims the Galant Ralliart can bolt from rest to 100km/h in around seven seconds, which is on par with the likes of the Ford Falcon XR6 and Holden Commodore SV6. What's more, the MIVEC technology is said to boost low-down grunt, with nearly 300Nm on tap from just 2000rpm.
Externally, the Galant Ralliart is distinguished by a unique front aero bumper, sport mesh grille projector-style ellipsoid headlamps, two-tone bumpers and colour-keyed side air dams.
Inside, Galant Ralliart scores perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, an automatic climate control system, a power glass sunroof with sunshade and auto-dimming rear view mirror. Aluminium pedals and Micro-delta print accent panels add to the sporting theme.
Audiophiles will be pleased to know that the Galant Ralliart also comes with a Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system with MP3 playback capability, six-disc in-dash CD changer, a linear eight-channel 360-watt amplifier, eight speakers in six locations, and Digital Signal Processing.
No word yet on whether Mitsubishi Australia plans to offer a similarly specced 380 locally, but here's hoping…
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