Overview

What Changed for 2008:

• Revised model lineup: DE, ES and Ralliart (GTS dropped for 2008)


• New tire-pressure-monitoring system standard


• Six standard air bags: front, side, and side curtain


• New adaptive shift control on ES automatic transmission


• Optional DVD navigation system with 7-inch LCD display


• Two new colors

Overview
The front-wheel drive (FWD) midsize 4-door 5-passenger 2008 Mitsubishi Galant family sedan returns as virtually carryover from last year, with a coupee of notable changes. Gone is the GTS model-dropped, according to Mitsubishi, to make it easier for customers to order. The company says they have spread content across the remaining three Galant models: DE, ES and Ralliart. Other changes for 2008 include a new tire-pressure-monitoring system, two new colors, and adaptive shift control/clutchless manual shift mode on the ES with 4-speed automatic transmission.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant DE and ES have a 160-hp 2.4-liter engine and 4-speed automatic transmission, while the Ralliart gets a 258-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. DE includes air conditioning; power windows/locks/mirrors; power steering and cruise control; 6-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar; 16-inch steel wheels; and a 140-watt, 4-speaker CD audio system. ES adds adaptive shift control; 140-watt, 6-speaker CD/MP3 audio system; color-keyed exterior mirrors and door handles; halogen headlamps with auto shutoff; and 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS). Ralliart adds the 3.8-liter V-6 engine; air conditioning with automatic climate control; 360-watt, 8-speaker 6-CD/MP3 premium audio system; 18-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels; integrated rear spoiler with LED brake lamp; color-keyed side air dam; traction control; sport-tuned suspension; front and rear aero bumpers; and a rear spoiler.

Three option packages are available on the 2008 Mitsubishi Galant: Protection (mudguards, step tread and trunk mat); Sport package for ES (16-inch alloy wheels; halogen headlamps; integrated rear spoiler; premium audio system; sport-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; and 6 months free Sirius satellite radio); and navigation for Ralliart (DVD-based navigation, 7-inch color touch screen). Accessories include fog lights; rear spoiler; 6-CD/MP3-compatible in-dash changer; sunroof; side window wind/air deflectors; and wheel locks.

Powertrain
The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant has two powertrains. DE and ES models are powered by a 2.4-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine that generates 160 hp at 5500 rpm and 157 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. Ralliart is powered by the 3.8-liter V-6 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) that produces 258 hp at 5750 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. The 4-cylinder engine transfers power through a 4-speed automatic transmission in the DE, while ES gets a 4-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and clutchless manual shift mode. The V-6 engine in Ralliart has a 5-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and clutchless manual shift mode. A tire-pressure-monitoring system is standard on all 2008 Mitsubishi Galant models, while the Ralliart has standard traction control and ABS. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway for the 4-cylinder engine, and 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the 3.8-liter V-6 engine.

Safety
All 2008 Mitsubishi Galant models feature six standard air bags, including front, side, and side curtain. Other safety features include front and rear 3-point safety belts, height-adjustable front belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters; child safety locks; trunk entrapment release system; LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) for child safety seats; tire-pressure-monitoring system; anti-theft alarm system; and engine immobilizer.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant has not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal- or side-impact tests, but Galant receives a 4-star rating (out of a possible 5 stars) in the agency's rollover test.

Technology
A 140-watt, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD player is standard in DE, while ES adds MP3 playback capability with unique panel and 6 speakers. A 360-watt, 8-speaker Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio sound system with AM/FM radio and 6-CD/MP3 capability, digital signal processor and 8 speakers is standard on Ralliart and available with the sport package on ES. A 6-month paid subscription to Sirius satellite radio is also standard on Ralliart and available on ES with the sport package. A navigation package for Ralliart includes center 7-inch color LCD touch-screen display with full map DVD navigation system.