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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 10, 2008 - 23 Mitsubishi revs up the 2009 Galant By Jim Robinson METROLAND MEDIA GROUP Mitsubishi is expanding its lineup again by adding a Ralliart to the 2009 Galant mid-size sedan model. The Ralliart badge on a Mitsubishi signifies that it has been given additional performance features to enhance power, ride and handling. Mitsubishi started humbly here in Canada just six years ago with cobbled together cars and trucks that were already well into their product cycle. But that changed two years ago with the introduction of the Outlander SUV and the Eclipse sportscar. Recently the very high performance Lancer Evolution 10 GSR and MR debuted and now there is a Ralliart version of the Galant for those who want more than just A-to-B driving in their lives. The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is offered in three distinct trim levels: Galant ES, Galant GT and Galant Ralliart. The entry-level Galant ES is powered by a 2.4-litre, SOHC, four-cylinder engine producing 160 and 157 lb/ft of torque. The front wheels are driven through a standard fourspeed Sportronic automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. The 2009 Galant GT features a 3.8-litre, SOHC V6 producing 230 hp and 250 lb/ft of torque with a standard fivespeed Sportronic automatic also with sequential shift mode. Then we come to the Ralliart that takes the Galant nameplate up into the level of high performance sports sedans. Power comes from the same 3.8-litre DOHC V6 found in the Eclipse GT-P sportscar and gives the Galant Ralliart an acceleration time of zero-to-100 km/h in about seven seconds. In the Ralliart, the 3.8 litre V6 produces 258 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, making it one of the most powerful import brand sport sedans in the segment. This is accomplished in part by the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) which helps optimize power and engine efficiency across a broad engine speed range. Energuide fuel consumption ratings are 12.9L/1100 km city and 8.1L/100 km highway. Like the GT, the V6 is matched to a five-speed Sportronic automatic transmission that enables manual shift control by the driver when desired. To enhance the driving experience, the Ralliart features its own, higher-rate springs and dampers, and is exclusively equipped with a 21-mm rear stabilizer bar, and its P235/45R18 tires are mounted to 18 x eight-inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. I drove an early example of the car while in Mont Tremblant, PQ, earlier this year while testing the very fast Evo 10 MR. My route took me south and west towards Montebello along those wonderful two-lane blacktop roads that snake their way through the province. The big Mitsu 3.8-litre V6 is a well-known quantity and has the punch of a small V8. To get the maximum from the Ralliart, using the sequential shift mode lets you take advantage of the low speed torque characteristics of the 3.8-litre, while being to hold it in gear longer to put all those 258 ponies to work. Over the inevitable Quebec potholes the stiffer suspension made itself felt, but the grip and control was not lost. A MacPherson strut front suspension system attaches to a sub-frame with a large, rigid cross member for responsive handling and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. A low mounted, multi-link rear suspension features stiff hydro-formed cross members that minimize flex and help reduce road noise. While all 2009 Galant models are equipped with fourwheel disc brakes, the GT and Ralliart feature larger front discs. The Ralliart, in addition, comes with larger rear discs. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard, while GT and Ralliart models also feature traction control. For 2009, standard side curtain air bags have been added to the comprehensive safety package, which includes advanced front air bags with occupant sensors, front seatmounted side-impact air bags, LATCH system, engine immobilizer, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The car I drove was priced at $32,998 with a shipping fee of $1,245. It was considered a "base" model, but in truth it was very well equipped needing few options. The Ralliart, for instance comes with a DVD navigation system with 7-inch touch screen. On the road to Montebello, the nav system showed the bends in the winding roads in great detail. Also, it was not slow like some the cheap portable units that take time to process information and sometimes tell you to make a turn after you have passed it. The Ralliart (and GT) also features a Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system that provides AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, including a six-disc indash CD changer. The eight-channel amplifier produces 360 watts and a dedicated channel drives each speaker for the ultimate in sonic control. Silk dome tweeters mounted on the leading edge of the dash produce a natural multi-dimensional soundstage while Digital Signal Processing optimizes output to provide userselectable listening environments, including Normal, Studio, Club and Concert. The driver's view through 360 degress is very good with just a hint of blind spot which you can cancel out with correct positioning of the power mirrors. Classified as a mid-size sedan, the Galant is one of the new breed of four-doors that is more like a full-size sedan on the inside. It is amazing to see how interior designers have made cabins bigger and more functional compared to only a decade ago. The Galant Ralliart powertrain is covered by a 10-year or 160,000 km limited warranty. The new vehicle limited warranty covers bumper to bumper for five years or 100,000 km and the body panels have a seven-year or 160,000 km anticorrosion/perforation limited warranty. The Galant is not usually the first nameplate Canadians think of when considering a new mid-size sedan, but Mitsubishi is trying to change that with attractive pricing, attractive looks, an attractive warranty and solid engineering. BAD CREDIT www.hawleypbc.com CREDIT APPLY ON-LINE! NO Everyone Deserves A Second Chance. We Can Re-establish Your Credit And Get You In A Vehicle And On The Road Today. Call Wally-905.330.1104 225 Dundas St. East, Mississauga At The Same Location For Over 60 Years COSTCO/VOLVO EVENT September 2, 2008 In early September, V olvo of Oakville will be launching a new initiative. As a valued Costco member, and a potential or existing V olvo of Oakville customer, I feel that you should be included in hearing about this great campaign first, from us here at V olvo of Oakville. Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. and V olvo of Oakville have come together for a special sales and branding campaign in which V olvo will be the first and exclusive automobile manufacturer to present a special offer to Costco members in Canada. I have listed below the details of the Costco campaign: Models: Offer: 2008 and 2009 model year XC90, XC70 and S60. On top of the existing retail incentive program, Costco Members will receive a $1,500 Additional Cash Incentive PLUS up to $1,250 in accessories. From September 2 until November 15, 2008 Dates: If you have been thinking that it is time to step into a new V olvo, what better time than now to take advantage of these great programs. Please feel free to visit our showroom, or give one of our knowledgeable sales staff a call if you have any questions. We hope to see you soon! Scott Carruthers V olvo Sales Specialist scottc@volvoofoakville.com Chris Warbrick V olvo Sales Specialist chris@volvoofoakville.com Jason McNamara V olvo Sales Specialist jason@volvoofoakville.com Nelson Baptista V olvo Sales Specialist nelsonb@volvoofoakville.com VOLVO OF OAKVILLE 770 Pacific Road, Oakville (905) 825-8088 www.volvoofoakville.com W. Q.E.W. E. BRONTE RD. PACIFIC RD. WYECROFT RD. 3RD LINE SOUTH SERVICE RD.