Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 was a front-engine, all-wheel-drive performance sedan based on the sixth-generation Galant platform. It used the turbocharged 4G63 inline-four, a five-speed manual transmission, full-time four-wheel drive, and four-wheel steering on many versions.
Model Overview
The E39A Galant VR-4 was the performance version of the sixth-generation Galant sedan. It was produced for rally homologation and used a drivetrain configuration that later became associated with the Lancer Evolution line: a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4G63 engine, all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission.
Japanese-market versions were sold with different output ratings across production years. Early cars are commonly listed at 205 PS, while later Japanese-market versions are commonly listed at 240 PS. U.S.-market 1991–1992 Galant VR-4 models were rated at 195 hp.
Core Specifications
| Model | Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 |
|---|---|
| Chassis Code | E39A |
| Model Years | 1987–1992; 1991–1992 in the United States |
| Market | Japan, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and selected export markets |
| Body Style | Four-door sedan |
| Layout | Front-engine, all-wheel drive |
| Engine | 4G63 turbocharged inline-four |
| Displacement | 1,997 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 85.0 mm x 88.0 mm |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 16 valves |
| Block / Head | Cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head |
| Induction | Turbocharged and intercooled |
| Japanese Output | Early versions: approximately 205 PS; later versions: approximately 240 PS at 6,000 rpm |
| Japanese Torque | Later versions: approximately 304 Nm at 3,500 rpm |
| U.S. Output | 195 hp; U.S.-market 1991–1992 specification |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual; some markets also received automatic versions |
| Drive System | Full-time four-wheel drive with viscous coupling center differential |
| Steering System | Four-wheel steering on many VR-4 versions |
| Wheelbase | Approximately 2,600 mm / 102.4 in |
| Length | Approximately 4,560–4,570 mm / 179.5–179.9 in, depending on market and bumper specification |
| Width | Approximately 1,695 mm / 66.7 in |
| Height | Approximately 1,440 mm / 56.7 in |
| Curb Weight | Approximately 1,430–1,475 kg / 3,153–3,251 lb, depending on market and equipment |
Output, curb weight, and equipment vary by market and model year. U.S.-market cars were numbered limited-production imports for 1991 and 1992.
Engineering Character
4G63 Turbo Engine
The E39A VR-4 used the 1,997 cc 4G63 turbocharged inline-four. The engine used a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves, turbocharging, and intercooling.
All-Wheel Drive
The car used a full-time all-wheel-drive system with a viscous coupling center differential. This distinguished the VR-4 from front-wheel-drive Galant variants.
Four-Wheel Steering
Many versions of the Galant VR-4 included four-wheel steering. The system was part of Mitsubishi’s period chassis-control strategy and was used with the all-wheel-drive layout.
Rally Homologation Context
The E39A VR-4 was produced in connection with Mitsubishi’s Group A rally program before the company shifted its primary rally platform to the Lancer Evolution.
Market And Version Notes
| Japanese-Market E39A | Sold with the 4G63 turbo engine and all-wheel-drive hardware. Later Japanese-market versions are commonly listed at 240 PS and 304 Nm. |
|---|---|
| U.S.-Market Galant VR-4 | Sold for 1991 and 1992 as a limited-production model. U.S.-market cars used a lower-output emissions-certified version rated at 195 hp. |
| Export Markets | Galant VR-4 models were also sold in selected markets including Australia and New Zealand, with specifications varying by local regulation and model year. |
| Later Galant VR-4 | The later eighth-generation Galant VR-4 used a twin-turbo V6 and different chassis. It is not the same specification as the E39A model. |
Modern Enthusiast Relevance
- 4G63 turbocharged inline-four
- Full-time all-wheel drive
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Four-wheel steering on many versions
- Four-door sedan body
- Group A rally homologation context
- Mechanical relationship to later Mitsubishi turbo AWD performance models
- U.S.-market 1991–1992 limited-production import status
Comparable Cars
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I
Later Mitsubishi turbocharged all-wheel-drive sedan that used related 4G63 engine architecture and succeeded the Galant as Mitsubishi’s primary rally platform.
Subaru Legacy RS
Turbocharged all-wheel-drive Subaru sedan from the same period and rally context. It used a flat-four engine rather than an inline-four.
Toyota Celica GT-Four
Turbocharged all-wheel-drive Toyota homologation model from the same era. It used a coupe / liftback body rather than a four-door sedan.
Nissan Pulsar GTI-R
Compact turbocharged all-wheel-drive Nissan hatchback produced in connection with Group A rally activity. It used a smaller body and SR20DET engine.
Buying And Ownership Notes
Evaluation should focus on turbocharger condition, timing-belt service history, cooling-system condition, transfer-case and driveline operation, gearbox condition, four-wheel-steering system function, corrosion, electrical systems, and prior modification quality.
Market specification should be confirmed before purchase. Japanese-market, U.S.-market, Australian-market, and New Zealand-market cars can differ in output, equipment, compliance components, and parts requirements.
MSC Taxonomy
Summary
The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 E39A is a turbocharged all-wheel-drive sedan powered by the 1,997 cc 4G63 inline-four. It combined a five-speed manual transmission, full-time all-wheel drive, and four-wheel steering on many versions, with specifications varying by market and production year.