Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart Concept

Galants aren't supposed to slalom at 69 mph. They don't run the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds at 98.5 mph and can't do Motor Trend's figure-eight in 25.7 seconds. And no Galant behaves like an Evo.

But this one does. Built in-house at Mitsubishi Research and Design America, the Galant Ralliart Concept was still just a sketch six months before making its debut at the SEMA aftermarket trade show in Las Vegas. This is no turntable toy, however; it's a true factory tuner.

Under its Ralliart Orange skin lies a high-output 3.8-liter, 260-horsepower MIVEC V-6, backed by a six-speed manual--the same engine and trans that'll power the new Eclipse. MIVEC, techno/marketing speak for Mitsubishi's variable valve timing, is the only main difference between this 3.8 and the stock Galant V-6. But what a difference: The new heads add 30 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque. While most of the work was done, and the car constructed, at MRDA, a few things were taken care of by other companies, like the race-quality custom coil-over-spring suspension designed by Road Race Engineering.

Why tunerize the Galant, a bread-and-butter sedan? Says Robert Burns, the Galant Ralliart's designer, "The car's been well received by the press, but the public hasn't really taken notice of it, and, as good as it is, that's unfortunate." By showing its performance potential, the company has the opportunity to open some eyes. Possible expansion of the well-received Ralliart brand is another motive. It all makes sense--something for the Evo guy who has a family or needs a larger car, but still wants a performer.