Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 (eighth generation)

The eighth-generation Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, codes EC5A and EC5W, introduced in 1996, was the final VR-4. Its engine grew to 2.5 litres, the 6A13TT twin-turbo V6, lifting power by 15 percent to the Japanese voluntary limit of 206 kW, or 280 PS, with 191 kW for the pre-facelift automatic. It could exceed 160 mph and reach 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with the manual or 5.7 with the five-speed INVECS-II automatic, a self-learning gearbox based on Porsche's Tiptronic. With this generation the Legnum wagon replaced the five-door hatchback and the VR-4 came as a sedan or wagon. Pre-facelift cars had Active Yaw Control, first seen on the Lancer Evolution IV, and Type V and Type S models joined the line. A limited Super VR-4 of about 800 units sold in January 1998, and a facelift followed in August 1998. North America and Europe were denied it, but grey imports built a following, and production ended in 2002 as Japan revised its emission standards.