Positioning:
A premium, performance-oriented sports coupe designed to compete with established Japanese and European sports cars, known for its advanced technology and exotic styling.
Competitors:
Toyota Supra (Mk III/IV), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mazda RX-7 (FC/FD), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird.
Design Origin:
Based on the Mitsubishi GTO platform, rebadged and lightly restyled for the North American market.
Unique Selling Points:
Advanced AWD system, 'Active Sport' electronically controlled suspension and steering, twin-turbocharged engine option, aggressive styling, advanced aerodynamic features like active front spoiler.
For Owners:
Empowers owners to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving significant dealership labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep of a complex performance vehicle.
Engine:
24-valve V6 (6G72), Twin-Turbocharged V6 (6G72TT)
Transmission:
5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic (with optional 'Active Sport' transmission calibration)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Sport/Supercar Control System
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Discs, ABS System
Suspension:
Independent Front (MacPherson struts), Independent Rear (Multi-link), Adjustable Ride Height System (on some AWD models)
Electrical:
Complete wiring schematics, ECU diagnosis, lighting, power accessories, charging system, starting system
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, structural components, glass, interior trim, bumpers, aerodynamics
HVAC:
Climate control system, A/C refrigerant, heater core, blower motor
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, evaporative emissions control
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan control
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, O2 sensors
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, electrical component repair, suspension component replacement
Diagnostics:
ECU diagnostic connector functions, sensor testing, actuator testing, pressure testing (fuel, oil, coolant)
Installation:
Component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, A/C compressor), sensor installation, suspension alignment procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including intricate electrical diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, and wiring schematics.
đ Manual Specifications
Accessibility:
Printable, zoomable images, searchable text
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation.
Operating Systems:
Windows (7, Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000), Mac OS
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader
âïž Engine Specifications
Displacement Base:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Configuration Base:
SOHC V6 (non-turbo), DOHC V6 (naturally aspirated and twin-turbo)
Horsepower Base Na:
222 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Base Na:
200 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower Twin Turbo:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Twin Turbo:
307 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Type:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Turbo System:
Twin-turbocharged with intercoolers (on TT models)
ECU:
ECI (Electronic Control Injection) system with knock sensors and self-diagnostic capabilities.
Length:
Approx. 180.3 inches (4580 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1820 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.8 inches (1265 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 97.2 inches (2469 mm)
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 3400 lbs (1542 kg)
Curb Weight AWD Tt:
Approx. 3700-3800 lbs (1678-1724 kg)
NHTSA Ratings:
Information not readily available from original NHTSA crash test data for this specific model year, due to its niche market and shared platform.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, especially AWD and Twin-Turbo variants.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) often integrated with the AWD system on performance models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models/trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners.
Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, side-impact beams.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (typically, refer to manual for specific viscosity and interval).
Timing Belt:
Crucial replacement every 60,000 miles (or as specified in the manual) due to interference engine design.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles for automatic, every 60,000 miles for manual (check manual for specific fluid type and procedure).
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with appropriate corrosion inhibitors) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MS-81608 (or Dexron II/III compatible fluid).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Power Steering Fluid:
Power Steering Fluid (specific type per manual, often ATF Dexron II/III compatible).
Turbo Failure:
Intercooled twin-turbo models are prone to turbocharger wear and failure if not properly maintained (e.g., oil changes, warm-up/cool-down procedures).
Suspension Wear:
Active Sport suspension components can wear out, leading to leaks or loss of damping effectiveness. Electronic control modules can also fail.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many complex cars of this era, intermittent electrical issues can arise due to aging wiring or components.
Clutch Wear:
Manual transmission clutch assemblies can wear out, especially with spirited driving.
Timing Belt Failure:
Critical to follow replacement schedule; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage.
đ Awards & Recognition
Automotive Press:
While not winning specific awards, it was frequently praised by automotive press for its styling, performance capabilities (especially the AWD TT model), and advanced technology, often being compared favorably to more expensive European exotics.
Performance Metrics:
0-60 mph times in the low 5-second range for twin-turbo AWD models, demonstrating competitive performance for its era.