I’ve only actually known about this car for a few months. I can’t even remember where I first saw it. But the moment I did, it struck a chord in me, and I’ve been obsessing about it ever since. I constantly have multiple tabs open researching various aspects about it and its various configurations. It’s potential. Decidedly, I must have one, and am determined to make that happen eventually.
I’m talking about the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4.
Versions and availability
The VR-4 version spanned 3 generations of the Galant: the 6th through the 8th. Its initial existence was one of requirement: in order to participate in Group A rally racing, a homologated version of the car must be sold for road use. This was the only variant that was sold around the world. In the USA, we received 3,000 units between 1991 and 1992. It’s a rare car, able to be purchased with a manual transmission, a 205hp turbocharged engine, and AWD. However, once that torch was passed onto the Lancer Evolution, it became a platform to show off Mitsubishi’s technology.
The 7th generation of the Galant VR-4 received a few upgrades from the previous version. From 1993, it received an engine upgrade to a 2.0L twin-turbocharged v6, outputting 237hp. The styling of this generation was somewhat subdued compared to other variants: to be honest, it’s relatively ugly to me.
The one that caught my eye is based on the 8th generation Galant, platform code EC5A. With sales starting in 1996, Mitsubishi went all out on this one. A larger, 2.5L twin-turbocharged v6 that made 276hp sits under the hood, along with larger tires to contain the larger power output. Styling on this generation is a LOT more aggressive, and it’s the best looking of the 3 in my opinion. However, this wonderful vehicle, along with the previous generation, was only sold in Japan. As such, the US and other countries never received the VR-4, despite receiving other trims of the Galant. What a tease!
Pros
With the 25-year import laws in effect, these cars are starting to trickle into the US. I’ve seen a couple on Facebook in the past year or so. As of this writing, models between 1996 and 1998 are allowed. There’s even a wagon variant called the Legnum to suit those with more eccentric tastes (and maybe a need for more room, tomato-tomato). Personally, the Super VR-4 Galant ticks all my boxes:
- Sedan
- All-wheel drive
- Manual transmission option
- Reasonably quick
- Modifiable
That’s basically Daily Driven Motorsports in a nutshell!
Also, they seem to be relatively cheap compared to other sedans in this market. A quick search on GOONET Exchange shows a few of them for under $20k. To me, for a rare sports sedan like this, that’s a good deal! I’m personally keeping an eye out for a black on black Super VR-4. Let me know if you see one!
Cons
A con about owning this car would be the fact that it’s an old Japanese Domestic Market only car. That means that it’s right-hand drive, which makes it less convenient to drive on US roads. Parts availability would be another issue. While this generation of Galant was sold around the world, the drivetrain is pretty much Japan only. This means if something goes wrong with the engine or transmission, you will need to…overnight parts from Japan.
Sorry. I’ll see myself out shortly.
Conclusion
So, what do you think of this hidden gem of Japanese machinery? Is this something that could make your commute more exciting? Or maybe the styling isn’t your thing? Or perhaps the lack of parts availability is a turn off? Let me know in the comments below what you think, and thanks for reading!
