The V6 models come with traction control, which can selectively apply the brakes at one or more wheels and/or reduce engine power to control wheelspin on slippery surfaces. It's especially useful in the rain, but even in dry weather can eliminate annoying screeches when taking off from intersections. The five-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic also features a manual override. For its size and heft, the Galant feels decently planted on all but the most twisting roads.
The Ralliart handles well, with crisp precision, and rides quite nicely. It features higher-rate springs and shock absorbers, along with a 21-mm rear anti-roll bar. The Ralliart V6 uses the MIVEC system and a slightly higher compression (10.5 vs. 10.0:1) to boost its output to 258 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 4500. It's a smooth, powerful engine. Mitsubishi says it develops 220 pound-feet of torque at just 2000 rpm, which makes for a smooth, responsive engine when riding around town, yet it's not annoyingly jumpy with an overly sensitive throttle, as some performance cars can be. Mitsubishi claims the Galant Ralliart can sprint from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, which is a fine performance.
Brake feel is solid and reassuring. Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are standard on all models; the EBD proportions braking pressure between the front and rear wheels depending on how the car is loaded, and adjusts stopping pressure dynamically as weight shifts forward under hard braking. The idea is to send the brake pressure to the wheels with the most weight on them, which is where it can do the most good. This gives the Galant stable braking performance. Next Page