Mitsubishi GTO

 Mitsubishi GTO is popular in Japan

Mitsubishi GTO – Japan’s Tech-Loaded Sports Car

Overview

The Mitsubishi GTO, known in North America as the Mitsubishi 3000GT, was a grand tourer sports car produced from 1990 to 2001. It was Mitsubishi’s flagship performance model during the 90s, competing with legends like the Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX, and Mazda RX-7. In Japan, it carried the GTO name, while export versions were sold under both Mitsubishi and Dodge (as the Dodge Stealth).

Generations & Production

  • First Generation (Z16A/Z15A) – 1990–1993
    Introduced as a technologically advanced GT car with AWD, 4-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics.

  • Second Generation (Facelift) – 1994–1998
    Smoother styling, improved aerodynamics, updated interiors, and mechanical refinements.

  • Final Updates – 1999–2001
    Minor cosmetic tweaks, lighter weight, and some cost-cutting before production ended.

Engine & Performance Options

The GTO was offered in several trims and engine configurations:

Variant Engine Drivetrain Power Output
Base / SL 3.0L DOHC 24V V6 (6G72 NA) FWD ~222 hp
Twin Turbo (VR-4) 3.0L DOHC Twin-Turbo V6 (6G72 TT) AWD ~276 hp (Japan) / 300 hp (US)
MR (Japan only) 3.0L DOHC Twin-Turbo V6 AWD ~276 hp (lighter, no 4WS/active aero)

Technology & Features

The GTO was famous for its tech-heavy approach:

  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD) – for maximum traction.

  • Twin-Turbo & Twin-Intercooler Setup (VR-4).

  • Active Aerodynamics – front air dam and rear spoiler adjusted with speed.

  • Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) – adjustable ride stiffness.

  • 4-Wheel Steering – rear wheels turned slightly for sharper handling.

  • ABS & Traction Control – advanced safety for its era.

Design

  • Body Style: 2-door coupe (with a liftback trunk).

  • Aggressive wedge-shaped front with pop-up headlights (1990–1993) → fixed headlights in facelift (1994+).

  • Wide, muscular stance with aerodynamic curves.

  • Available in a variety of bold 90s colors like red, green, and pearl white.

Performance Figures (VR-4 Twin Turbo)

  • 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): ~5.0–5.5 seconds

  • Top Speed: ~250 km/h (155 mph)

  • Quarter Mile: ~13.5 seconds

Legacy

The Mitsubishi GTO is remembered as one of the most technologically advanced Japanese sports cars of its time. While it was heavier than rivals due to its tech load, it offered a unique blend of comfort, speed, and all-weather performance. Today, it has a strong following among JDM enthusiasts, though finding clean, unmodified examples is becoming difficult.


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