Segment:
High-performance sports car, often considered a grand tourer (GT).
Competitors:
Dominated a niche against cars like the Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX, Mazda RX-7, Chevrolet Corvette, and Porsche 968.
Innovations:
Featured groundbreaking technologies for its era, including All-Wheel Drive (AWD), All-Wheel Steering (AWS), Active Aerodynamics (adjustable front air dam and rear wing), and electronically controlled suspension (ECS/ECS-II).
User Experience:
Designed for professional technicians but accessible to DIY mechanics due to detailed steps, clear illustrations, and organized layout.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belts, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Engine tuning, fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharger systems (on twin-turbo models).
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, drivetrain components (driveshafts, axles, differentials).
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis and repair, including ABS, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, power steering, alignment specifications, Active Suspension System (if equipped).
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnosis, wiring diagrams, fuse locations, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, doors, hood, trunk, chassis components, corrosion protection, Active Aerodynamics (if equipped).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I for this era) troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon problems, fault finding techniques.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, component-level wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Code Na:
6G72 (Naturally Aspirated)
Configuration Na:
3.0L (2972cc) SOHC V6
Horsepower Na:
222 hp @ 6000 rpm (North American Spec)
Torque Na:
205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (North American Spec)
Engine Code Tt:
6G72-TT (Twin Turbo)
Configuration Tt:
3.0L (2972cc) DOHC V6 with Twin Turbochargers
Horsepower Tt:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm (North American Spec)
Torque Tt:
307 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (North American Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
ECU Type:
ECU controlled, often with engine performance modes.
Transmission Type Na:
5-speed Manual (F5M33)
Transmission Type Tt:
6-speed Manual (Getrag 6-speed) / 4-speed Automatic (W4A51)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic available on some naturally aspirated models.
AWD System:
Full-time viscous coupling All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on Twin Turbo models, featuring a 45% front / 55% rear torque split.
Aws System:
Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) on some models, electronically controlled.
Length:
Approximately 4,600 mm (181.1 in)
Width:
Approximately 1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height:
Approximately 1,250 mm (49.2 in)
Curb Weight Na:
Around 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Curb Weight Tt:
Around 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) for AWD/Active models.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,500 mm (98.4 in)
NHTSA Ratings:
Not extensively documented for this era, typical for sports cars.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Aws:
Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) provides enhanced maneuverability and stability.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts.
Audio System:
Premium audio systems were available, often with cassette decks and CD players. Manual covers electrical diagnostics for these components.
Active Aero:
Adjustable front spoiler and rear wing for optimized aerodynamics at different speeds.
Ecs:
Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) offered adjustable ride height and stiffness settings.
Diagnostic Ports:
OBD-I diagnostic connector located under the dash, specific to Mitsubishi's protocol for the era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using specified oil grade.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial! Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years due to interference engine design. Manual will detail procedure and associated components (tensioners, idlers).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Manual will provide exact specifications and capacities.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual specifies type and capacity.
Transmission Fluid At:
DIAMOND ATF SP-II or equivalent. Manual specifies capacity and change intervals.
Differential Fluid AWD:
Gear oil GL-5, SAE 75W-90 for transfer case and rear differential. Manual specifies type and capacity.
Tdc Issues:
Timing belt failure due to age/wear is catastrophic. Hydraulic tensioner can fail. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
ECM Failures:
Engine Control Module (ECM) can be prone to failure with age. Manual provides diagnostic procedures for ECM.
Active Suspension:
ECS components (sensors, actuators, hydraulic lines) can develop leaks or fail over time. Manual details diagnosis and repair.
Turbo Failures Tt:
Turbocharger issues, oil leaks, and wastegate problems can occur. Manual covers turbocharger inspection and rebuilds.
