Mitsubishi Looks To The Future
Mitsubishi came to New York with a full lineup on hand to show the press: a concept sport utility, a concept sports car, and the new Galant sedan in production trim.
The Montero Sport concept is simply a Montero Sport LS that was lowered 1 inches. A huge front fascia includes two fog lights, and a spoiler was added to the rear. 17" tires were mounted on 17" x 8" Antera wheels to complete the outfit. Mitsubishi claims that the ride is smooth, and the lower ride and grippy tires promise enhanced handling. Recaro seats are also helpful for more spirited driving, and the truck came equipped with drilled rotors for improved braking performance.
Unfortunately, the engine is the same as the standard Montero Sport LS, a 3.0-liter V6 which is only capable of 173 horsepower. Oh well. We guarantee it'll stop, but don't try to drag race anyone; this truck is just for looks.
The SST Spyder concept car was also unveiled, and it looks very much like the SST coupe that was shown earlier this year in Detroit. Instead of a targa top, however, this one is simply topless.
As a design study, the SST Spyder does a good job of imitating a spider. Ten- spoke wheels, while not anatomically (or arachnically) correct, are jointed like a spider's legs. Roll bars behind the seats are also acutely angled, as are the side mirrors and interior door handles. A spider graphic decorates the exterior in front of the passenger doors.
The SST Spyder concept car is drivable, a hint that Mitsubishi is still interested in making sports cars. After all, something will have to replace the 3000GT. The show car contained a four cylinder turbocharged engine, but Mitsubishi promises that a 3.5-liter V6 will also fit beneath the hood. The SST Spyder came with an auto-manual four-speed automatic transmission; not exactly sports car material, but as with every concept, the emphasis is on style.
Finally, to whet our appetite for the soon-to-be-released '99 Mitsubishi Galant, a production model was on hand for closer inspection. Originally unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, the Galant is a more promising package than ever before. It's available with a four- or six-cylinder engine, and the interior boasts more passenger room than ever before.
Rear seating is still a little tight, and we are sad to report that the trunk pass-through is located where a right-side rear passenger should sit. For skiers, don't plan on more than a party of three to Copper Mountain or Telluride. Regarding the trunk pass-through, one Mitsubishi spokesman lamented, "That's my one problem with the car."
On a positive note, the V6 engine will give the car somewhere in the neighborhood of 195 horsepower and 215 foot-pounds of torque, a much-needed boost over the previous-generation Galant's single engine choice. Seat-mounted airbags are optional, as is a sunroof. For our driving impressions of the Galant, you'll have to wait until late June or early July.
Mitsubishi came to New York with a full lineup on hand to show the press: a concept sport utility, a concept sports car, and the new Galant sedan in production trim.
The Montero Sport concept is simply a Montero Sport LS that was lowered 1 inches. A huge front fascia includes two fog lights, and a spoiler was added to the rear. 17" tires were mounted on 17" x 8" Antera wheels to complete the outfit. Mitsubishi claims that the ride is smooth, and the lower ride and grippy tires promise enhanced handling. Recaro seats are also helpful for more spirited driving, and the truck came equipped with drilled rotors for improved braking performance.
Unfortunately, the engine is the same as the standard Montero Sport LS, a 3.0-liter V6 which is only capable of 173 horsepower. Oh well. We guarantee it'll stop, but don't try to drag race anyone; this truck is just for looks.
The SST Spyder concept car was also unveiled, and it looks very much like the SST coupe that was shown earlier this year in Detroit. Instead of a targa top, however, this one is simply topless.
As a design study, the SST Spyder does a good job of imitating a spider. Ten- spoke wheels, while not anatomically (or arachnically) correct, are jointed like a spider's legs. Roll bars behind the seats are also acutely angled, as are the side mirrors and interior door handles. A spider graphic decorates the exterior in front of the passenger doors.
The SST Spyder concept car is drivable, a hint that Mitsubishi is still interested in making sports cars. After all, something will have to replace the 3000GT. The show car contained a four cylinder turbocharged engine, but Mitsubishi promises that a 3.5-liter V6 will also fit beneath the hood. The SST Spyder came with an auto-manual four-speed automatic transmission; not exactly sports car material, but as with every concept, the emphasis is on style.
Finally, to whet our appetite for the soon-to-be-released '99 Mitsubishi Galant, a production model was on hand for closer inspection. Originally unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, the Galant is a more promising package than ever before. It's available with a four- or six-cylinder engine, and the interior boasts more passenger room than ever before.
Rear seating is still a little tight, and we are sad to report that the trunk pass-through is located where a right-side rear passenger should sit. For skiers, don't plan on more than a party of three to Copper Mountain or Telluride. Regarding the trunk pass-through, one Mitsubishi spokesman lamented, "That's my one problem with the car."
On a positive note, the V6 engine will give the car somewhere in the neighborhood of 195 horsepower and 215 foot-pounds of torque, a much-needed boost over the previous-generation Galant's single engine choice. Seat-mounted airbags are optional, as is a sunroof. For our driving impressions of the Galant, you'll have to wait until late June or early July.
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