Look at what's beneath the sexy sheetmetal of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport...

For 1999, a strapping 3.5-liter V6 gives the Montero Sport the biggest available engine in its class. This 24-valve powerplant generates 200 horses and a robust 228 foot-pounds of torque, easily out-powering the Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinder. Providing exceptional pulling power and effortless cruising, the 3.5-liter engine is standard exclusively on 2-wheel- and 4-wheel-drive models of the new Montero Sport Limited.

Standard on all Montero Sport LS and XLS models is an uncommonly smooth and free-revving 3.0-liter 24-valve V6. Offering the refinement of a high-quality sedan engine, along with 173 horsepower and a substantial 188 foot-pounds of torque, this powerplant gives the Montero Sport quiet, relaxed performance on the highway and the strength and stamina to tow as much as 5,000 lbs. The 3.0-liter V6 is a quiet and unassuming workhorse that you'll soon come to count on.

This durable 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine has seen duty in some of the harshest terrain on earth, yet provides 132 horsepower and 148 foot-pounds of torque with a sense of ease and refinement that's rare in a large 4-cylinder. Mitsubishi's dual engine stabilizers smooth the power output, and maximum torque is available at a leisurely 2,750 rpm. The result is power and efficiency without excessive noise and vibration. The 2.4-liter engine is standard on the Montero Sport ES.

The Montero Sport ES and LS have been upgraded with hefty 235/75R-15 mud- and snow-rated tires, mounted on styled steel wheels on the ES and alloy wheels on the LS. The XLS and the new Limited model come standard with even larger 265/70R-15 mud- and snow-rated tires mounted on wider alloy wheels. Regardless of the model, the Montero Sport is equipped with tires that can handle rough off-road terrain without creating a noisy or stiff ride on the highway.

The Montero Sport's shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel-drive system can be engaged at speeds up to 62 mph for traveling in slick conditions. When the going gets particularly tricky, the 2-speed transfer case offers extra-low gearing to help you climb steep grades, descend sharp inclines and claw your way out of deep mud, snow and sand. And if you happen to tow a boat, low range makes the launch ramp a whole lot easier.

FUN-TO-DRIVE MID-SIZE SEDAN

Powerful Engine Choices and Special Suspension Tuning Bring Sporty Performance

With it's stylish, sleek exterior design and driver-oriented interior, the all-new 1999 Mitsubishi Galant promises outstanding performance.  Fortunately, this mid-size sedan's high-torque engine choices, including a newly-available V6, and it's fun-to-drive suspension tuning backs up it's sporty appearance.

Engines

For the first time, Galant buyers will have the choice of two engines -- a high-torque 4-cylinder or a powerful V6 -- specifically developed for American drivers.  In fact, these two engines are not available in Galant models sold outside of the United States, allowing Mitsubishi Motors to tune these engines for what car buyers want most:   strong off-the-line performance and confident passing ability.

The performance of both engines has been improved with a cold-air induction system that draws air in from above the radiator, rather than from inside the hot engine compartment.   The cool air mixes more easily with fuel.

In addition, as an example of the extraordinary efforts Mitsubishi Motors engineers went through to reduce noise and vibration in the all-new Galant, both engines have been re-configured from a west-to-east configuration to east-to-west.

• 2.4-Liter 4-Cylinder

Galant's 2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine has been refined to produce more horsepower and           torque, while reducing noise and vibration.  Producing 145 horsepower* at 5,500 RPM and 155 pounds           feet of torque at a low 3,000 RPM, the 2.4-liter engine has a new intake manifold to improve low end            power for additional standing-start performance.

Dual engine stabilizers, originally pioneered and patented by Mitsubishi Motors, continue to virtually eliminate the harmonic vibration typical of large-displacement 4-cylinder engines.

• 3.0-Liter V6

Perhaps the biggest news for the all-new 1999 Galant is the availability of a V6 engine.  The V6 engine brings a new level of power and smoothness to Galant, and has been engineered to deliver the strong, useable power demanded by buyers in this segment.

Producing 195-horsepower** at 5,500 RPM and an impressive 205 pounds feet of torque at 4,500 RPM, the 3.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 is one of the most powerful in Galant's class, including competitors such as Camry, Accord and 626.

Transmissions

• 4-Speed Automatic transmission

The previous generation Galant was one of the first vehicles to use fuzzy logic to determine proper shifts of its automatic transmission.  The 1999 Galant takes this innovation one step further.

Galant's four-speed automatic has "optimum shift control" to improve shift quality and be more responsive to the needs of the driver.  The system, which incorporates decision making ability similar to the human brain, factors in accelerator position, vehicle speed, brake application and road conditions to select the appropriate gear, including downshifts when the vehicle is going downhill.

The Automatic also has an engine torque management system, which allows the engine to reduce power for a spit second during shifts, providing smoother operation and less shock to the drivetrain.

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission

Available with the 4-cylinder engine later in the model year, Galant's 5-speed manual transmission has been improved over the previous generation with a goal to reduce noise and improve shift feel.

An increased number of synchronizer rings combines with a new shift lever to enhance the overall shift feel.

Fun-to-Drive Suspension Tuning

To match the performance promised by its sporty styling and powerful engines, Galant's engineers made sure it would be fun-to-drive.  With it's 4-wheel independent suspension, re-engineered for ride quality and handling response specifically for the United States, Galant can definitely be defined as a "driver's car."

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut design, exclusive to the U.S.-version of the Galant.  This design was chosen for improved straight line stability, lower weight and reduced road noise.  Off-set placement of the front springs reduces friction, diffusing road shock from rough pavement and improving the ride.  A front stabilizer bar is also provided.

At the rear, Galant's multi-link suspension is improved over the current generation, and is similar to the design of Mitsubishi Motors' flagship Diamante luxury performance sedan.

Tuning of the rear suspension has been revised, and there is a more rigid crossmember for improved stability.  Upper and lower control arms are made from stronger and stiffer tubular steel, and all models except the entry level Galant DE are equipped with a rear stabilizer bar.

With its powerful engine choices, sophisticated transmission, and fun-to-drive suspension tuning, the all-new Galant has the performance to back up its sporty, stylish exterior.  It is a welcome addition to the current crowd of look-alike, drive-alike generic mid-size sedans.