Mitsubishi Galant Lambda
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| Mitsubishi Galant Λ | |
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| Also called: | Mitsubishi Sapporo Mitsubishi Scorpion Colt Sapporo |
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| Manufacturer: | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production: | 1976–1983 |
| Successor: | Mitsubishi Starion |
| Class: | subcompact |
| Body style: | 2-door coupé |
| Engine: | 4G32 1.6 L I4 4G52 2.0 L I4 4G54 2.6 L I4 4G63T 2.0 L I4 turbo |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 2530 mm |
| Length: | 4526 mm |
| Width: | 1674 mm |
| Height: | 1346 mm |
| Curb weight: | 1035–1145 kg |
| Fuel capacity: | 60 L |
| Related: | Mitsubishi Galant Dodge Challenger Plymouth Sapporo Chrysler Scorpion |
The Mitsubishi Galant Λ (Lambda) was a two-door hardtop coupé built by Mitsubishi Motors from 1976 to 1983. From 1978 it was exported under various names; as the Mitsubishi Sapporo in Europe and South America (named for the Japanese city of Sapporo, Hokkaido), the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo in North America and Puerto Rico, and the Chrysler Scorpion and later the Mitsubishi Scorpion in Australia. It was also sold as a Sapporo in the United Kingdom under the Colt brand.
In 1987, Mitsubishi resurrected the 'Sapporo' name for their Mitsubishi Galant Sapporo, but this was an unrelated front-wheel drive, four-door sedan.
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[edit] History
Introduced in Japan in December 1976, the Lambda was described not as a coupé but a "personal luxury car", as Mitsubishi already had the Lancer-based Celeste coupé in its line-up.
The car was marketed in North America as a captive import of the Dodge and Plymouth divisions of Chrysler; the cars differed only in minor details such as taillights, interior trim and available colors. Despite being mechanically identical, the Dodge was positioned to appeal to the performance market while the Plymouth was targeted at the luxury market.
In Australia the car was imported from Japan as a flagship model to Chrysler Australia's highly successful Sigma range.
[edit] Styling
In the mid-1970s, smaller luxury cars were a growing trend, following the success of the Cadillac Seville. Pursuing this idea, the Lambda / Sapporo featured frameless door glass, canopy vinyl roofs, velour interiors, "luxury" wheel covers with whitewall tires, and every possible power accessory inside. A common color combination was bright burgundy with white vinyl. A thick stainless steel targa band at the rear of the roof completed the look.
This apparently did not find great favor in the showrooms, and in 1981 the restyled car reverted to a more conventional style; quieter colors, metal roofs, styled steel wheels on blackwalls, and less trim. Luxurious touches continued to be supplied, however, particularly in the interior. Courtesy lights were everywhere, the fuse box had a fuse test light built in, storage spaces were supplied under the seat and in the console as well as the glove compartment. Mitsubishi drew on its electronics divisions to introduce details such as a high quality stereo with an "invisible radio antenna" built into the trunklid.
[edit] Mechanicals
The car was available with a variety of engines, including one of the earliest applications of the long-running turbocharged 2.0 L 4G63T engine in the top GSR model which also featured independent rear suspension. In the North American market, it was available in one basic configuration, which combined the GSR's close-ratio transmission, a live axle rear suspension and a larger engine. Rear disc brakes and alloy wheels were available together as a package. Other US options were minimal; air conditioning, cassette player, automatic transmission, cruise control, power door locks and power windows, and a moonroof.[1]
The American- and Australian-market 2.6 L 'Astron' engine helped introduce Mitsubishi's then-new "Silent Shaft" balance shaft engine technology, which minimized the inherent vibration of a large four-cylinder in-line engine. The US version also featured a "Jet Valve", a small secondary intake valve which improved emissions.
[edit] External links
- Official history, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa website
- Allpar Sapporo/Challenger Page
- www.msapporo.com
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