New Mitsubishi Lancer - Make That Galant

In recent months rumours of the reintroduction of the Galant to Mitsubishi's vehicle line up in Japan have been gaining increasing currency in the local motoring press, with certain publications - including Automobilia Japonica - positing that the new vehicle would be dimensionally similar to the North American market Galant in slotting into Mitsubishi's range above the Lancer. However, to the consternation of many, in an unforeseen and outlandish move Mitsubishi Motors Japan today issued a press release, which, somewhat unsurprisingly, confirmed that the latest Lancer Evolution will indeed be named "Lancer Evolution X" in Japan when it goes on sale in the Autumn, but which, more surprisingly, also introduced the name of a further sporting saloon Mitsubishi plans to introduce to the Japanese market at the same time as the Evo - the Galant Fortis.

The New Mitsubishi Galant Fortis

However, in a bizarre act of corporate branding it would appear that the new Galant Fortis is in fact a Lancer, the new Galant being all but identical in appearance to the Lancer GTS already on sale in the North American market, only minus the GTS' rear wing and with the addition of some extra detailing on the front grille. Further details of the Galant Fortis are somewhat scarce at this juncture, with Mitsubishi's marketing blurb merely describing it as a high powered sporting saloon, which while being fun to drive also offers comfort, economy and high levels of safety - most revealing. The press release also states that the Galant Fortis will be equipped with Mitsubishi's newly developed aluminium block 2-litre MIVEC engine as found in American-spec Lancers, so a similar power output of 152hp is to be expected.


On the Lancer Evolution X front, Mitsubishi's latest press release didn't really provide any new information, bar the appearance of two new official photos, merely confirming that the new Evo will be equipped with Mitsubishi's latest S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system, and be powered by a turbocharged version of the new aluminium block 2-litre MIVEC engine mated to a six-speed clutch-less manual gearbox.



The Latest Official Photos of the Lancer Evolution X

So thus, in a strange twist of fate, it looks like the rumours are true, and the Galant is making a return to Japan, only this time it’s making its comeback as a Lancer.