Market Position:
Flagship performance coupe, technological showcase for Mitsubishi in the early 1990s, competing with established sports cars.
Key Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk III), Mazda RX-7 (FC/FD), Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
Distinguishing Features Vehicle:
Advanced aerodynamics with active aero (front spoiler, rear wing), four-wheel steering (4WS), Electronic Control Suspension (ECS), available twin-turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive (AWD).
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners and independent workshops to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving on dealership costs and maintaining vehicle performance and longevity.
Engine Systems:
6G72 SOHC and DOHC, Twin-Turbocharged V6, Naturally Aspirated V6, engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, turbocharger systems
Transmission Systems:
FWD and AWD transaxle systems, Getrag 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic transmission, clutch operation, differential systems
Drivetrain Systems:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, CV joints, propeller shaft (AWD), transfer case (AWD), Active Differential Controller (JDM models)
Suspension Steering:
MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, ECS (Electronic Control Suspension) system, power steering system, four-wheel steering (4WS) system
Braking Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake component inspection and replacement, hydraulic system bleeding
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, engine control modules (ECU), body control modules (BCM), wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, trim, chassis lubrication, frame alignment
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head service, turbocharger rebuild, transmission repair, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and mechanical issues, common fault finding guides, symptom-based diagnostics
Special Tools Procedures:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Configuration:
60-degree V6
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) and DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves
Naturally Aspirated Horsepower:
222 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Naturally Aspirated Torque:
201 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Twin Turbo Horsepower:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Twin Turbo Torque:
307 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for these specific early model years in a manner comparable to modern standards. Vehicle design incorporated modern safety features for its time.
IIHS Crash Test Data:
Limited comprehensive IIHS data available for these specific early model years.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Optional Four-Wheel Steering (4WS), Optional Electronic Control Suspension (ECS)
Passive Safety Features:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, driver and passenger airbags (standard on most models), energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced safety cage construction.
Infotainment Features Early Models:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, basic climate control (manual or automatic).
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, 4WS, ECS, active front spoiler, adjustable rear wing.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern Bluetooth or infotainment connectivity available).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (or consult manual for specific oil type and conditions).
Major Service Intervals:
Timing belt replacement typically recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, depending on conditions and specific engine variant.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact viscosity and API service category).
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or refer to manual for specific specifications).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi Diaqueen ATF SP-III (or equivalent ATF DEXRON-II/III compatible fluid, confirm with manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Issues:
Spark plug blow-out (especially on DOHC models), oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil cooler lines, turbocharger reliability on early twin-turbo models, potential for oil sludge if maintenance is neglected.
Transmission Issues:
Wear on synchronizers in manual transmissions, occasional issues with automatic transmission solenoids or torque converters.
Electrical Issues:
Power window regulators, HVAC blower motor issues, headlight pop-up mechanisms, aging wiring harnesses.
Suspension Steering Issues:
ECS component failure (struts, sensors), power steering hose leaks, wear in 4WS components.
