Key Takeaways
- e10 is this site's route label, not a Mitsubishi code. JAF's 1987 competition register lists E31A, E32A, E33A, E38A and E39A.
- E39A alone does not prove a VR-4: JAF also lists a non-turbo E39A, so check the engine and grade documents.
- VR-4 power by revision: 205 PS at launch in December 1987, 220 PS manual and 210 PS automatic in 1989, 240 PS manual in 1990.
- Mitsubishi lists six overall WRC wins for the Galant VR-4 between 1989 and 1992 and dates the end of its factory programme to the 1992 RAC.
- The Galant AMG joined the range in 1989. AUTO BILD reports 500 for Japan; no factory total was found.
- The first front-wheel-drive Galant was the fifth generation (September 1983), not this one.
Background
Route label and codes
The e10 in this page's address is a site label, not a Mitsubishi chassis code. Mitsubishi launched the sixth-generation Galant in Japan in October 1987. JAF's register of vehicles registered for competition lists 1987 entries for E31A (Galant 1600, 4G32, 1,597 cc), E32A (1800, 4G37, 1,755 cc) and E33A (2000, 4G63, 1,997 cc), plus four-wheel-drive 2.0-litre cars as E38A and E39A.
The E39A is listed with turbo and four-wheel steering and also without a turbo; the E38A is listed with and without a turbo. Mitsubishi describes the line-up as 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.0-litre turbo engines. The first front-wheel-drive Galant was the fifth generation, launched in September 1983.
VR-4 drivetrain and chassis
Mitsubishi's Active Four package on the four-wheel-drive cars combined a four-valve DOHC engine, full-time four-wheel drive with a viscous-coupling centre differential, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel steering and four-wheel ABS; two-wheel-drive cars had active electronically controlled suspension. Motor Magazine lists struts at the front, double wishbones at the rear, 195/60R15 tyres, a five-speed manual and an optional four-speed automatic, and describes the rear steering as fully hydraulic and sensitive to speed and steering force. Its torque figure for the launch car is 30.0 kgf·m, at 3,000 rpm in the text and 6,000 rpm in its table.
Power by revision
Mitsubishi gives 205 PS at 6,000 rpm for the VR-4 launched in December 1987. Best Car's summary says the manual rose to 220 PS (210 PS for the automatic) with the 1989 revision and to 240 PS with a partial update in 1990, and that the 240 PS cars have a bonnet air scoop. Mitsubishi says the Lancer Evolution's 4G63 produced 250 PS, 10 PS more than the sixth-generation VR-4, which is consistent with 240 PS. Mitsubishi lists the 4G63 among its timing-belt engines. Confirm the replacement interval with a Mitsubishi specialist.
VR-4 RS and Galant AMG
The VR-4 RS was added in February 1988 as a competition-base version with simplified equipment (Motor Magazine). Mitsubishi added the Galant AMG in 1989, modified with the German tuner AMG. AUTO BILD says AMG raised the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine to 170 PS (its headline gives 177 PS) and that 500 cars were built for Japan only. No factory total was found, so treat the 500 as a press report.
WRC record
Mitsubishi says the VR-4 made its WRC debut in New Zealand in July 1988 with Kenjiro Shinozuka in the semi-works team. It lists six overall WRC wins: the 1989 1000 Lakes (Ericsson) and RAC (Airikkala), the 1990 Ivory Coast (Tauziac), the 1991 Swedish (Eriksson) and Ivory Coast (Shinozuka), and the 1992 Ivory Coast (Shinozuka).
Mitsubishi dates the end of its Galant VR-4 factory programme to the 1992 RAC and planned the Group A Lancer Evolution's debut for Monte Carlo in 1993. Motor Sport's report records a Galant VR-4 entry at that 1993 event. Those results belong to the rally car; Motor Magazine says the road VR-4 was developed so Mitsubishi could enter the WRC.
Importing
US safety eligibility is 25 years from each car's manufacture date (49 CFR 591.5(i)); model years and Mitsubishi's launch dates do not determine it. Canada uses 15 years by manufacture month and year.
EPA separately requires at least 21 years by calendar-year subtraction and the original unmodified configuration. Engine equivalence means the same model and configuration as originally installed. EPA's published overview describes a restricted exception for equivalent or newer EPA-certified engines with their emission-control systems; confirm an engine-swapped car with EPA before shipping. State and provincial registration rules remain separate.
Technical Specifications
Power figures are Mitsubishi's launch rating and Japanese magazine summaries of later revisions, in PS. Only versions with a sourced power rating appear in the engine table.
Engine Options
-
VR-4 Dec 1987 launch
4G63 intercooled turbo- Displacement
- 1,997 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo, intercooled
- Power
- 205 PS @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 30.0 kgf·m (Motor Magazine text gives 3,000 rpm; its spec table prints 6,000 rpm)
- Transmission
- 5MT; 4AT optional
Full-time 4WD with viscous-coupling centre differential and four-wheel steering. JAF's 1987 competition register lists a turbo, four-wheel-steering E39A at 1,997 cc.
-
VR-4 1989 revision
4G63 intercooled turbo- Displacement
- 1,997 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo, intercooled
- Power
- 220 PS (5MT) / 210 PS (4AT)
- Transmission
- 5MT / 4AT
Best Car's summary of the 1989 update.
-
VR-4 1990 revision
4G63 intercooled turbo- Displacement
- 1,997 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo, intercooled
- Power
- 240 PS (5MT)
- Transmission
- 5MT
Bonnet air scoop on 240 PS cars (Best Car). Mitsubishi says the Lancer Evolution's 250 PS was 10 PS more than the sixth-generation VR-4.
-
Galant AMG From 1989
AMG-modified 2.0-litre- Displacement
- 2.0 L
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- About 170 PS (AUTO BILD text; its headline says 177 PS)
AUTO BILD reports 500 built for Japan only; no factory total found.
Transmission Options
| Type | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed manual | VR-4 | Motor Magazine's test car had a five-speed manual. From 1989 Best Car gives the manual and automatic different power ratings. |
| 4-speed automatic | VR-4, optional | Motor Magazine lists it as an option at ¥21,000 extra; Best Car gives the 1989 automatic as 210 PS against 220 PS for the manual. |
Variants & Trims
Mitsubishi lists 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.0-litre turbo engines for this generation. The standard petrol grades have JAF-listed codes and displacements; their power ratings are omitted.
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixth generation (e10, Japan) | VR-4 (on sale December 1987) | 4G63 intercooled turbo, 205 PS | Full-time 4WD with viscous-coupling centre differential, four-wheel steering, four-wheel ABS; five-speed manual, four-speed automatic optional. JAF's 1987 competition register lists a turbo, four-wheel-steering E39A. |
| Sixth generation (e10, Japan) | VR-4 revisions (1989, 1990) | 4G63 intercooled turbo, 220 PS manual and 210 PS automatic (1989), 240 PS manual (1990) | The 240 PS cars have a bonnet air scoop. Dates from Best Car's summary. |
| Sixth generation (e10, Japan) | VR-4 RS (February 1988) | 4G63 intercooled turbo | Competition-base version with simplified equipment (Motor Magazine). |
| Sixth generation (e10, Japan) | Galant AMG (from 1989) | AMG-modified 2.0 L naturally aspirated; AUTO BILD: 170 PS in the text, 177 PS in the headline | Developed with AMG of Germany (Mitsubishi). AUTO BILD reports 500 built for Japan only; no factory total found. |
| Sixth generation (e10, Japan) | Standard grades (1987 register) | E31A 4G32 1,597 cc; E32A 4G37 1,755 cc; E33A 4G63 1,997 cc | Mitsubishi lists 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.0 turbo engines. JAF also lists four-wheel-drive 2.0 L cars as E38A and E39A, with and without a turbo. |
Should You Buy a Mitsubishi Galant E10?
Why You'll Love It
- Built for rallying Motor Magazine says the VR-4 was developed so Mitsubishi could enter the WRC, and Mitsubishi lists six WRC wins for it between 1989 and 1992.
- Documented drivetrain Mitsubishi describes full-time four-wheel drive with a viscous-coupling centre differential, four-wheel steering and four-wheel ABS on the four-wheel-drive cars.
- Traceable power history Ratings of 205, 220 (210 automatic) and 240 PS are tied to specific years, so a car can be matched to its revision.
Why You Might Not
- The code is not enough JAF lists turbo and non-turbo cars under both E38A and E39A, so the code does not identify a VR-4.
- Revision dates rest on press summaries The 220 and 240 PS dates come from a Japanese magazine summary, and Motor Magazine's launch torque figure gives two different speeds.
- Timing-belt engine Mitsubishi lists the 4G63 as a timing-belt engine. Confirm the replacement interval with a Mitsubishi specialist.
- No production data No factory production figure was found for the VR-4 or the AMG.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone who treats an E38A or E39A code as proof of a turbo VR-4: JAF also lists non-turbo cars under both.
- Buyers planning an engine-swapped US import should confirm EPA eligibility first. EPA requires the original unmodified configuration and describes a restricted exception for equivalent or newer EPA-certified engines with their emission-control systems.
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Timing belt (4G63) | Mitsubishi's FAQ lists the 4G63 among the engines that use a timing belt. | Ask for dated belt-change records and confirm the replacement interval with a Mitsubishi specialist. |
Differences between JDM & USDM
This page describes the Japanese-market Galant and uses Mitsubishi's ratings in PS. Road & Track's 2016 account of MotorWeek's review of a US-market VR-4 gives 195 horsepower, a price of $21,000 and a 50/50 front-to-rear torque split, and says the four-wheel steering works only above 31 mph. Those are US-market figures; none of them is used in the tables here.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Verify the engine and grade documents first, then the power revision and the paperwork.
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
Generation span (Japan) (1987–1992)
- On sale from October 1987 (Mitsubishi)
- The next-generation Galant went on sale in May 1992; the last build month is not established
Launch (October 1987)
- Mitsubishi's first Japan Car of the Year win (1987)
- Active Four on the four-wheel-drive cars: DOHC engine, viscous-coupling centre differential, four-wheel steering, four-wheel ABS
VR-4 on sale (December 1987)
- Announced in October 1987; sales began in December
- 4G63 DOHC intercooled turbo, 205 PS at 6,000 rpm
VR-4 RS (February 1988)
- Competition-base version with simplified equipment
WRC debut (July 1988)
- VR-4 rally debut in New Zealand with Kenjiro Shinozuka in the semi-works team
1989 changes (1989)
- Galant AMG added, modified with AMG of Germany
- Manual VR-4 rated 220 PS, automatic 210 PS (Best Car)
WRC wins (1989–1992)
- Six overall wins: 1989 1000 Lakes and RAC, 1990 and 1991 Ivory Coast, 1991 Swedish, 1992 Ivory Coast
1990 revision (1990)
- Manual VR-4 rated 240 PS (Best Car)
- Bonnet air scoop on the 240 PS cars
End of the factory WRC programme (1992)
- Mitsubishi dates the end of its Galant VR-4 factory WRC programme to the 1992 RAC
- Mitsubishi planned the Group A Lancer Evolution for the 1993 Monte Carlo Rally
In Pictures
The Buyer's Read
Check the car's paperwork. JAF's 1987 competition register lists the E39A and E38A both with and without a turbo, so confirm the engine, the turbo hardware and the grade documents before you accept that a car is a VR-4.
Then work out which power revision you are looking at. Mitsubishi gives 205 PS for the VR-4 at its December 1987 launch. A Japanese magazine summary puts the manual at 220 PS in 1989 (210 PS automatic) and 240 PS in 1990, and Mitsubishi's statement that the Lancer Evolution's 250 PS was 10 PS more fits a 240 PS car. The 240 PS cars have a bonnet air scoop.
The VR-4 RS of February 1988 was a competition-base grade with simplified equipment, so do not assume standard VR-4 equipment. The Galant AMG, added in 1989, is a naturally aspirated car; AUTO BILD gives 170 PS in its text and 177 PS in its headline, and reports 500 built for Japan; the production total lacks factory confirmation.
Ask for dated timing-belt records, because Mitsubishi lists the 4G63 as a belt engine, and check the frame number and build date for import.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is e10 a Mitsubishi chassis code?
- No. It is this site's route label for the sixth-generation Galant. JAF's 1987 competition register lists Mitsubishi's own codes: E31A, E32A and E33A for the 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre cars, and E38A and E39A for four-wheel-drive 2.0-litre cars.
- How much power did the Galant VR-4 make?
- Mitsubishi gives 205 PS at 6,000 rpm for the VR-4 launched in December 1987. A Japanese magazine summary puts the manual at 220 PS (210 PS automatic) in 1989 and 240 PS in 1990. Mitsubishi's statement that the Lancer Evolution's 250 PS was 10 PS more fits 240 PS.
- Does every E39A have a turbo?
- No. JAF's 1987 competition register lists one E39A with a turbo and four-wheel steering and another without a turbo. The E38A is also listed both ways. Check the engine and grade documents.
- Which Galant won WRC rallies?
- The VR-4. Mitsubishi lists six overall wins: the 1989 1000 Lakes and RAC, the 1990 and 1991 Ivory Coast rallies, the 1991 Swedish Rally and the 1992 Ivory Coast Rally. Those were Group A rally cars, not road cars.
- Was the VR-4 sold outside Japan?
- Road & Track's 2016 account of MotorWeek's review describes a US-market VR-4 at $21,000 with 195 horsepower. Those are US figures and are not used in this page's Japanese PS tables.
- Can I import an e10 Galant to the US or Canada?
- US safety eligibility is 25 years from each car's manufacture date; model years and launch dates do not determine it. EPA separately requires at least 21 years by calendar-year subtraction and the original unmodified configuration. Engine equivalence means the same model and configuration. EPA describes a restricted exception for equivalent or newer EPA-certified engines with their emission-control systems; confirm swaps first. Canada uses 15 years by manufacture month and year. State and provincial registration remain separate.
Sources & References
Sources (32)
- Mitsubishi Motors: World Rally Championship 1988-1992 (English) — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Verified
- Mitsubishi Motors: Car History (English) — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Verified
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- Mitsubishi Motors: Car History (Japanese) — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Verified
- Mitsubishi recall 712: front suspension lower arms of Galant, Eterna and others (15 February 2001) — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Verified
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- EPA Form 3520-1: vehicle import declaration, Code E — US Environmental Protection Agency Verified
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Sources last verified: