Segment:
Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Key Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mazda RX-7 (FD), Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette (C5).
Distinguishing Technology:
Active Aerodynamics (retractable front air dam, adjustable rear spoiler), Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Transfer Case, Four-Wheel Steering (AWS - Active Four-Wheel Steering, standard on Twin-Turbo, optional on others).
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, turbocharging system (for Twin-Turbo models), driveline (FWD, AWD, transfer case, differentials).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS and ECS - Electronically Controlled Suspension), wheel and tire specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power seats, audio system, climate control, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, body control module (BCM), anti-theft system.
Body:
Body and frame construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, glass, convertible top operation (if applicable for the specific year/trim).
Climate Control:
Manual and automatic climate control system diagnosis, component testing (compressor, blower motor, evaporator, heater core), refrigerant system service procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil change procedures, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretations, electrical system diagnostics using wiring diagrams.
Engine Rebuild Depth:
Detailed procedures for cylinder head removal and reassembly, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft main bearing replacement, oil pump service, and complete engine disassembly/reassembly.
Transmission Rebuild Depth:
Complete overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions, including component inspection, seal replacement, clutch pack replacement (automatic), and gear set servicing.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, special tool requirements, and diagnostic procedures for advanced electronic systems.
Wiring Diagram Detail:
Comprehensive, color-coded wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including pinouts, component locations, and wire colors.
Configuration:
V6, SOHC or DOHC, naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged
Horsepower Na:
222 hp @ 6000 rpm
Horsepower Tt:
320 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Nm Na:
270 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Torque Nm Tt:
415 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Injection:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Turbochargers:
Twin Mitsubishi TD04-9B turbochargers (on Twin-Turbo models) with intercoolers.
Cylinder Head:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves (4 per cylinder).
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger)
ABS:
Standard, Bosch ABS system
Traction Control:
TCL (Traction Control Logic) available on some models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system, often with CD player and amplifier. Compatibility with aftermarket head units is common.
Active Suspension:
Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) - adjustable damping settings.
Active Steering:
AWS (Active Four-Wheel Steering) - adjusts rear wheel angle based on speed.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I for early models, OBD-II with integrated diagnostic connector for 2000 model year. Manual provides extensive diagnostic procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Critical for 6G72 engine.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact spec and viscosity based on climate).
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with proper inhibitor package), 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check specific manual for exact spec, especially for AWD).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Power Steering Fluid:
DEXRON-III ATF or equivalent power steering fluid.
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5 SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil (check manual for specific viscosity and limited-slip additive if applicable).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendation).
Common Problems:
ECS system failures (solenoids, actuators, control module), oil leaks from valve covers and oil cooler lines, starter motor failure, exhaust manifold cracking (especially on early Twin-Turbo models), clutch wear, ABS sensor failures, Active Yaw Control (AYC) system issues (if equipped and applicable for the specific model variant within the year).
