Mitsubishi i

Mitsubishi i
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	2006–present
Assembly	Mizushima plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Class	Kei car
Body style(s)	5-door hatchback
Layout	Mid-engine, rear-/four-wheel drive
Platform	Mitsubishi MR platform
Engine(s)	659 cc DOHC MIVEC 12v I3
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,550 mm (100.4 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Curb weight	890–900 kg (1960–1985 lb)
Fuel capacity	35 l (7.7 imp gal/9.2 US gal)
Designer	Olivier Boulay

The Mitsubishi i (三菱・i, Mitsubishi i^?) is a kei car from Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors, first released in January 2006,twenty eight months after its debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.It is the first four door automobile since the 1960s to employ a "rear midship" setup with the engine behind the passengers, in an attempt to improve safety and interior space without enlarging the overall exterior.

The innovative layout and styling of the i proved an immediate critical and commercial success, exceeding Mitsubishi's initial sales targets by 20 percent and winning thirteen awards in its first year. Although designed with the Japanese keijidōsha light automobile class in mind, the attention it generated led to its subsequent introduction in right hand drive markets in Asia, Oceania and Europe. It is also speculated to be the basis of the battery electric vehicle Mitsubishi has timetabled for introduction in 2010.

Concepts: i, Se-Ro

The 2003 Mitsubishi "i" Concept debuted the car's striking exterior.

Two prototypes were exhibited during the car's development. The first was the "i" Concept, which debuted at the 60th Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003, and previewed the car's striking exterior. Motoring journalists were quick to seize on the distinctive silhouette, calling it "a very good egg", and a "crystal ball" with which to see the future of Mitsubishi. One reviewer even speculated it to be an allusion by the vehicle's French-born designer Olivier Boulay to the Renault 4CV, France's popular post-war "people's car" with which the i shared its four seat, rear-engined layout.Its styling was formally lauded when the i won the Grand Prize at the 50th anniversary Good Design Awards from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in October 2006, the first kei car to win the award.

Explaining the choice of name, the company claimed that "i" could represent the owner (I, the nominative personal pronoun) as an encouragement to personal expression, or innovation, intelligence and imagination, keywords in the car's development.It was also a play on the Japanese word for love, pronounced /ai/.

The 2003 Mitsubishi Se-Ro concept, which introduced the 660 cc engine used in the production version of the i.

The "i" Concept was powered by a 999 cc powerplant with the company's Mitsubishi Smart Idling (MSI) system, which turns off the engine automatically when the vehicle is stationary, and can restart it within 0.2 seconds. So equipped, Mitsubishi claimed the car was capable of fulfilling the "three litre initiative" for gasoline engines, meaning fuel consumption of no more than 3.0 litres per 100 kilometres (94.2 mpg, 78.4 U.S. mpg).

The second prototype, called the Se-Ro and exhibited at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, previewed the production model's more conventional mechanical underpinnings, despite having a more radical appearance which bore little resemblance to the final design.Instead, its polished aluminium body was styled to resemble a zeppelin or airship. The aviation theme continued with the name; Se-Ro, short for "secret room", was a veiled reference to the Mitsubishi Zero fighter aircraft of World War II.

Technical details

Body and dimensions

A lightweight aluminium space frame structure and a rear-engined layout allowed Mitsubishi to incorporate a larger front crumple zone, in order to meet current safety legislation requirements without compromising interior space.With no powertrain in front of the driver, the designers were able to shorten the front overhang and lengthen the wheelbase to 2550 millimetres (100.4 in), giving greater legroom for passengers than many comparable kei cars whose wheelbase is typically 130–190 millimetres (5.1–7.5 in) less. The downside of this design was a reduction in cargo-carrying capacity, which was necessarily compromised by the engine's location in the rear.

The engine of the i as seen in cutaway, behind the rear seats and under the floor of the rear hatch storage area, just ahead of the rear axle.

Drivetrain

The i has a "rear-midship" engine mounted just ahead of the rear axle, a highly unusual configuration in a small car where front-engine design has dominated since the 1970s. The 3B20 three cylinder powerplant has an aluminium cylinder block, a displacement of 659 cubic centimetres, and incorporates double overhead camshafts with MIVEC variable valve timing in the cylinder head. Initially only an intercooled and turbocharged engine was offered, until a naturally aspirated version was introduced for 2007.A four-speed automatic gearbox transmits power to the rear or all four wheels, depending on specification.

Two Mitsubishi i kei cars photographed together in Japan. The silver i is a dealer model for customers to test drive.

Suspension, brakes and tires

MacPherson struts are used in the front suspension, and an unusual three-link De Dion tube/Watt's linkage is used in the rear.Front discs with anti-lock braking (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) are standard across the range.In common with many other mid- or rear-engined vehicles its fifteen inch wheels have uneven-sized tires, 145/65 on the fronts and wider 175/55 on the rears, in an effort to minimise the chances of oversteer caused by the rear-biased weight distribution.

Specifications

Three individual models, or grades, were available on the car's release in 2006; S, M, and G, in ascending order of price. They all shared the same five-door hatchback body style and turbocharged engine, but offered differing levels of options and standard equipment. In 2007 the base S model was given the new naturally aspirated powerplant, and was positioned below the two new grades, L and LX, whose engine it shared.

Model/grade	Engine	Peak power	Peak torque
S (2007)	3B20 659 cc, DOHC, MIVEC	38 kW (52 PS) at 7000 rpm	57 N·m (42 ft·lbf) at 4000 rpm
L
LX
S (2006)	3B20T 659 cc, DOHC, MIVEC, turbocharger	42–48 kW (57–65 PS) at 6000 rpm	85–95 N·m (62–70 ft·lbf) at 3000 rpm
M
G

Domestic and international markets

Mass production began at the company's Mizushima plant in Kurashiki, Okayama, in December 2005, before it was released for sale on January 24, 2006.Priced from ¥1,281,000 to ¥1,617,000, Mitsubishi initially aimed for 5,000 cars per month within the domestic market, and managed to exceed its target in its first month by over 1,000. By the end of 2006, approximately 37,000 had been sold. The company has already exported the i to Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, where like Japan they drive on the left, and introduced it to the United Kingdom on July 1, 2007, with a price of UK£9,000 and a target of 300 sales per year.

Annual production and sales

Fiscal year	Production	Sales
		Japan	Overseas
2005	19,705	16,105	1
2006	31,725	29,498	454

Special editions

The unique Hello Kitty edition of the Mitsubishi i, which was on public display in Tokyo for one week before being auctioned for charity.

A battery electric Mitsubishi i MiEV.

From July 25–31, 2006 the company displayed a unique Mitsubishi i Hello Kitty edition at the Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district. Based on the two-wheel drive G model, it had a pink paint scheme with co-ordinated interior, "Princess Kitty" decals on the doors and windows, a ribbon decal on the roof, and themed headrests with small, feline ears. The car, which was described as "the most quintessentially Japanese car...ever" for fusing two of the country's cultural icons—Hello Kitty and keijidōsha—was eventually sold in a charity auction on behalf of UNICEF. Other limited production models include the i Play edition, a run of 3,000 cars only available in white or black, and featuring a dashboard-mounted slot for an iPod nano,and 100 of the i Kurashiki edition with faux denim upholstery, to be sold at a single Mitsubishi dealership in Kurashiki, Okayama, the prefecture where the bulk of Japan's domestic blue jeans manufacturers are located. 1st Anniversary special editions based on the L and M grades were also introduced in early 2007 to commemorate the car's first year on sale.

Mitsubishi has given the i a prominent role in the company's alternative propulsion research projects, developing a version using their MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) technology in 2006 and exhibited at the 22nd International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exposition in Yokohama. MMC provided three power companies with vehicles in 2006 and 2007 in order to evaluate how a "fast-charge" infrastructure might be developed for electric vehicles. Fleet testing by five power companies was conducted later in 2007,with a view to future public sales between 2008 and 2010.

Awards

The i won the 2007 Car of the Year award from the Japanese Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference (RJC), and two other "Car of the Year" awards, from the Carview Corporation website and the Consumer's Choice.It also won the "Most Advanced Technology" Special Achievement Award at the 2006–07 Japan Car of the Year awards, where it was nominated unsuccessfully in the overall Car of the Year category, ranked first in the Japan Mini-Car Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study published by J.D. Power Asia Pacific in October 2006, with a higher score than any previous winner,Aside from the 2006 Good Design Grand Prix, its style won Design Awards from the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame (JAHFA), and the magazines Popeye and Car Styling.

Mitsubishi Henry J

The Henry J was an American automobile built by Kaiser-Frazer Corporation and named after its chairman, Henry J. Kaiser. Production of six cylinder models began in July, 1950, and four cylinder production started shortly after Labor Day, 1950. Official public introduction was September 28, 1950.

The car was the brainchild of Henry J. Kaiser, who sought to increase sales of his Kaiser automotive line by adding a car that could be built inexpensively and thus affordable for the average American in the same vein that Henry Ford produced the Model T. The project also included a lot of government "designing" as various provisions of the 1949 government loan to Kaiser-Frazer specified various particulars of the vehicle. Kaiser-Frazer would be in violation of the loan terms unless the car in its base form retailed (including Federal tax and retail delivery preparation charge) for no more than $1,300.00. It had to seat at least five adults, it had to be available for retail sale no later than September 30, 1950, and had to be capable of going at least 50 miles per hour for sustained periods of time.

To accomplish this, the Henry J was designed to carry the fewest possible components, and built from the fewest number of parts. To save body stamping costs, early Henry Js did not have rear trunk lids; owners had to access the trunk by folding down the rear seat. Another cost saving measure was to offer the car only as a two-door sedan with fixed rear windows. Also lacking in the basic version were glovebox, armrests, passenger side inside sun visor and flow-through ventilation.

Power for the Henry J was delivered by a four-cylinder 68 hp engine; later models were available with an L-head six cylinder 80 hp engine. Engines were supplied by Willys-Overland; the four cylinder motor was the same engine used in the CJ-3 series Jeeps with only slight modifications to component parts; the block and internal components were interchangeable with the CJ-3 jeep.

In 1952, Kaiser began selling rebadged Henry Js through Sears, under the nameplate of Allstate. Allstates were nearly identical to Henry Js but carried a unique grille, hood ornament, hubcaps, identification badges and interior trim, and Allstate-brand tires and batteries. After two years of disappointing sales, Sears dropped the car. The car was also available in Japan from 1951 to 1954, through a licensing deal with East Japan Heavy-Industries, part of the Mitsubishi group.^[1]

The Henry J proved to be a disappointment for Kaiser. While the Henry J was priced low, a Chevrolet 150 could be bought for a few dollars more, and the price included operating rear windows and a trunk lid. The Chevy, Ford and other "low priced" competitors were also larger cars, offering more interior room. Kaiser-Frazer started offering the deck lid as part of an "Accessory Group" (preferred equipment group) during the 1951 model year, and a variety of other dress-up items but major advertising still focused on operating costs at a time when gas was unrationed and at about 27 cents a gallon. Sales declined each year the car was marketed. While the Henry J was inexpensive for consumers, its manufacturing and labor costs were high. Henry J. Kaiser had hoped to make a profit through volume; however, the cars' slow sales negated his plan.

While sales of the Nash's compact Rambler were successful, it was partly because Nash marketed it as an accessory-loaded convertible. The Henry J was a plainly-trimmed two-door sedan; consumers understood the difference between "inexpensive" and "cheap" and they perceived the Henry J in a negative fashion.

With the acquisition of Willys-Overland's vehicle operations in early 1953 by the Kaiser Manufacturing Company division of Kaiser-Frazer (the division changed its name at that time to Willys Motors, Incorporated), management decided to discontinue the car at the end of the 1953 model year. Efforts to "fire sale" remaining vehicles were unsuccessful, resulting in an abbreviated run of Henry J automobiles by Kaiser Motors (Kaiser-Frazer got a corporate name change in May 1953) as 1954 models, using up more of the incomplete 1953 models scattered around the Willow Run, Michigan factory.

Frank Zappa recalls in his autobiography the torment and horror of travelling cross-country sitting on the bench-like rear seat of a Henry J (he called it an "ironing board from hell") in the 1950's.

Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi Galant
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	1969–present
Assembly	Okazaki, Aichi (1969–2006) Normal, Illinois (1993–present)
Class	Compact (1969–98) Mid-size (1996–present)
Body style(s)	Sedan Hatchback Wagon

The Mitsubishi Galant is an automobile manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors since 1969. The name was derived from the French word galant, meaning "chivalrous".There have been nine distinct generations, and cumulative sales now exceed five million.It began as a compact sedan, but over the course of its life has evolved into a larger mid-size car. Initial production was based only in Japan, but since 1994 the American market has been served by vehicles assembled at the former Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) facility in Normal, Illinois.

First generation

First generation
Also called	Colt Galant Dodge Colt
Production	1969–73
Class	Compact
Body style(s)	2-door hardtop sedan 4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	4G30 1.3 L I4 4G31 1.5 L I4
Wheelbase	2420 mm (95.3 in)
Length	4080 mm (160.6 in)
Width	1560 mm (61.4 in)
Height	1370 mm (53.9 in)

The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 (AI model) or 1.5 L (AII and AIII) configurations. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Initially only available as a four-door, a two-door hardtop variant was added in 1970, offering the unique stylistic feature of being the first Japanese production passenger car with full side windows and no side pillars. It became Mitsubishi's first car to be sold in the United States in 1971 when the Chrysler Corporation, the company's new partner and stakeholder, began importing the car as the Dodge Colt.

From 1970, a fastback coupé model was developed, the Galant GTO. Fashioned after contemporary American muscle cars, the hardtop GTO was available with a choice of three 4G32 'Saturn' engines, and was available until 1975. The nameplate was sufficiently highly regarded in Japan for it to be resurrected for the 1990 Mitsubishi GTO coupé.

A second coupé was introduced in 1971, the Galant FTO GI. Powered by the 4G41 1.4 L engine, it too would leave a legacy for the company to return to in the 1990s with the Mitsubishi FTO.

Second generation

Second generation
Also called	Colt Galant Chrysler Valiant Galant Dodge/Plymouth Colt Plymouth Cricket
Production	1973–1975
Class	Compact
Body style(s)	2-door coupe 4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	Astron I4 4G32 1.6 L I4
Wheelbase	2420 mm (95.3 in)
Length	4204 mm (165.5 in)
Width	1600 mm (63 in)
Height	1397 mm (55 in)
Curb weight	940 kg (2070.5 lb)

The second generation Galant was more widely exported as Mitsubishi's ambitions grew. It was again sold by Chrysler in many different guises; as the Dodge Colt in the United States, as the Plymouth Colt and Plymouth Cricket in Canada (from 1974), as the Chrysler Valiant Galant in Australia, and in Europe as the Colt Galant.

This model was more curvaceous, influenced by contemporary "coke-bottle" styling, and featured a range of larger 'Astron' engines developing up to 125 PS to complement the 'Saturn' units. During the second generation, the first Astron 80 engines were introduced using Mitsubishi's newly developed "Silent Shaft" balance shaft technology for reduced vibration and noise.

Third generation

Third generation
Also called	Mitsubishi Galant Sigma Chrysler Sigma Mitsubishi Sigma Colt Sigma
Production	1976–1980
Class	Compact
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door coupé
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	1.6 L 4-cylinder (Saturn) 1.85 L 4-cylinder 2.0 L 4-cylinder 2.6 L 4-cylinder

The third-generation of the car was introduced in 1976, and was known in Japan as the Galant Λ (Lambda) two door coupé, or the Galant Σ (Sigma) four door sedan. In many export markets the Sigma was simply known as the Galant, while the Dodge Colt name continued in America. A wagon variant was available to complement the sedan. In Australia, where the car was built locally at Chrysler's Clovelly Park plant, it was known as the Chrysler Sigma.

The new coupé (Galant Λ) was sold in Australia as the Chrysler Scorpion. In the United States, it was sold as the Dodge Challenger and the Plymouth Sapporo, beginning in 1978. A turbocharged version of the coupé was called the Galant 2000 GSR and was intended to replace the Galant GTO.

Mitsubishi introduced the MCA-Jet engine with its latest Galant. This incorporated the "Jet Valve", a secondary intake valve which improved emissions without necessitating the need for a completely redesigned cylinder head.

The third generation Galant was the recipient of the Car of the Year award in South Africa in 1977.

Fourth generation

Fourth generation
Also called	Mitsubishi Eterna Mitsubishi Sigma Lonsdale_(car)
Production	1980–1983 (Australia until 1987)
Class	Compact
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door coupé
Layout	FR layout
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic

Mitsubishi's fourth iteration of the Galant/Sigma debuted many new innovations for Mitsubishi. Their new 'Sirius' engine was offered in turbocharged form for performance enthusiasts, while for economy, an 'Astron' 4D55, the first diesel engine in a Japanese passenger car, was also available. A new electronic fuel injection system was introduced on some models of the gasoline Astron, while only the carburetted version was offered in the United States.

For the second generation in a row Mitsubishi could claim to be building an award-winning car, as this was chosen as Car of the Year in New Zealand in 1981.

From 1982 to 1983, some of the Australian Sigmas were exported to the United Kingdom with the Lonsdale badge, circumventing the voluntary import quota restrictions adopted by Japanese manufacturers. However the car was unsuccessful, and for 1983 and 1984 it carried Mitsubishi Sigma badges in the UK before imports were discontinued.

The wagon version was facelifted, although from firewall back the vehicle remained the same. Production of the wagon version continued in Australia until 1987 when it was replaced by the new Magna.

The two door coupé was also redesigned for 1981 and was sold through 1983. The fourth generation was known as the Mitsubishi Scorpion in Australia, and the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo in the United States.

The fourth generation sedan and coupé were both slightly larger than the third generation cars. Additional emphasis was given to ergonomics, aerodynamics, and safety. Shoulder room, leg room, and head space were all increased, and the trunk was slightly enlarged for more luggage capacity. The interior was made quieter with additional carpeting and other acoustic dampening materials and a double-thickness front bulkhead.

Fifth generation

Fifth generation
Also called	Mitsubishi Eterna Mitsubishi Sigma Mitsubishi Magna Mitsubishi V3000
Production	1983–1990
Class	Compact
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door hardtop sedan
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	1.6 L Saturn I4 1.8 L I4 TD 2.0 L Astron I4 2.0 L Astron I4 turbo 6G72 3.0 L V6

A long-lived fifth-generation model shifted to front-wheel drive for the 1984 model year as a four-door sedan and hardtop (with different styling). This formed the basis of the widened Mitsubishi Magna in Australia for 1985, the same year in which Mitsubishi won Bild am Sonntag's Das Goldene Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel) award in Germany for the Galant and Wheels’ Car of the Year for the Magna.This generation was also sold in the United States and New Zealand as the Mitsubishi Sigma until 1990.

This version had "edge" styling which was rare for cars in the 1980s: the Renault 21 and Vauxhall Senator were some of the few cars that had this styling. The hardtop variant had four doors now, rather than two.

Export trim levels were often engine-specific, depending on the market: GL models were offered with either 1.6L or 1.8L engines, GLS models (GLX on certain markets) had 2.0-litre engines (badged 2000 GLS) and Diesel versions had a 1.8-litre turbodiesel engine. The diesel model did not have a trim level, it was simply 1800 TD.

Sixth generation

Sixth generation
Also called	Mitsubishi Eterna Dodge 2000GTX (Canada) Eagle 2000GTX (Canada)
Production	1987–1993
Class	Compact
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	1.6 L 1.8 L DOHC 2.0 L 102 hp I4 2.0 L 135 hp I4 2.0 L 197 hp turbocharged I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4670 mm (183.9 in)
Width	1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1360 mm (53.5 in)
Related	Eagle Talon Mitsubishi Eclipse Plymouth Laser

In 1987 the same platform was used for a sixth-generation model which adopted taller, rounded styling. This generation won the Car of the Year Japan award in 1987 and the GS model became Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year in 1989.This Galant began American sales in 1989 side by side with the Sigma.

The Sigma designation disappeared with the 1990 model. A new hardtop liftback model was added in 1988, called the Mitsubishi Eterna.

This generation was also sold in Canada as the Dodge 2000GTX and Eagle 2000GTX. 2000GTX sales ended in 1992.

A limited edition based on the GTi-16v model was introduced in 1989, modified by German tuning company AMG (now owned by Mercedes-Benz),with mildly uprated engine (172PS) and unique bodykit, alloy wheels & leather interior.

The sixth generation was also the first to see the introduction of the VR-4 variant, which was the basis for Mitsubishi's participation in the 1988–1992 World Rally Championships. The Galant's 4G63 two litre DOHC turbocharged engine and 4WD transmission was later adopted for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with little modification, and would remain in production for fifteen years.

Canadian-spec Eagle 2000GTX

1987-1990 Mitsubishi Galant liftback

1991-1993 Mitsubishi Galant (US)

Seventh generation

Seventh generation
Also called	Mitsubishi Emeraude Mitsubishi Eterna
Production	1992–1998
Class	Compact
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	1.8 L I4 2.0 L I4 2.4 L I4 2.0 L V6 2.5 L V6 2.0 L V6 twin turbo
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2635 mm (103.7 in)
Length	4625–4640 mm (187.0–187.6 in)
Width	1730 mm (68.1 in)
Height	1395–1400 mm (54.9–55.1 in)
Related	Proton Perdana

A new Galant debuted in 1992 (model year 1994 in America), available as a four-door sedan and five-door liftback (sedan only in America). A Japan-only hardtop derivative called the Mitsubishi Emeraude was also launched in 1992. This generation marked a substantial change in suspension design, switching from struts to double-wishbones in front and from a beam axle to multi-link in the rear.

Because the Lancer Evo was now Mitsubishi's homologated rally car, the seventh generation VR-4 became a less overtly sporting vehicle, eschewing the old four-cylinder engine in favour of a smoother two litre V6 twin turbo. The four wheel drive transmission was retained. The VR-4 version was not imported to the United States.

Production in the United States began on May 24, 1993 when the first seventh generation Galant rolled off the assembly line in Normal, Illinois. In 1994, a slightly upgraded GS version was available with a 160 HP twin cam engine, speed-sensitive steering, rear stabilizer bar, and an available manual transmission.

The seventh generation Galant, also known as the Mitsubishi Eterna, formed the basis of the Proton Perdana.

1997-1998 Mitsubishi Galant (US)

Emeraude

Eighth generation

Eighth generation
Also called	Mitsubishi Legnum Mitsubishi Aspire
Production	1999–2003
Class	Mid-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door wagon
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	1.8L 4G93 GDI I4 2.0 L I4 2.4 L 4G64 I4 2.5 L 6A13 V6 2.5 L 6A13TT V6 twin turbo 3.0 L 6G72 V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed semi-automatic
Wheelbase	2635 mm (103.7 in)
Length	4660 mm (187.8 in)
Width	1740 mm (68.5 in)
Height	1410–1420 mm (55.3–55.7 in)

The eighth-generation 1996 model (July 7, 1998 in America) continued the 1992 design themes but a station wagon (known in Japan as the Mitsubishi Legnum) was added. The liftback was deleted. This model won the 1996–97 Car of the Year Japan award. Despite being superseded in the U.S. from 2003, it remained on sale in other countries until 2006.

The American market Galant graduated to the EPA mid-size class this year. The front suspension downgraded from double-wishbones to struts, though the rear upgraded with a stabilizer bar standard on all but the base DE model. ES, LS and GTZ models were offered with a V6 engine for the first time, the 6G72 3.0 L, mated to a standard 4-speed conventional auto.

Mitsubishi opted to further develop the technology in its range-topping VR-4, which was now powered by an enlarged 2.5 L V6 twin turbo. The car could be had with either a conventional 5-speed manual or advanced, self-learning 5-speed Tiptronic semi-automatic transmission known as "INVECS-II". Also, some models were fitted with the same advanced active yaw control (AYC) as the Evo, to give it far greater agility than would be expected of such a large vehicle. Finally, as with the rest of the range, the VR-4 could now be had either as a Galant sedan or as a Legnum station wagon.

In 1998 the company introduced the Mitsubishi Aspire. Externally identical to the regular Galant, the new model name denoted the newly-introduced gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines.

2002-2003 Mitsubishi Galant (US)

Ninth generation

Ninth generation
Also called	Mitsubishi Grunder
Production	2004–present
Class	Mid-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Mitsubishi PS platform
Engine(s)	2.4 L I4 3.8 L V6 3.8 L V6 MIVEC
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 4-speed semi-automatic 5-speed semi-automatic
Wheelbase	108.3 in (2750 mm)
Length	2004-06: 190.4 in (4835 mm) 2007-present: 191 in (4850 mm)
Width	72.4 in (1840 mm)
Height	57.9–58.2 in (1470–1480 mm)
Related	Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Endeavor Mitsubishi 380
Designer	Olivier Boulay

The United States has had the sedan-only ninth-generation PS platform model since October 15, 2003. It was announced at the 2003 New York International Auto Show in April for the 2004 model year, following the exhibition of the SSS concept sedan at the North American International Auto Show three years before. The ninth-generation United States-sourced model is available for sale only in a few regional markets, namely North America, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine and Arabia. Russia began sourcing its Galants from the United States from 2006. The Arabian Markets began sourcing its Galants from the United States from the 2007 model year.

A size increase resulted in slightly more interior space and a weight gain of several hundred pounds. The 4-cylinder engine, while still 2.4 liters in displacement, upgraded from Mitsubishi's 4G64 design to the newer 4G69 design, resulting in a horsepower increase from 140 to 160. Likewise, the V6 jumped from a 3.0-liter with 190 HP to a 3.8 with 235. All North American Galants gained 4-wheel disc brakes but lost their rear stabilizer bar.

A Ralliart version joined for 2007, finally upgrading the V6 to a class-competitive 258 horsepower while also adding a firmer suspension, front strut tower bar, rear stabilizer bar, and 18-inch alloy wheels. For 2008, the trimming of models left the Ralliart as the only V6 model, and the Galant skips the 2008 model year in Canada, only to return in 2009 with the facelifted model.

Mitsubishi also assembles and markets a modified version of the ninth-generation Galant in Taiwan. Taiwan was one of the first regions outside the Americas to market the vehicle, when the Galant Grunder (now known simply as Grunder) was launched in December 2004 with a unique front end. In addition, this model is also sold in the Philippines as the Galant 240M using the 2.4 liter MIVEC engine.It is also sold in China.

A localized version called the 380 was manufactured in Australia for the Australia-New Zealand market from 2005-2008, replacing the long-lived Magna line.

In Malaysia, spyshots have revealed that an early version of the 9th-generation Galant will be used as Proton's Perdana Replacement Model. The Perdana replacement will be equipped with a 5-speed semi-automatic gearbox that has a gated shifter, and will either use a 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre powerplant. Although it is quite likely that the Perdana Replacement Model is nothing more than a rebadged 9th-generation Galant (it is identical to the Mitsubishi 380 sold in Australia except for the brand badges), there is a possibility that Proton might scale up its Campro engine (which is of modular construction) to be used in the upcoming Perdana in order to keep costs low.

Facelifts

The Galant received a new grille for the 2007 model year, and for the 2009 model year, the Galant receives another facelift, with new front and rear fascias. Each 2009 Galant gets different grilles -- the United States and Mexican versions, and a Canadian version.

2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart

2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart from the Montreal Auto Show

2009 Mitsubishi Galant ES (Canada)

Mitsubishi FTO

Mitsubishi FTO
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	1994–2000
Assembly	Mizushima plant, Kurashiki, Okayama
Class	Sports car
Body style(s)	2-door coupé
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	4G93 1.8 L SOHC 16v I4 6A12 2.0 L DOHC 24v V6 6A12 2.0 L DOHC 24v MIVEC V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed semi-auto (1994–97) 5-speed semi-auto (1997–2000)
Wheelbase	2500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	4365 mm (171.9 in)
Width	1735 mm (68.3 in)
Height	1300 mm (51.2 in)
Curb weight	1100–1210 kg (2425–2668 lb)
Fuel capacity	60 litres (15.9 US gal/13.2 imp gal)

The Mitsubishi FTO, is a front engined, front wheel drive coupe produced by Mitsubishi Motors between 1994 and 2000. It was originally planned to be exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, although its popularity as a grey market import to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and New Zealand led to eventual limited distribution through Mitsubishi's official dealers in those countries.Upon its debut it won the Car of the Year Japan award for 1994–95, awarded on December 2, 1994.

FTO stands for "Fresh Touring Origination".The name recalls the Galant FTO coupé of 1971, one of the company's first sports cars.

Models

The only body style was a 2-door coupé, and all FTOs were front wheel drive. Either a straight-4 or a transversely mounted V6 engine was available, mated to either a 5-speed manual or INVECS-II semi-automatic transmission. Earlier models had a four-speed version, whilst the post-facelift versions had a five-speed.

October 1994–August 1997

Model name	Engine	Peak power
GS	1800 cc SOHC 16 valve straight-4	125 PS (123 hp/92 kW) at 6,000 rpm
GR GR Sports Package	2000 cc DOHC 24 valve V6	170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) at 7,000 rpm
GPX GPX Limited Edition (1995–96) GP (1996–97)	2000 cc DOHC MIVEC 24 valve V6	200 PS (197 hp/147 kW) at 7,500 rpm

In commemoration of its win at the Car of the Year Japan awards in 1994, Mitsubishi introduced a GPX Limited Edition version. It can be indentified by its dandelion yellow paint scheme and "'94–95 Japan Car of the Year" emblems on the outer surface of the car's C-pillar. It also has a rear screen wiper, although this was an option on all other models, and limited slip differential as standard. Less than 500 of these are believed to have been produced.

The Nakaya-Tune FTO was a limited edition introduced in early 1997, and only 300 cars were sold. The car was tuned by Akihiko Nakaya, driver of an FTO in the GT300 category of JGTC in 1998–1999. The main differences over the standard model are a sports muffler, uprated brake pads, carbon fibre lip spoiler, and uprated suspension with Öhlins shock absorbers.

August 1997–July 2001

Cars built after August 1997 are regarded as facelift models, although the only exterior change was to the front bumper, which gained a larger air intake, deeper front splitter and restyled housings for the supplementary lights.

Model name	Engine	Peak power
GS	1800 cc SOHC 16 valve straight-4	125 PS (123 hp/92 kW) at 6,000 rpm
GX Sports Package GX Sports Package Aero Series	2000 cc DOHC 24 valve V6	180 PS (178 hp/132 kW) at 7,000 rpm
GPX GP Version R GP Version R Aero Series	2000 cc DOHC MIVEC 24 valve V6	200 PS (197 hp/147 kW) at 7,500 rpm

An electric version, the FTO-EV, was produced by Mitsubishi Motors in 1998 as an experimental vehicle. The car utilised high-performance lithium ion battery power and set a multiple-charge 24-hour distance world record.

Annual production

Year	Production
1994	20,074
1995	9,741
1996	2,928
1997	1,960
1998	1,033
1999	616
2000	160

Mitsubishi Freeca

Mitsubishi Freeca
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors China Motor Corporation
Also called	Mitsubishi Adventure Mitsubishi Kuda Mitsubishi Jolie Soueast Freeca
Production	September 11, 1997–present
Assembly	Yang Mei, Taoyuan, Taiwan Jakarta, Indonesia (to 2005) Cainta Rizal, Philippines Qing Kou, Min Hou, Fuzhou
Class	Compact MPV
Engine(s)	2.0 L SOHC I4 2.5 L SOHC I4 diesel
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed auto
Wheelbase	2620 mm (103.1 in)
Length	4320–4375 mm (172.2–170.1 in)
Width	1650–1690 mm (66.5–65 in)
Height	1800–1830 mm (72–70.9 in)
Curb weight	1445–1500 kg (3186–3307 lb)

The Mitsubishi Freeca is a compact MPV designed by Mitsubishi Motors and China Motor Corporation for the Asian market, and built in Taiwan, China and the Philippines, where it is known as the Mitsubishi Adventure. The vehicle is also known as the Mitsubishi Kuda in Indonesia where "Kuda" means Horse in Indonesian and where it was locally manufactured until 2005, and Mitsubishi Jolie in Vietnam.

The model name "Freeca" is coined from "free" and "ca", the Taiwanese for vehicle. Trim levels include GL, GLX, and GLS for the five-seater variants, with a seven-seater Super Exceed also available.

Production

Year	Taiwan (Freeca)	Philippines (Adventure)	Indonesia (Kuda)	China (Freeca)
1997–99	Figures unavailable
2000	17,044	6,729	20,916	1,050
2001	13,531	7,714	4,776	7,350
2002	12,537	7,742	9,669	8,970
2003	11,800	3,921	7,350	12,630
2004	11,359	5,868	5,670	7,458
2005	12,479	5,876	825	4,163
2006	4,791	4,560	-	1,911