Update - Chicago Auto Show Given 'Sneak Peek'
of Restyled 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
New Styling Enhancements Make the Popular Galant Sedan
Even More Sporty and Appealing to the Enthusiast Driver
CHICAGO, Feb. 7 Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.
(MMSA) today gave a sneak peek of the restyled 2002 Mitsubishi Galant at the
2001 Chicago Auto Show. To be introduced in the spring of this year, the
Galant features new exterior and interior design enhancements while boasting
the solid handling characteristics and outstanding value that has made it a
favorite with consumers and driving enthusiasts alike. These elements blend
to further emphasize its performance heritage and reinforce its place as the
fastest growing Japanese midsize family sedan sold in America.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010207/LAW107 )
"The current generation of the Galant was introduced in 1998 in the United
States and was launched in conjunction with our 'wake up and drive' marketing
campaign," said Pierre Gagnon, executive vice president and chief operating
officer of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America. "The Galant embodies the
stylish looks and fun-to-drive personality that have made all of our vehicles
so popular, and this new 2002 Galant will continue to lead our brand to even
greater success in this competitive market."
Starting with the new front fascia, the 2002 Galant incorporates a
corporate grille design seen on previous Mitsubishi vehicles that now will
adorn future products. This distinct styling element splits the front grille
into two separate halves and adds an aggressive and powerful look to the
already attractive face of the Galant. Lower bumper intakes are larger and
wrap around toward the sides, with aerodynamic louvers for efficient airflow
management. These lower intake openings house projection-beam fog lights for
improved lighting in inclement weather and offer a clean, integrated-design
look. At the rear, the 2002 Galant now incorporates a clear, red-tinted tail
light cluster with stylish multi-reflector-type design for improved light
distribution.
The Mitsubishi Galant sedan offers unique, European-inspired styling,
crisp handling and performance that set it apart from the crowded field of
bland, lethargic family sedans. Galant 4-cylinder and V6 models are
environmentally responsible and meet Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) exhaust
levels, with 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder California models meeting the stringent
Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards. These features, combined with
the 2002 Galant's winning combination of design and performance, make for an
all-around excellent family sport sedan and reinforce Mitsubishi's call to
wake up and drive.
To this already stylish package, at the Chicago Auto Show, additional
design and performance modifications were made with the help of several
aftermarket suppliers to demonstrate the flexibility of the Galant towards
personal accessory enhancements. Leading this list of equipment are the large
diameter 18-inch Moda R3 wheels mounted to Yokohama Parada 225/40R18
high-performance tires, courtesy of the TireRack.com. In addition, Eibach
springs provide the additional cornering ability to match the wheel/tire
combination and lends an athletic stance to the Galant. An HKS performance
exhaust system allows for improved airflow and a low bass rumble to complement
the performance sport sedan theme.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicle,
including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles.