|
Mitsubishi opted a different route here.
Introducing the shape (complete with all the aerodynamic kit) that’s
similar to the VR4, the GTi was born. Using
the same 2.0-liter engine as the VR4 sans the turbocharger, the GTi’s
powerplant is considered as a technological wonder of sorts.
For instance, it was the first one to use the EFI or electronic fuel
injection system through an 8-bit processor in the Philippine market.
Moreover, the engine solved the inherent instability of the inline-4
engine layout by introducing the counter-rotating balance shafts that have
become standard eventually on all inline-4 engines from any manufacturer.
Lash adjusters, a device also used by Ferrari were employed to eliminate
the need for the valves to be re-aligned. In
plain English, the DOHC power plant was good for 145 bhp and a maximum engine
speed of 7000 rpm. The engine is so
good that it saw transition to the succeeding Galant model (in the US), two
Eclipse iterations and several other American cars. The suspension, for both the Super Saloon and the GTi were technical wonders. Although the Philippines did not have the four-wheel drive / four-wheel steering system of the VR4, the layout and configuration of the suspension enabled passive rear-wheel steering for this particular Galant model. This meant that turning radius was smaller than cars comparable to its size. Moreover, it was more manoeuvrable and responsive during duress. The GTi’s suspension was further stiffened to a lot better performance under top speed. The 14-inch tires were also ditched in favor of 195 / 60 HR15 Goodyear Invicta GA all weather tires as standard. Although quite pathetic now, these 15-inches were considered ‘sporty’ enough during that time. The GTi was also the first car in the Philippines to employ the use of four-wheel disc brakes. This provided immense stopping power, although still no match when the ABS clad cars came trotting in the country. |
|
||||
