The Mitsuoka Galue was produced beginning in 1996. The first series, the Galue I, was produced from 1996 to 1999. It was based on the Nissan Crew and powered by its engine, the RB20E 2-liter four-cylinder engine. Many of the mechanical components were also sources from the Crew. The front end of the vehicle was styled in similar fashion to a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce. This trend would continue over the years. The Galue II was produced from 1999 to 2005. It was based on the Nissan Cedric Y34 and Gloria Y34 with many of the mechanical components from the Cedric. Both the Gloria and the Cedric were very similar in design and mechanicals. There were two engines available on the Galue II, a 2.5-lier and 3-liter V6 VQ-series units. In comparison to the Galue I, the Galue II had front and rear styling modifications, and an upgraded interior. It rode on spoked alloy wheels, whereas the Galue I rode on disc or wire wheels. When production of the Cedric and Gloria ceased and were replaced by the Fuga, Mitsuoka took the opportunity to once again update its vehicle. The Galue III had many noticeable updates such as smaller bumpers and a thicker grille. The interior was updated with many luxurious amenities fitted. The 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter VQ series engine from the Fuga provided the Galue III with its power.
A smaller version of the Galue, dubbed the Galue 204, entered production around 2008. The '204' in the vehicle's name represents its class (class 2) and generation (generation 04) of the design. The mechanical components for this vehicle are based on the Toyota Corolla Axio, including the 1.5-liter or 1.8-liter engines. The front grille is similar to the Galue III's, though it has wire mesh instead of chrome slats. A new derivation of the Galue is the statelier Galue S50 Limousine. This version is based on the Infiniti M. The vehicle is available with a 223-horsepower 250LX or the 313 horsepower 350LX engine.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2009
Beginning in 2007, the Galue was available as a convertible. Though it shared a similar name, the convertible version is very different from the Galue III. The front and rear styling is different and the rest of the car is based on the Ford Mustang. The engine is a Mustang 4-liter V6 with an optional Mustang V8 for those seeking more power. Since these convertibles are made in left-hand-drive, these versions are meant for export.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2009
