With two world debuts and a North American debut announced today at the 2003 New York International Auto Show, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's North American unit, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA), has expanded and enhanced its model line-up with the size, strength and strategic aim to propel the brand's aggressive new phase of growth.
The completely redesigned 2004 Mitsubishi Galant takes on the biggest names in mid-size sedans with a whole new attitude. The new-for-North America Lancer Sportback gives Mitsubishi a powerful entry in the sportwagon segment and expands the Lancer name to three models. And Mitsubishi's remodeled Diamante flagship sedan focuses on the upscale segment with a new corporate look and a stronger automotive identity.
"New spirited products, in new segments, are keying our growth," said Pierre Gagnon, chairman and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. "Our family of vehicles is growing to meet a broader family of Mitsubishi Motors' consumers who, in 2003, will have more of our cars and S.U.V.s to choose from than ever before, something for every stage of their lives."
2004 Galant At more than 190-inches in length and 72.4-inches in width the 2004 Galant not only looks substantial, it is. The wheelbase has grown to 108.3-inches. The standard tires have been pumped up to 16-inches. The base 2.4-liter Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic Control (MIVEC) engine jumps to 160 horsepower, and the available 3.8-liter V6 cranks out 230 horsepower and a hill-flattening 250 lb. ft. of torque.
Inside, dimensions expand in every direction. Huge cabin width provides more than 57-inches of shoulder room, while 37-inches of rear legroom afford rear passengers ample comfort.
As with the previous Galant, the model line-up includes four distinct trim lines, with missions ranging from expressive family sedan to exhilarating sport sedan.
The Galant DE is expected to start below $19,000, fitted with the 2.4-liter engine, automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, 140-watt CD audio system, keyless entry and power windows, locks and sideview mirrors.
The high-volume Galant ES is expected to start under $20,000 and is equipped with cruise control, titanium-style interior trim, upgraded interior lighting, premium cloth upholstery, color-keyed exterior treatment and a range of options and upgrades.
Mitsubishi's V6 range opens with the Galant LS, a mid-size that packs the 230 horsepower, 250 lb. ft. engine, a Sportronic(R) automatic/manual transmission, traction control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. What it doesn't include is a high-powered price. The preliminary price point for the Galant LS is under $22,000.
The Alpha male of the Galant family is the GTS. Hunkered down on 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with big stabilizer bars and sporting a strut tower brace under its hood, the GTS has the mechanicals to match the menacing look.
Galant GTS also includes a leather-trimmed interior, 270-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) premium audio system, sunroof, front and side impact air bags, power driver's seat and automatic climate control, along with a choice of interior decor treatments and a color information display in the upper center dash panel.
Following the Endeavor sport utility vehicle, Galant is the second new vehicle in Mitsubishi Motors' Project America series. The all-new Galant was specifically designed in California, engineered in Michigan and Japan, and assembled in Illinois to meet the specific needs and high expectations of American drivers. And with its size, substance and sophistication, Mitsubishi expects the American-made 2004 Galant to reach annual sales of more than 100,000 -- making it the best selling vehicle in Mitsubishi's North American line-up.
Lancer Sportback The Lancer Sportback LS is the sleeper of the line, hiding its high-torque engine under a thoroughly respectable and civilized body. However, Mitsubishi's 2.4-liter MIVEC variable valve timing system gives this wagon an extra slug of power as the tachometer passes 3,500 rpm. The front strut and rear multi-link suspension is backed up with dual stabilizer bars and Lancer's structurally solid and rally-bred chassis. Four-wheel disc brakes round out the performance hardware.
Lancer Sportback's domestic duties are handled with more than 94 cu. ft. of interior passenger space, a 60/40-split folding reclining rear seat, cargo-area power outlet and under-floor and rear storage compartments. The LS trim line also features air conditioning, a 140-watt audio system, power windows, locks and sideview mirrors, keyless entry and woodgrain interior trim. Essentially, the Lancer Sportback LS is a compact five-door vehicle with an international rally racer in its heritage and a surprise under its hood.
Lancer Sportback Ralliart sheds the conservative look and adds tuner hardware from Mitsubishi's inventory of performance parts. Ralliart is Mitsubishi's legendary international racing brand, and any vehicle with the Ralliart badge is required to live up to the name. As a result, the Lancer Sportback Ralliart is equipped with a full sport suspension, front strut tower brace, 205/50R16 tires on euro-flange alloy wheels and anti-lock brakes. The Lancer Sportback Ralliart also shows off its rally DNA with a lower body kit, unique grille, tinted headlamp lenses and projector-beam fog lights.
Inside, the high-performance Lancer Sportback has the full Ralliart treatment, with high-end Lancer Evolution sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter and parking brake lever and carbon-style accent panels. A six-speaker audio system, standard cruise control and driver's and passengers front and side impact air bags also are included.
2004 Diamante Mitsubishi is taking its new corporate look upscale with the redesigned 2004 Diamante. The new front fascia carries the company's international signature with sweeping triangulated headlights, a split grille faired into a smoothly integrated bumper and the triple diamond logo taking a more prominent position on the vehicle's leading edge. It's a stronger, more substantial look. And as final details, there are new fog lights and side marker lights are artfully spliced into the bumper's upper cut-line.
At the rear of the 2004 Diamante, character lines are eliminated in favor of smooth contours, the trunk lid makes a softer transition into the bumper and the taillights have more contemporary lenses. The style is more organic and less angular, to compliment the new front-end design.
As with last year, there are three Diamante trim lines, starting with the ES. Inside, the center instrument panel and console have been updated and new ES trim fabric is tailored for a more stylish impression. Newly designed multi-spoke 16" alloy wheels are standard.
Diamante LS now is equipped with Mitsubishi's Sportronic(R) auto/manual transmission and a cranked-up 270-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) premium audio system with steering wheel mounted controls.
For 2004, the athletic VR-X is equipped with a unique grille, black-out bezel headlights, sport taillights, 10-spoke alloy wheels and a new rear spoiler. The VR-X model also features the 270-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) premium audio system with steering wheel mounted controls and a center instrument panel and console finished in silver. Also new to VR-X is Mitsubishi's Sportronic(R) automatic/manual transmission.
With a high-torque 3.5-liter engine, lush ride quality, international styling and fully equipped interior, Diamante offers an uncommon alternative to the common names in luxury sedans. And for some drivers, uniqueness is a luxury of its own.
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