Mitsubishi Sports Cars from the Past – The Mitsubishi Galant AMG
It would seem Mitsubishi Motors has pretty much moved on from its rally car roots to focus on electric vehicle (EV) development with the rest of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, according to the Alliance 2030 business plans. All eyes are still on Mitsubishi Motors for the model that will lead the next phase for the Alliance, but fans are still holding onto any kind of hope that this will be a performance vehicle. After the revival of Ralliart, a look at the never-before seen design for the Mitsubishi Starion 4WD, and the high-performance electric SUV e-Evolution concept, anything could happen. Looking back, aside from the Lancer Evolution, there was another popular sports car by Mitsubishi Motors in the 90s – the Mitsubishi Galant AMG.
What? AMG is a Mercedes-Benz name, that can’t be right – but it is. Before becoming officially under the umbrella of Mercedes, AMG was a business like any other, and it went where the money was. The Mitsubishi Galant AMG may have seen a limited run, but for the times, it delivered where competitors couldn’t. Here are some of the top reasons the Galant AMG is still sought after by collectors.
Limited Supply
Call it a collector’s item or a rare vehicle few in the states could get their hands on, but the Galant AMG had a very limited run – only 500 units were produced. Secondly, the vehicle was limited to Japan-only. Yes, very sad. Maybe one day it will be able to be imported and legally be driven, not just sit in a fancy garage.
Based off of the Sixth-Gen Galant
The Mitsubishi Galant was a pretty strong run for the automaker. Running from 1969 to 2012 with nine generations, the Galant AMG was based off of the sixth generation model. This was also the generation that gave birth to the Galant VR4. Still one of the most iconic models of the automaker, competing in the World Rally Championships (WRC) between 1988 and 1992 and earning a WRC title, this was a good reminder of the rally race roots of Mitsubishi Motors. The Galant AMG may not be as well known, only going so far as a sports car, and back then, sports cars were not synonymous with performance vehicles like they are today.
AMG Tune-Up
AMG was no stranger to Mitsubishi Motors. In 1987, the automaker first flirted with the idea of a third party tinkering with a model when it came to the Mitsubishi Debonair. Called the Debonair V 3000 Royal AMG, there were few changes. The real changes were more apparent with the Mitsubishi Galant AMG. The exterior got a major overhaul with a wide-body kit featuring bulkier bumpers, a sharp rear spoiler, bespoke 15-inch wheels, and AMG badges at both ends, the fenders and wheel caps. Riding on German wheels, the AMG style was strong with this one. The interior cabin wasn’t too bad either, with MG branded door stills, floor mats, and a four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus optional leather seats and wood trimming on the dashboard and center stack.
During the run of the Galant, its strongest engine was a 2-liter four-cylinder capable of generating 143 horsepower and 127lb-ft of torque. AMG took the number of the horsepower up to 170, a feat that many vehicles at the time required a turbo charger to do – including the Galant VR4 (195 horsepower). AMG managed this with considerable engine upgrades, including new pistons, camshaft, titanium valve springs, and a bespoke high-flow intake and exhaust manifold.
Not bad for Mitsubishi in the early 90s. Here is hoping we see the return of Mitsubishi performance vehicles, or even sports cars, with their upcoming EV lineup. That seems to be the goal for many automakers, and Mitsubishi Motors would be nuts to ignore this trend. Stay informed on Mitsubishi when you follow us on University Mitsubishi social media.
