Mitsubishi Motors Introduces All-New 1999 Galant at Chicago Auto Show
9 February 1998
Mitsubishi Motors Introduces All-New 1999 Galant at Chicago Auto Show; Stylish, American-Built Mid-Size Sedan Goes on Sale This Summer
CHICAGO, Feb. 9 -- Mitsubishi Motors' 1999 Galant mid-size
sedan makes its world debut at the 1998 Chicago Auto Show. The all-new
Galant, which will go on sale this summer, is a stylish departure from the
look-alike sedans currently on the market. With a suspension tuned for
precise handling and the choice of a muscular 4-cylinder or newly available V6
engine, Galant is poised to have the performance to back up its sleek
appearance.
"The all-new Galant is a spirited performance sedan dedicated to the
enjoyment of its driver," said Pierre Gagnon, executive vice president and
chief operating officer for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA).
"The fact that this stylish car happens to be a roomy, dependable sedan is a
benefit for families, business people and others requiring the convenience of
a four-door vehicle."
Sleek, Stylish Design
Perhaps the most striking element of the all-new Galant is its exterior
styling. Slightly longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces, the
1999 Galant has a highly distinctive design that stands out in a crowd of
generic sedans.
Galant's bold grille, chiseled fenders, sweeping roofline and tailored
rear is at once reminiscent of Mitsubishi Motors' own flagship Diamante luxury
performance sedan, while also defining a unique look that is all Galant.
Keeping wind resistance and noise to a minimum, this five-passenger sedan is
extremely aerodynamic with a low 0.29 coefficient of drag that tops many
sports cars.
The front and rear styling, as well as Galant's interior, were developed
specifically for the United States at the Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America
(MRDA) design center in Southern California. The all-new Galant will be built
at Mitsubishi Motors' manufacturing facility in Normal, Ill.
Fun-to-Drive Performance
Galant's 2.4-liter, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine has increased horsepower
with significantly more torque than the current model. Mitsubishi Motors says
it has taken considerable steps to make this powerplant, which already sets a
standard for its lack of vibration, even smoother and quieter than before.
And, for the first time, Galant will be available with a 3.0-liter,
24-valve V6. This powertrain is expected to compare quite favorably to the
horsepower and torque of the V6 engines currently available in Galant's
mid-size competition.
Both Galant engines have been specifically tuned and modified to improve
acceleration and passing ability, which are important considerations for U.S.
buyers.
The 1999 Galant has a new 4-speed automatic transmission with a unique
adaptive program that tailors the shift points to the habits of the driver.
As a result, the transmission is more responsive to driver's needs, has
smoother shifts, and is more economical.
Precise Handling, Comfortable Ride
To continue the fun-to-drive development theme, Mitsubishi Motors'
engineers provided the Galant with precise, confident handling along with a
comfortable ride for passengers. Its four-wheel independent suspension was,
in fact, tuned specifically for North American driving characteristics.
A MacPherson strut front suspension -- exclusive to the North American
version of Galant -- improves straight-line stability and handling response.
Galant's rear multi-link suspension design has been improved and is mounted to
a more rigid crossmember to improve stability.
For buyers who want an even higher level of fun-to-drive performance,
Mitsubishi Motors will offer a sporty model with even tighter suspension
tuning, an aggressive 16-inch alloy wheel design, a rear spoiler and special
interior and exterior styling features.
Luxurious Yet Driver-Oriented Interior
Designers at Mitsubishi Motors' Southern California studio developed the
interior as an extension of the all-new Galant's fun-to-drive performance.
Controls and full instrumentation are placed conveniently around the driver,
while the audio system and climate controls are also easily accessed by the
front passenger. The dash has been mounted lower than in earlier generations
of the Galant, providing a greater outward view, as well as a more open feel
to the interior.
Galant's interior also takes design cues from the most expensive luxury
performance cars. The seats, covered in high quality fabric or leather trim,
are specially designed for comfort -- whether running errands or driving
cross-country. In addition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and tasteful
woodgrain accents on the instrument panel and door panels continue the luxury
feel.
All-New Safety Features
In addition to driver and front passenger air bags, the 1999 Galant will
be Mitsubishi Motors' first car in the United States with available front side
air bags to help protect the front passengers in the event of a side impact.
Combined with an advanced chassis design that specifically absorbs the force
created in a crash, as well as new padding and energy absorbing interior
materials, the 1999 Galant provides an added level of safety to help protect
its passengers from injury.
Popular Features, High Value
The all-new Galant has features, equipment and thoughtful details that
will exceed the expectations of today's car buyers. In addition to standard
air conditioning and power windows and door locks, every Galant model will be
equipped with fog lights, dual lighted vanity mirrors, front and rear
cupholders, two 12-volt accessory outlets and a remote keyless entry system.
Pricing for the 1999 Galant has not been released, although it is expected
to be very competitive, offering added value over other mid-size sedans.
Purposefully Planned, Intently Executed
Gagnon noted the 1999 Galant is one of the most thoroughly test-marketed
and purposefully planned cars Mitsubishi Motors has introduced to the United
States.
"We asked consumers what kind of car they wanted for the new millennium,
and the results showed a significant number of buyers need room for
passengers, but don't want a mini-van, the bulk of a large sport utility
vehicle, or the average, boring four-door," Gagnon added. "Consumers'
descriptions of a roomy, dependable car that also performs with style and
class have been realized in the 1999 Galant."
Stylish Car, Stylish Introduction
The 1999 Galant was introduced at this year's 90th annual Chicago Auto
Show through a unique, public reveal that was televised nationally on WGN and
MotorWeek. Mitsubishi Motors entertained consumers with a specially
choreographed fashion show that focused on the integral relationship of style
and color to both the fashion industry and automotive design. The finale of
the fashion show was the reveal of the all-new Galant, which the automaker
said will be this season's hottest model for the company.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles,
including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles.
SOURCE Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.
