Historical Positioning:
The Mitsubishi 3000GT (GTO in Japan) was Mitsubishi's flagship sports car, positioned as a high-performance grand tourer competing with established European and Japanese rivals like the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, and Nissan 300ZX.
Key Competitors 1996:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mazda RX-7 (FD3S), Chevrolet Corvette (C4), Dodge Stealth (Chrysler's rebadged version)
Technological Innovations:
Advanced Aerodynamics (active front spoiler, active aero rear wing on some models), Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) on some models, Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo 6G72), fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU, sensors, actuators)
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (5-speed, 6-speed), Automatic Transmission (4-speed), Clutch system, Transfer case (AWD), Driveshafts, Axles, Differentials (front, rear, center viscous coupling unit)
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link, ECS - Electronically Controlled Suspension), Steering system (power assisted, variable assist), Brakes (front and rear ventilated discs, ABS, EBD), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, audio system, power accessories (windows, mirrors, seats), climate control, engine control module (ECM) and body control module (BCM) diagnostics, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, glass, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body sealing, corrosion protection
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil and filter changes, fluid checks and replacements (engine oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid), tune-up procedures, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuild (short block, long block, cylinder heads), transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake system repair (pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms, bushings), steering system repair, exhaust system repair, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing procedures, actuator testing procedures, electrical system diagnostics using wiring diagrams, fuel system diagnostics
Depth:
Complete, from basic fluid checks and adjustments to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and component testing.
Transmission Type AWD Tt:
6-speed Manual
Transmission Type FWD Na:
4-speed Automatic (optional on Non-Turbo FWD)
Transmission Type AWD Tt Auto:
4-speed Automatic (optional on Twin-Turbo AWD)
Active Aero:
Active front spoiler and adjustable rear wing controlled by speed and G-forces (on select Twin-Turbo models)
Ecs:
Electronically Controlled Suspension with adjustable damping modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport)
4Ws:
Four-Wheel Steering (active rear-wheel steering) on Twin-Turbo AWD models
Length:
Approx. 180.5 inches (4585 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 48.8 inches (1240 mm) (GT), 49.2 inches (1250 mm) (VR-4)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 97.2 inches (2470 mm)
Curb Weight Tt AWD Manual:
Approx. 3800-3900 lbs (1725-1770 kg)
Curb Weight Tt AWD Auto:
Approx. 3950-4050 lbs (1790-1835 kg)
NHTSA Rating Driver Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for 1996 models in a standardized way, but considered robust for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (critical for 6G72 engine).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (or specified by Mitsubishi)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
DIA QUEEN ATF-SP II or equivalent
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-71604) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Can be prone to issues if maintenance is neglected; oil supply and return lines can clog.
Ecs Failures:
Electronically Controlled Suspension components (shocks, control units) can fail over time, leading to costly repairs.
Active Aero Malfunctions:
Active spoiler and wing mechanisms can seize or malfunction due to corrosion or electrical faults.
Clutch Wear:
Heavy performance use can lead to accelerated clutch wear, especially on manual transmission models.
Motorsport Connection:
Mitsubishi has a strong heritage in motorsport, particularly in rallying (WRC), which influenced the development of performance technologies in their road cars, including the 3000GT.
First Generation Launch:
The Mitsubishi GTO (later renamed 3000GT in export markets) debuted in Japan in 1990 as a 1991 model year. The 1996 model represents a significant refresh within the first generation (1991-1999).
1996 Facelift:
The 1996 model received a significant facelift including revised front and rear styling, updated aerodynamic aids (active spoiler and wing), improved intercooler routing, and minor interior updates.
Production Period:
1990-1999 (Japan: GTO, Export: 3000GT)
Manufacturing Plant:
Mizushima Plant, Okayama, Japan
