View source for Mitsubishi Galant Lambda

{{Infobox automobile
| image = 1982 Mitsubishi Sapporo 2000 GSL coupé.jpg
| caption = 1982 Mitsubishi Sapporo 2000 GSL
| name = Mitsubishi Galant Λ (Lambda)
| manufacturer = [[Mitsubishi Motors]]
| aka = Mitsubishi Eterna Λ (Lambda)<br/>Mitsubishi Sapporo<br/>Mitsubishi Scorpion<ref name=Mitsubishi_Scorpion>Green Book Price & Model Guide, March-April 1984, page 68</ref><br/>Chrysler Sigma Scorpion<ref name=Sigma_Scorpion>[http://www.tocmp.com/brochures/Chrysler/1978/Australia/Scorpion/pages/Scorpion_front_jpg.htm 1978 Chrysler Sigma Scorpion sales brochure (Australia), www.tocmp.com] Retrieved on 1 June 2014</ref><br/>Chrysler Scorpion<ref name=Chrysler_Scorpion>Chrysler Scorpion 2.6 advertisement, Chrysler Australia, Australian Playboy, February 1980</ref><br/>Colt Sapporo<br/>[[Dodge Challenger#Colt|Dodge (Colt) Challenger]]<br/>Plymouth Sapporo
| production = 1976–1984
| class = [[Mid-size]]
| body_style = 2-door [[hardtop]]/[[notchback]] [[coupé]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive]]
| related = [[Mitsubishi Galant]]
| predecessor = [[Mitsubishi Galant|Colt Galant]], [[Mitsubishi Galant GTO|Galant GTO]]
| successor = [[Mitsubishi Starion|Starion]] (Japan)<br/>[[Mitsubishi Galant#Sapporo|Galant/Eterna Σ hardtop]] (Europe)<ref name="successor">[http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/ir/share/pdf/e/fact2005.pdf Facts & Figures 2005] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305232559/http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/ir/share/pdf/e/fact2005.pdf |date=2007-03-05 }}, p.26, Mitsubishi Motors website</ref>
}}

'''The Mitsubishi Galant Λ (Lambda)''' is a two-door, four-seat [[hardtop]]/[[notchback]] [[coupé]] built by [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] from 1976 until 1984. From 1978, it was exported under various names; such as the '''Mitsubishi Sapporo''' in [[Europe]] and [[South America]] (named for the [[Japan]]ese city of [[Sapporo]], which was considered to have positive international connotations after having hosted the [[1972 Winter Olympics]]<ref name="JNC2">{{cite journal | ref = BirdSan | journal = Japanese Nostalgic Car | title = Challenging Times: Mitsubishi's Forgotten Captive | last1 = San | first1 = Kevin | last2 = Bird | first2 = David | pages = 46–47 | volume = 1 | number = 2 | publisher = DCB Media | date = July 2008 }}</ref>), the '''Dodge (Colt) Challenger''' and '''Plymouth Sapporo''' in [[North America]] and [[Puerto Rico]], and the '''Chrysler Sigma Scorpion''',<ref name=Sigma_Scorpion/> '''Chrysler Scorpion'''<ref name=Chrysler_Scorpion/> and later the '''Mitsubishi Scorpion'''<ref name=Mitsubishi_Scorpion/> in [[Australia]]. It was also sold as a Sapporo in the [[United Kingdom]] under the ''[[Colt Car Company|Colt]]'' brand.

For the 1987 model year, Mitsubishi resurrected the Sapporo name for their [[Mitsubishi Galant#Fifth generation|Mitsubishi Galant Sapporo]]. However, this version was an unrelated front-wheel drive, four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]].

==History==
[[File:Mitsubishi Galant 1.6 SL (15447616385).jpg|thumb|left|Mitsubishi Galant 1.6 SL (The Netherlands)]]

Introduced in Japan in December 1976, the Lambda was described not as a [[coupé]] but a "[[personal luxury car]]", as Mitsubishi already had the [[Mitsubishi Lancer|Lancer]]-based ''Celeste'' [[coupé]] in its line-up. It competed in Japan with the [[Toyota Crown#Toyopet Crown – Third generation (S50; 1967)|Toyota Crown]], [[Nissan Cedric]], [[Nissan Gloria]], and the [[Mazda Cosmo#Series CD (1975–1981)|Mazda Cosmo]] coupes newly introduced to Japan. In Australia, the car was imported from Japan as a flagship model of [[Chrysler Australia]]'s successful [[Chrysler Sigma|Sigma]] range.

{{Infobox automobile 
| image = Mitsubishi Galant lamda 2600 Super Touring(A135A).jpg
| caption = 1976–1980 Japanese-market Mitsubishi Galant Lambda
| name = Mitsubishi Galant Λ (Lambda) - 1st gen
| manufacturer = [[Mitsubishi Motors]]
| production = 1976–1980
| engine = 1.6&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Saturn engine#4G32|4G32]]'' [[straight-4|I4]]<br/>1.8&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Sirius engine#4G62|4G62]]'' I4<br/>2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G52|4G52]]'' I4<br/>2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Sirius engine#4G63T|4G63T]]'' [[turbocharger|turbo]] I4<br/>2.6&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4G54|4G54]]'' I4<br/>2.3&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Astron engine#4D55|4D55]]'' [[turbodiesel]] I4
| transmission = 5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]<br/>3-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
| length = {{Convert|4510|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{Convert|1675|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{Convert|1330|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{Convert|2515|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{Convert|1035|-|1105|kg|abbr=on}}
}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image = 1981 Mitsubishi Sapporo 2000 GL - 52542058771.jpg
| caption = 1981 Mitsubishi Sapporo 2000 GL
| name = Mitsubishi Galant Λ (Lambda) - 2nd gen
| manufacturer = [[Mitsubishi Motors]]
| production = 1980–1983
| length = {{Convert|4650|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{Convert|1700|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{Convert|1355|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{Convert|2530|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{Convert|1148|-|1205|kg|abbr=on}}
}}

==Styling==
In the mid-1970s, smaller [[personal luxury car]]s were a growing trend.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Koscs |first1=Jim |title=American aspirationals: In the 1970s, Detroit made middle-class luxury personal |url= https://www.hagerty.com/media/archived/70s-personal-luxury-coupes/ |website=Hagerty |date=6 October 2017 |access-date=24 March 2024}}</ref> Pursuing this market segment, the Lambda/Sapporo featured [[hardtop|frameless]] [[car glass|door glass]] with no [[B pillar]] between the front and rear side windows, canopy [[vinyl roof]]s, velour upholstered interiors, wheel covers with [[whitewall tire]]s, and numerous power assists. 

In 1980, the second generation featured styled steel wheels with blackwall tires, less chrome trim and interior courtesy lights, a fuse box with fuse built-in test light and under seat as well as console storage &mdash;' and a radio antenna incorporated into the trunk lid.

The wheelbase and bodywork were lengthened with a revised roofline while remaining within the Japanese Government [[Vehicle size class#Japan|dimension regulations]]. Revisions offered increased shoulder room, front and rear leg room, headroom and trunk capacity<ref name=JNC2b>[[#BirdSan|San and Bird]], p. 48</ref><ref name=RT81a/> &mdash; and merited a new chassis code, shifting from '''A120''' to '''A160'''.<ref name=JNC2b/> The shifter was moved closer to the driver, and ventilation was improved. The interior provided additional carpeting, [[acoustic dampening]] materials, and a double-thickness front bulkhead.<ref name=RT81a/>

==Mechanicals==
[[File:Mitsubishi Galant (Eterna) GSR Turbo.jpg|thumb|left|Japanese-market Mitsubishi Galant Lambda GSR Turbo]]

The Mitsubishi Galant Lambda was available with a variety of engines, including [[Diesel engine| diesel]], several normally aspirated gasoline engines, and one of the earliest applications of the long-running [[turbocharged]] 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Sirius engine|4G63T]]'' engine in the top GSR model which also featured independent rear suspension. It was available in the North American market 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|alloy wheels]] were available together as a package. Other US options were minimal; [[air conditioning]], [[compact audio cassette|cassette]] player, [[automatic transmission]], [[cruise control]], [[power door locks]], [[power mirrors]], [[power windows]], and a [[moonroof]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.carprices.com/research_data/1983/plymouth/sapporo/1983_plymouth_sapporo_luxury_2_doors_Coupe.html |title=1983 Plymouth Sapporo Luxury |website=carprices.com |date=2004 |archive-date=13 October 2004 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041013100534/http://www.carprices.com/research_data/1983/plymouth/sapporo/1983_plymouth_sapporo_luxury_2_doors_Coupe.html |access-date=24 March 2024}}</ref>

The American, Australian, and Japanese-market 2.6&nbsp;L ''[[Mitsubishi Astron engine|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. Japanese buyers were liable for more annual [[Road tax#Japan|road tax]] for selecting the 2.6 L engine over the smaller engines. The US version also featured a "[[Mitsubishi MCA|Jet Valve]]", a small secondary intake valve that improved emissions by enhancing swirl in the combustion chamber, allowing for utilizing of a leaner fuel mixture. A similar engine without the Jet Valve was available in Mitsubishi-built trucks and the Canadian versions of the Sapporo/Challenger. It was also used in many Chrysler [[Chrysler K platform|K-cars and their derivatives]].

Beginning in 1980, Japanese versions were available with electronic fuel injection, or a new 2.3&nbsp;L Astron turbodiesel engine.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za/featuresites/mm_history/Galant.asp#Lambda |title=Mitsubishi Galant |work=Mitsubishi Motors South Africa |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070404073601/http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.za/featuresites/mm_history/Galant.asp |archive-date=4 April 2007 |access-date=17 August 2017}}</ref>

The suspension was revised for the 1980 model year (the second generation), with improved geometry in front and an all-new four-link rear suspension. The turbo models were introduced, of which some came with independent rear suspension (as later applied to the Starion).<ref name=JNC2c>[[#BirdSan|San and Bird]], pp. 49-50</ref> The second generation also brought variable-assist power steering, which provided increased assistance at low speeds and less at higher speeds.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_mitsubishi_scorpion_gj.htm |title=Mitsubishi Scorpion GJ/GK/GL |work=Unique Cars and Parts |access-date=17 August 2017}}</ref> It was also slightly bigger, with increased foot room, headroom, and luggage space.

The Galant Lambda GSR was a predecessor to the more sporting [[Mitsubishi Starion]] based on the same chassis and drivetrain. The Starion continued the rear-wheel-drive Galants' model codes, being called the '''A180''', while the new [[Mitsubishi Galant#fifth|front-wheel-drive Galants]] started afresh from E10.<ref name=JNC2c/>

==North America==
{{See also|Dodge Challenger#Second generation (1978–1983)}}
[[File:Plymouth Sapporo (1159952762).jpg|thumb|left|Front-view of a first generation Plymouth Sapporo]]
[[File:Plymouth Sapporo, first generation.jpg|thumb|left|Rear-view of a first generation Plymouth Sapporo]]
[[File:1982 Dodge Challenger (all original).jpg|thumb|right|1982 Dodge Challenger (unmodified example of second generation of the Mitsubishi-based Challenger)]]

The car was marketed in North America as a [[captive import]] of the [[Dodge]] and [[Plymouth (automobile)|Plymouth]] divisions of Chrysler. The cars differed only in minor details, such as [[taillight]]s, interior trim, and available colors. Although mechanically identical, the [[Dodge Challenger|Dodge Colt Challenger]] was positioned to appeal to the performance segment, while the Plymouth Sapporo (which rather oddly for a captive import, was named after [[Sapporo|a Japanese city]]) targeted the luxury market. The earliest Dodge Colt Challengers were available only in a two-tone silver/charcoal paint to enhance its sportier nature. For the 1979 model year, four more color combinations became available.<ref name=BG79>{{citation | ref = RT79 | title = Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1979 | date = January–February 1979 | publisher = CBS Publications | location = Greenwich, CT | page = 92 }}</ref> Equipment was complete for the time, with remote opening trunk, electrically controlled exterior mirrors, map lights, crushed velour seats, etcetera. The larger-engined cars included four-wheel disc brakes as standard; both engines were available with a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic.<ref name=RTbg79>{{citation | ref = RT79 | title = Four Sports Coupes | work = Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1979 | date = January–February 1979 | publisher = CBS Publications | location = Greenwich, CT | page = 32 }}</ref>

As in other markets, the Challenger/Sapporo received all-new bodywork for the 1981 model year. Originally a 1.6&nbsp;L four was also available, but the second generation North American market cars received only the 2.6&nbsp;L [[Inline-four engine|inline-four]] with [[balance shaft]]s and {{convert|105|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=RT81a>{{cite journal | journal = Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981 | issue = January-February 1981 | title = 1981 Buyer's Guide | editor-first = Tony | editor-last = Hogg | page = 92 }}</ref> The Dodge versions became simply the Dodge Challenger after 1981, dropping the "[[Dodge Colt|Colt]]" part of the name. An electric [[sunroof]] was also new.<ref name=RT81a/>

Although the car received generally positive reviews, it was unsuccessful in the United States. The Challenger and Sapporo were discontinued after the 1983 model year to make way for the products of the newly formed Chrysler-Mitsubishi joint venture, [[Diamond-Star Motors]], as well as the entrance of Mitsubishi into the American market under its name. The same platform and 2.6&nbsp;L engine under the Challenger and Sapporo were continued through 1989 as the [[Mitsubishi Starion#North America|Conquest]] sports car.

{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.allpar.com/model/sapparo.html Allpar Sapporo/Challenger page]
*[http://www.msapporo.com/ msapporo.com (Sapporo information website)]
*[http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_0236/article.html "Scorpion Sting"], Michael Knowling, ''Autospeed'', July 6, 1999
*[https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/innovation/history/year/1970/70_11.html Mitsubishi Motors History Galant Lambda page]

{{Mitsubishi Motors vehicles}}
{{Mitsubishi cars 1960-79}}
{{Dodge}}
{{Historic Plymouth Timeline}}
{{Chrysler vehicles}}

[[Category:Mitsubishi Motors vehicles|Galant Lambda]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Mid-size cars]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1976]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]