Mechanicals
The car was available with a variety of engines, including diesels, a number of normally aspirated gasoline engines, and one of the earliest applications of the long-running turbocharged 2.0 L 4G63T engine in the top GSR model which also featured independent rear suspension. In the North American market, it was available 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 wheels were available together as a package. Other US options were minimal; air conditioning, cassette player, automatic transmission, cruise control, power door locks, power mirrors, power windows, and a moonroof.
The American- and Australian-market 2.6 L 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. The US version also featured a "Jet Valve", a small secondary intake valve which improved emissions by enhancing swirl in the combustion chamber, allowing for burning of a leaner mixture. A similar engine without the Jet Valve was available in Mitsubishi built trucks and in the Canadian versions of the Sapporo/Challenger.
Beginning in 1980, Japanese versions of this car were available with electronic fuel injection, or a new 2.3 L Astron turbodiesel engine.
For the 1980 model year (the second generation), the suspension was completely revised, with improved geometry in front and an all new four-link rear suspension. This is also when the turbo models were introduced, which came with independent rear suspension. The second generation also brought variable-assist power steering, which provided greater assistance at low speeds and less at higher speeds. It was also slightly larger, with increased footroom, headroom, and luggage space.
Scorpions compete successfully in rally, circuit, and drag racing, being very similar to Colts and Lancers. The Galant Lambda GSR was the direct predecessor to the Mitsubishi Starion, which was based on the same chassis and drivetrain.
Read more about this topic: Mitsubishi Galant Lambda