Segment:
Grand Tourer (GT), Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance car owners, mechanics
Key Competitors Era:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mazda RX-7 (FD), Porsche 964/993, Chevrolet Corvette C4/C5
Defining Technologies:
Available Twin-Turbo V6, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS), Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS), Active Aerodynamics (adjustable front splitter and rear wing).
Design Philosophy:
Cutting-edge technology, aggressive styling, high performance, luxury GT comfort.
Countries Of Origin Covered:
Japan (GTO), North America/Europe (3000GT)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (details not specified, but implied to be comprehensive)
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions control
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, transfer case (AWD), drive shafts, differentials, axles
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension (including Active Aerodynamics and ECS on some models), steering system, braking system (including ABS)
Electrical Electronics:
Complete wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, ECUs, sensors, power accessories, audio system
Body Chassis:
Body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, hinges, locks, chassis components, underbody
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, electrical system diagnostics
Repair Rebuild:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and repair procedures for all major systems
Restoration:
Detailed information for refurbishing and restoring the vehicle to its original condition
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete engine/transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code And Type:
6G72 (SOHC V6), 6G72TT (DOHC Twin-Turbo V6)
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio Naturally Aspirated:
8.8:1
Compression Ratio Twin Turbo:
7.8:1
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
Approx. 222 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Torque Naturally Aspirated:
Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Horsepower Twin Turbo:
Approx. 300 hp @ 6000 rpm (1990-1993), 320 hp @ 6000 rpm (1994-1999), 295 hp @ 6000 rpm (1999-2001 VR-4)
Torque Twin Turbo:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (1990-1993), 315 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (1994-1999), 307 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (1999-2001 VR-4)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Turbocharger Type:
Twin-turbocharged (Mitsubishi TD03-7cm2 or similar, sequential on early models, parallel on later models)
Intercooler Type:
Air-to-air, front-mounted
Type Naturally Aspirated:
5-Speed Manual (FWD models)
Type Twin Turbo AWD:
5-Speed Manual (AWD models)
Type Naturally Aspirated:
4-Speed Automatic (FWD models)
Type Twin Turbo AWD:
4-Speed Automatic (AWD models)
AWD System:
Full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential and electronically controlled torque split (on VR-4 models).
4Ws System:
Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) on select models, providing enhanced maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds.
Ecs System:
Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) allowing driver-selectable suspension stiffness (Comfort, Normal, Sport) on select models.
Length:
Approx. 4,605 mm (181.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,250 mm (49.2 in) (varies slightly by model and aero package)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,450 mm (96.5 in)
Front Track:
Approx. 1,535 mm (60.4 in)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1,530 mm (60.2 in)
Curb Weight FWD Na:
Approx. 1,550 kg (3,417 lbs)
Curb Weight AWD Tt:
Approx. 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs) (varies by transmission and features)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not specified, but typically around 2000-2200 kg
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not directly rated under modern standards; designed with crumple zones and safety cage.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not directly rated under modern standards.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on AWD Twin-Turbo models (later years).
Electronic Stability:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) not standard on this generation.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones front and rear.
Audio System:
Premium Mitsubishi audio systems with cassette, CD player, and optional amplifier. Some models featured premium brands like Infinity.
Climate Control System:
Automatic climate control available on higher trims, often with digital displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Active Aero:
Active Aerodynamics system adjusted front splitter angle and rear wing height based on speed for improved downforce and drag reduction.
Original Connectivity:
Limited to basic radio and accessory controls; no modern smartphone integration or Bluetooth.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years for DOHC engines. Crucial for preventing catastrophic engine damage if belt breaks.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium). Twin-turbo models often have 6 spark plugs per bank (12 total).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (synthetic recommended, especially for turbo models). Consult manual for specific API service classification.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific recommendations regarding LSD compatibility).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen SPII-III or equivalent ATF (check manual for specific type and capacity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Typically requires a specific type of Asian vehicle coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or specific Mitsubishi power steering fluid.
Engine Wear:
Pistons and connecting rods on early twin-turbo engines can be a weak point if not maintained. Oil starvation can lead to premature failure. Active exhaust system failures can occur.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Turbochargers can require attention due to age, heat, and potential oil leaks. Intercooler piping can develop leaks. Wastegate actuators can seize.
Suspension Steering:
ECS and 4WS components can be complex and expensive to repair if they fail. Bushings and ball joints are wear items.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion on connectors, failing capacitors in ECUs, and issues with the power folding mirrors and active aerodynamic components are common.
Climate Control:
HVAC system components, particularly the blend door actuators and refrigerant lines, can be prone to failure.
Motorsport Connection:
Shares engine architecture with Mitsubishi's rally heritage (e.g., Lancer Evolution).
Facelift 1994:
Significant facelift in 1994 introduced updated styling (new front and rear bumpers, headlights, hood, side skirts), redesigned interior, and improved performance (e.g., 320 hp twin-turbo engine, revised AWD and ECS systems).
Facelift 1997:
Minor styling updates in 1997, including different wheel designs and interior trim options.
Special Editions:
Aero Series (Australia), J-spec imports (often with additional features), and limited production variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Total Production Numbers:
Estimated over 80,000 units worldwide (including both 3000GT and GTO).
