MITSUBISHI Galant VR-4 1997-2004 Photos, engines & full specs

The eighth and last generation of the Galant VR-4 saw the launching lights in 1997, and it was a sports car dressed as a family sedan.

There were not too many family cars on the market that could get to 100 kph (62 mph) in less than six seconds and reach 240 kph (150 mph). Moreover, the Galant was packed with rally technologies and, thanks to its longer wheelbase, enough room for up to five adults.

With a styling heavily influenced by European sedans, the Galant showed a narrow, raked forward front area. Its wrapped-around bumper included an aerodynamic lower apron that sported the fog lights and another grille for the intercooler. Its three-box sedan shape featured curved lines and, in the back, a wing on the trunk confirmed the status of a sporty vehicle.

Inside, the carmaker installed a rather bland interior, with bucket seats at the front and a mix of grey and black dashboard. It didn't even try to install white dials for the speedometer or tachometer. The car offered room for three adults in the rear, although the middle passengers had to sit on the transmission tunnel.

Under the hood, Mitsubishi installed a 2.5-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine. It was paired with a standard five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission from Porsche (Tiptronic), which offered the possibility to change gears sequentially by pulling or pushing the gear lever. The most important part of the car was the drivetrain, which featured an all-wheel-drive system with an active rear differential (Active Yaw Control) available as an option. Moreover, the carmaker installed an all-wheel-steering system. The disc brakes in all corners and standard ABS with