Segment:
Sports Coupe / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance-oriented drivers, owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.
Competitors:
Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mazda RX-7 (FD), Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
Distinctive Technologies:
Available Twin-Turbo V6, All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Four-Wheel Steering (4WS), Active Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS), Active Aerodynamics (Active Aero Front Spoiler, Active Rear Wing)
Design Philosophy:
Sophisticated GT car with advanced technology, exotic styling, and powerful performance.
Engine:
6G72 V6 Twin-Turbocharged and Naturally Aspirated DOHC, DOHC Engine Mechanical, Engine Control Systems (ECU), Fuel Injection, Ignition System, Emission Control
Transmission:
5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic Transmission (INVECS-II), Transmission Control System, Clutches, Differentials
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System, Viscous Coupling Unit (VCU), Active Aerodynamics (Active Aero Front Spoiler, Active Rear Wing), Active Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS)
Chassis:
Front Suspension (MacPherson Struts), Rear Multi-Link Suspension, Power Steering System, Four-Wheel Steering (4WS)
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Control System
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Mirrors, Seats), Engine Control Modules (ECM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Cruise Control
Body:
Body Panel Removal and Installation, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Air Conditioning System (HVAC), Body Sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections and Replacements
Repair:
Engine Rebuild Procedures, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Servicing, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Bodywork Repair Procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical System Diagnostics, Engine Performance Issues, Transmission Shifting Problems
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I), Scan Tool Data Interpretation, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, Circuit Testing
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Configuration:
60-degree V6
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves
Naturally Aspirated Hp:
222 hp @ 6000 rpm (1992-1996 US Spec)
Naturally Aspirated Torque:
207 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (1992-1996 US Spec)
Twin Turbo Hp:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm (1992-1995 US Spec), 320 hp @ 6000 rpm (1996 US Spec 'SL' Model)
Twin Turbo Torque:
307 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (1992-1995 US Spec), 315 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (1996 US Spec 'SL' Model)
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Twin Garrett Turbochargers (for Twin-Turbo models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Fmvss Side Impact:
N/A (Vehicle predates consistent standardized side-impact testing for its era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags (Standard on most models from introduction or shortly after)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory Mitsubishi AM/FM ETR stereo with cassette and CD player options. Premium sound systems available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with independent driver/passenger temperature settings on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Active Aero:
Active front spoiler and active rear wing that adjust with vehicle speed for improved aerodynamics and stability.
Diagnostics Port:
OBD-I diagnostic connector, typically located under the dashboard.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plugs:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) for Platinum spark plugs, or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard copper plugs (consult manual for specific type).
Timing Belt:
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first (CRITICAL for 6G72 engine).
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG/SH (check manual for exact viscosity and API rating based on climate).
Coolant:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-J2 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Twin Turbo Reliability:
Potential for turbocharger failure or seal leaks, intercooler clogging, and exhaust restrictions if not properly maintained. Regular oil changes are paramount.
Ecs Suspension:
Active Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) components can be prone to failure or leaks over time; conversion to conventional suspension is a common modification.
4Ws System:
Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) system actuators or sensors can fail, leading to diagnostic codes or inactive steering.
Clutch Wear:
Wear on clutch components, especially on aggressive drivers or higher mileage vehicles.
Fuel System:
Clogged fuel injectors, especially on higher mileage twin-turbo models, impacting performance.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Concept:
Designed as a flagship sports coupe to compete with European exotics and Japanese performance rivals.
Updates:
Minor styling updates and enhancements across the model years, including revised aerodynamics and interior features. The 1994 model year saw significant updates to the Twin-Turbo model. 1996 saw further refinement and naming convention changes (e.g., 'SL' for Twin-Turbo).
Production Years:
1990-2000
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
