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.
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
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.