Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Encyclopedia
The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 was the range-topping version of Mitsubishi Motors
' Galant
model, available in the sixth (1988–92), seventh (1992–96) and eighth (1996–2002) generations of the vehicle. Originally introduced to comply with the new Group A
regulations of the World Rally Championship
, it was soon superseded as Mitsubishi's competition vehicle by the Lancer Evolution
, and subsequently developed into a high-performance showcase of the company's technology.
. The Lancer 1600 GSR and Pajero/Montero/Shogun
both achieved great success in rallying
and Rally Raid
events, and eventually the company planned an attempt on the Group B
class of the World Rally Championship with a four-wheel drive
version of its Starion coupé. However, the class was outlawed following several fatal accidents in 1986 and '87, and Mitsubishi was forced to reassess its approach. It instead homologated
the recently-introduced sixth generation of its Galant
sedan for the Group A
class, using the mechanical underpinnings from its aborted Starion prototype. Between 1988 and '92, it was campaigned by the official factory outfit, Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe
, winning three events in the hands of Mikael Ericsson
(1989 1000 Lakes Rally), Pentti Airikkala
(1989 Lombard RAC Rally) and Kenneth Eriksson
(1991 Swedish Rally
). It was also driven to outright victory in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship
s by Kenjiro Shinozuka
(1988) and Ross Dunkerton
(1991–92), and the American National GT Championship (1992) by Tim O'Neil
.
However, Mitsubishi — and their competitors — realised that the WRC cars of the '80s were simply too big and ungainly for the tight, winding roads of rally stages. Sometime around 1992, Ford
migrated the Sierra/Sapphire Cosworth
to a smaller Escort
-based bodyshell; Subaru
developed the Impreza
to succeed their Legacy
; and Toyota eventually replaced the Celica
coupe with the Corolla
. Mitsubishi, meanwhile, carried the VR-4's engine/transmission over to the new Lancer Evolution, bringing to an end the Galant's representation in MMC's motorsport efforts.
engine of 2.0 L
displacement
and a four-wheel drive transmission. In order to satisfy the mandatory minimum sales requirements of 5,000 units, Mitsubishi made it available in North America, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and other Asian Pacific Rim territories, with 2,000 reaching the United States in 1991, and 1000 units imported in 1992.. It also satisfied Japanese regulations concerning external dimensions and engine displacement, thereby reducing a sales handicap in Japan with regards to additional taxes paid by Japanese owners. In road-going trim the four-door sedan produced up to 177 kW depending on market, giving the car a top speed of over 130 mph (209.2 km/h) and allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds, with a quarter mile elapsed time of 15.3 seconds. This car also featured power-assisted speed-sensitive four-wheel steering: the rear wheels steered in the same phase as the front wheels above 30 mph (48.3 km/h), up to 1.5 degrees.
A liftback version was also produced, known as the . This had some minor cosmetic differences, but mechanically was the same as the VR-4 sedan.
, or a 4-speed INVECS
auto
complete with "fuzzy logic
", which allowed the transmission to adapt to the driver's style and road conditions "on the fly". It was capable of dispatching the 0-60 sprint in about 6.5 seconds, and if derestricted could reach about 140 mph (225.3 km/h).
Variants of this car using the same engine/drivetrain were sold in Japan as the Eterna XX-4 liftback (1992), four door hardtop (92-94), and Galant Sports GT liftback (1994–96).
The Type-V model could be specified with either the existing 5-speed manual or the optional INVECS-II, which was now an advanced self-learning 5-speed semi-auto
based on Porsche
's Tiptronic transmission, while the Type-S model offered the optional Active Yaw Control
(AYC). This complex rear diff
was first seen on the Lancer Evo IV, and used an array of sensors to detect and quell oversteer, giving the ultimate VR-4 great agility for a vehicle of its size and weight. From 1998 onwards however, Active yaw control was no longer available with manual transmission.
A Super VR-4 variant was sold on both the Galant
sedan and the Legnum wagon, with only cosmetic changes such as Recaro front seats and Momo steering wheel.
With the eighth generation of the Galant, Mitsubishi introduced a station wagon
(known in many markets as the Legnum) to replace the old 5-door hatchback
, and the VR-4 was now available in both body styles.
North America and Europe were again denied this model, but the burgeoning grey import trade meant that it developed a cult following in several overseas territories, especially the United Kingdom and New Zealand. In 2000 MMC's motorsport partner Ralliart
was contracted to type-approve
Galants and Lancers for UK sales, and 200 VR-4s were officially imported before production finally ceased two years later.
Mitsubishi Motors
is a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...
' Galant
Mitsubishi Galant
The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 or 1.5 L ...
model, available in the sixth (1988–92), seventh (1992–96) and eighth (1996–2002) generations of the vehicle. Originally introduced to comply with the new Group A
Group A
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. In contrast to the short-lived Group B and Group C, the Group A referred to production-derived vehicles limited in terms of power, weight, allowed...
regulations of the World Rally Championship
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
, it was soon superseded as Mitsubishi's competition vehicle by the Lancer Evolution
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, colloquially known as the Lancer Evo or Evo, is a high-performance sedan manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. There have been ten official versions to date, and the designation of each model is most commonly a roman numeral...
, and subsequently developed into a high-performance showcase of the company's technology.
Background & competition history
Throughout the 1970s and '80s, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) sought to improve its image through the established path of participation in motorsportAuto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
. The Lancer 1600 GSR and Pajero/Montero/Shogun
Mitsubishi Pajero
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a sport utility vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. It was named after Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas Cat which is native to the Patagonia plateau region of southern Argentina. However, since pajero is an offensive term for "wanker" in Spanish, alternative names have...
both achieved great success in rallying
Rallying
Rallying, also known as rally racing, is a form of auto racing that takes place on public or private roads with modified production or specially built road-legal cars...
and Rally Raid
Dakar Rally
The Dakar Rally is an annual rally raid type of off-road automobile race, organised by the Amaury Sport Organisation...
events, and eventually the company planned an attempt on the Group B
Group B
Group B was a set of regulations introduced in 1982 for competition vehicles in sportscar racing and rallying regulated by the FIA. The Group B regulations fostered some of the quickest, most powerful and sophisticated rally cars ever built. However, a series of major accidents, some fatal, were...
class of the World Rally Championship with a four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
version of its Starion coupé. However, the class was outlawed following several fatal accidents in 1986 and '87, and Mitsubishi was forced to reassess its approach. It instead homologated
Homologation
Homologation is a technical term, derived from the Greek homologeo for "to agree", which is generally used in English to signify the granting of approval by an official authority...
the recently-introduced sixth generation of its Galant
Mitsubishi Galant
The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 or 1.5 L ...
sedan for the Group A
Group A
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group A referred to a set of regulations providing production-derived vehicles for outright competition. In contrast to the short-lived Group B and Group C, the Group A referred to production-derived vehicles limited in terms of power, weight, allowed...
class, using the mechanical underpinnings from its aborted Starion prototype. Between 1988 and '92, it was campaigned by the official factory outfit, Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe
Ralliart
Ralliart was the high-performance and motorsports division of Mitsubishi Motors. It was responsible for development and preparation of the company's rally racing and off-road racing vehicles, as well as the development of high-performance models and parts available to the public...
, winning three events in the hands of Mikael Ericsson
Mikael Ericsson
Mikael Ericsson is a Swedish former rally driver. During his career he competed in 40 events in the World Rally Championship, including two victories consecutively in 1989, his best year, when he finished fourth overall....
(1989 1000 Lakes Rally), Pentti Airikkala
Pentti Airikkala
Pentti Airikkala , was one of the 'Flying Finns' who dominated world rallying in the past four decades...
(1989 Lombard RAC Rally) and Kenneth Eriksson
Kenneth Eriksson
Kenneth Eriksson is a now retired World Rally Championship rally driver. He drove for several manufacturer teams, including the Subaru World Rally Team, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Škoda...
(1991 Swedish Rally
Swedish Rally
The Uddeholm Swedish Rally , formerly the Swedish Rally, is an automobile rally competition held in Värmland, Sweden in early February. First held in 1950, when it was called the Rally to the Midnight Sun with start and finish at separate locations, seventeen years later both start and finish...
). It was also driven to outright victory in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship
Asia-Pacific Rally Championship
The Asia-Pacific Rally Championship is an international rally championship organized by the FIA. The championship was first held in 1988 and won by Japan's Kenjiro Shinozuka in a Mitsubishi Galant VR-4. Other winners include the two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz of Spain and the 1986...
s by Kenjiro Shinozuka
Kenjiro Shinozuka
is a Japanese rally driver. Since his debut in 1967, his greatest successes have been as a works driver for Mitsubishi Motors. Behind the wheel of a Galant VR-4 he won the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship in 1988 and scored consecutive victories in the Rallye Côte d'Ivoire Bandama in 1991 and 1992,...
(1988) and Ross Dunkerton
Ross Dunkerton
Ross Dunkerton is considered Australia's most successful rally driver to date, originating in Perth, Western Australia. He was previously a councillor for the Town of Bassendean, but moved with his family to Cairns in Far North Queensland in late 2007.Ross is married to his wife Lisa has two...
(1991–92), and the American National GT Championship (1992) by Tim O'Neil
Tim O'Neil
Tim O'Neil is an American rally racing driver, and the winner of five North American rally championships. He has driven both as a privateer, and as a factory driver for Volkswagen and Mitsubishi.-1980s:...
.
However, Mitsubishi — and their competitors — realised that the WRC cars of the '80s were simply too big and ungainly for the tight, winding roads of rally stages. Sometime around 1992, Ford
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
migrated the Sierra/Sapphire Cosworth
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was a high-performance version of the Ford Sierra. It was the result of a Ford Motorsport project with the purpose of producing an outright winner for Group A racing in Europe.- Development :...
to a smaller Escort
Ford Escort (European)
The Mark I Ford Escort was introduced in the United Kingdom at the end of 1967, making its show debut at Brussels Motor Show in January 1968. It replaced the successful long running Anglia. The car was presented in continental Europe as a product of Ford's European operation...
-based bodyshell; Subaru
Subaru
; is the automobile manufacturing division of Japanese transportation conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries .Subaru is internationally known for their use of the boxer engine layout popularized in cars by the Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche 911, in most of their vehicles above 1500 cc as well as...
developed the Impreza
Subaru Impreza
Introduced in November 1993, the Impreza was offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions and as a four-door sedan/saloon or five-door station wagon/estate. According to a Motor Trend article written March 1992 on page 26, the name of Subaru's new compact was, initially, to be...
to succeed their Legacy
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by the Japanese company Fuji Heavy Industries, and manufactured by its division Subaru since 1989, and is available as a sedan or wagon. Part of the original design goals for the Legacy model was to provide Subaru a vehicle in which they could compete in...
; and Toyota eventually replaced the Celica
Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica name has been applied to a series of coupes made by the Japanese company Toyota. The name is ultimately derived from the Latin word coelica meaning "heavenly" or "celestial"....
coupe with the Corolla
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompact and compact cars manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota, which has become very popular throughout the world since the nameplate was first introduced in 1966. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, with over 35 million...
. Mitsubishi, meanwhile, carried the VR-4's engine/transmission over to the new Lancer Evolution, bringing to an end the Galant's representation in MMC's motorsport efforts.
Sixth generation (E38A/E39A)
Group A regulations dictated a turbochargedTurbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
engine of 2.0 L
Litre
pic|200px|right|thumb|One litre is equivalent to this cubeEach side is 10 cm1 litre water = 1 kilogram water The litre is a metric system unit of volume equal to 1 cubic decimetre , to 1,000 cubic centimetres , and to 1/1,000 cubic metre...
displacement
Engine displacement
Engine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
and a four-wheel drive transmission. In order to satisfy the mandatory minimum sales requirements of 5,000 units, Mitsubishi made it available in North America, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and other Asian Pacific Rim territories, with 2,000 reaching the United States in 1991, and 1000 units imported in 1992.. It also satisfied Japanese regulations concerning external dimensions and engine displacement, thereby reducing a sales handicap in Japan with regards to additional taxes paid by Japanese owners. In road-going trim the four-door sedan produced up to 177 kW depending on market, giving the car a top speed of over 130 mph (209.2 km/h) and allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds, with a quarter mile elapsed time of 15.3 seconds. This car also featured power-assisted speed-sensitive four-wheel steering: the rear wheels steered in the same phase as the front wheels above 30 mph (48.3 km/h), up to 1.5 degrees.
A liftback version was also produced, known as the . This had some minor cosmetic differences, but mechanically was the same as the VR-4 sedan.
Technical specifications
- Engine
- Configuration — DOHC 16v inline 4 cylinder
- Code — 4G63T
- Bore/stroke, capacity — 85.0 x 88.0 mm, 1997 cc
- Compression ratio — 7.8:1
- Fuelling — ECI-MULTI, premium unleaded fuel
- Peak power — 177 kW at 6000 rpm
- Peak torque — 304 newton metre at 3500 rpm
- Transmission — 4 speed auto / 5 speed manual
- Suspension — MacPherson strutMacPherson strutThe MacPherson strut is a type of car suspension system which uses the axis of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot. It is widely used in modern vehicles and named after Earle S. MacPherson, who developed the design.-History:...
s (front), double wishbonesDouble wishbone suspensionIn automobiles, a double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design using two wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle. The shock absorber and coil spring mount to the wishbones to control...
(rear) - Dimensions
- Length — 4560 mm (179.5 in)
- Width — 1695 mm (66.7 in)
- Height — 1440 mm (56.7 in)
- Wheelbase — 2600 mm (102.4 in)
- Kerb weight — 1483 kg (3,269.5 lb)
- Fuel tank — 62 L
- Wheels/tyres — 195/60 R15 86H
Performance
- 0–100 km/h (60 mph): 7.0 s
- 0–160 km/h (100 mph): 21.9 s
- 400 Meters (1/4 Mile): 15.6sec @ 88 mi/h
- Top Speed: 132 mi/h
- 100 km/h-0 km/h (60 mph-0 mph) braking distance: 40 m (131.2 ft)
- Skid Pad:
Seventh generation (E84A/E74A)
For 1992, the emergence of the homologated Lancer meant the top-spec Galant was no longer constrained by sporting regulations. The existing, proven 4WD transmission was carried over, in keeping with Mitsubishi's reputation for performance-enhancing technology, but the old straight-4 was superseded by a smoother twin-turbo 2.0 L V6, and mated either to a conventional 5-speed manualManual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
, or a 4-speed INVECS
INVECS
INVECS is the brand name used by Mitsubishi Motors for its electronic automatic transmission technology.-INVECS:...
auto
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
complete with "fuzzy logic
Fuzzy logic
Fuzzy logic is a form of many-valued logic; it deals with reasoning that is approximate rather than fixed and exact. In contrast with traditional logic theory, where binary sets have two-valued logic: true or false, fuzzy logic variables may have a truth value that ranges in degree between 0 and 1...
", which allowed the transmission to adapt to the driver's style and road conditions "on the fly". It was capable of dispatching the 0-60 sprint in about 6.5 seconds, and if derestricted could reach about 140 mph (225.3 km/h).
Variants of this car using the same engine/drivetrain were sold in Japan as the Eterna XX-4 liftback (1992), four door hardtop (92-94), and Galant Sports GT liftback (1994–96).
Technical specifications
- Engine
- Configuration — DOHC 24v V type 6 cylinder
- Code — 6A12TT
- Bore/stroke, capacity — 78.4 x 69.0 mm, 1998 cc
- Compression ratio — 8.5:1
- Fuelling — ECI-MULTI, premium unleaded fuel
- Peak power — 177 kW at 6000 rpm
- Peak torque — 309 newton metre at 3500 rpm
- Transmission — 4 speed auto / 5 speed manual
- Suspension — Multi-linkMulti-link suspensionA multi-link suspension is a type of vehicle suspension design typically used in independent suspensions, using three or more lateral arms, and one or more longitudinal arms....
(front & rear) - Dimensions
- Length — 4630 mm (182.3 in)
- Width — 1730 mm (68.1 in)
- Height — 1410 mm (55.5 in)
- Wheelbase — 2635 mm (103.7 in)
- Kerb weight — 1430 kg (3,152.6 lb)
- Fuel tank — 64 L
- Wheels/tyres — 205/60 R15 91V
Eighth generation (EC5A/EC5W)
The final VR-4 was introduced in 1996. The engine capacity was enlarged substantially to 2.5 L, which pushed the power up by 15 percent to the Japanese voluntary limit of 206 kW, but no longer satisfied Japanese regulations concerning engine displacement size and, as a result, Japanese buyers were now liable for additional yearly tax requirements. The car was now capable of over 150 mph (241.4 km/h) when derestricted. In average road conditions and 98RON petrol, it could accelerate from 0-100kmh (0-62 mph) in about 6 seconds, however private sources claim that with petrol containing RON levels above 100, the Type-V manual (the lightest of the group at 1'520 kg) could achieve 0-100kmh times in under 6 seconds.The Type-V model could be specified with either the existing 5-speed manual or the optional INVECS-II, which was now an advanced self-learning 5-speed semi-auto
Semi-automatic transmission
A semi-automatic transmission is an automobile transmission that does not change gears automatically, but rather facilitates manual gear changes by dispensing with the need to press...
based on Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
's Tiptronic transmission, while the Type-S model offered the optional Active Yaw Control
Active yaw control
Active Yaw Control is an automobile feature that uses an active differential to transfer torque to the wheels that have the best grip on the road. Unlike traditional mechanical limited slip differentials, an AYC is electronically controlled....
(AYC). This complex rear diff
Differential (mechanics)
A differential is a device, usually, but not necessarily, employing gears, capable of transmitting torque and rotation through three shafts, almost always used in one of two ways: in one way, it receives one input and provides two outputs—this is found in most automobiles—and in the other way, it...
was first seen on the Lancer Evo IV, and used an array of sensors to detect and quell oversteer, giving the ultimate VR-4 great agility for a vehicle of its size and weight. From 1998 onwards however, Active yaw control was no longer available with manual transmission.
A Super VR-4 variant was sold on both the Galant
Mitsubishi Galant
The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 or 1.5 L ...
sedan and the Legnum wagon, with only cosmetic changes such as Recaro front seats and Momo steering wheel.
With the eighth generation of the Galant, Mitsubishi introduced a station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
(known in many markets as the Legnum) to replace the old 5-door hatchback
Hatchback
A Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
, and the VR-4 was now available in both body styles.
North America and Europe were again denied this model, but the burgeoning grey import trade meant that it developed a cult following in several overseas territories, especially the United Kingdom and New Zealand. In 2000 MMC's motorsport partner Ralliart
Ralliart
Ralliart was the high-performance and motorsports division of Mitsubishi Motors. It was responsible for development and preparation of the company's rally racing and off-road racing vehicles, as well as the development of high-performance models and parts available to the public...
was contracted to type-approve
Type approval
Type Approval is granted to a product that meets a minimum set of regulatory, technical and safety requirements. Generally, type approval is required before a product is allowed to be sold in a particular country, so the requirements for a given product will vary around the world...
Galants and Lancers for UK sales, and 200 VR-4s were officially imported before production finally ceased two years later.
Technical specifications
- Engine
- Configuration — DOHC 24v V type 6 cylinder
- Code — 6A13TT
- Bore/stroke, capacity — 81.0 × 80.8 mm, 2498 cc
- Compression ratio — 8.5:1
- Fuelling — ECI-MULTI, premium unleaded fuel
- Peak power — 206 kW at 5500 rpm
- Peak torque — 367 newton metre at 4000 rpm
- Transmission — 5 speed semi-auto / 5 speed manual
- Suspension — Multi-linkMulti-link suspensionA multi-link suspension is a type of vehicle suspension design typically used in independent suspensions, using three or more lateral arms, and one or more longitudinal arms....
(front & rear) - Dimensions
- Length — 4680 mm (184.3 in)
- Width — 1760 mm (69.3 in)
- Height — 1420 mm (55.9 in)
- Wheelbase — 2635 mm (103.7 in)
- Curb weight — 1520 kg (3,351 lb)
- Fuel tank — 60 L
- Wheels/tyres — 225/50 R16 91V
Performance
- 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 6.0 seconds (depending on shape and trim, this can vary)
- 0–160 km/h (100 mph):
- 400 Meters (1/4 Mile):
- Top Speed: approximately 244kmh (152 mph) when derestricted
- 100 km/h-0 km/h (62 mph-0 mph) braking distance:
- Skid Pad: