Market Segment:
Sports Coupe / Grand Tourer
Key Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (A80), Mazda RX-7 (FD), Dodge Stealth
Defining Features:
Advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel steering (AWS) on VR-4 models, twin-turbocharged V6 engine options, advanced active aerodynamics (early models), luxurious interior, GT comfort with sports car performance.
Model Years Covered:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Manual Type:
Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control, engine diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II), turbocharger systems (for VR-4 models)
Transmission Systems:
Manual and Automatic Transmission (FWD/AWD), clutch system, transfer case (AWD), driveshafts, differentials
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake
Steering Suspension Systems:
Power steering system, suspension components (front and rear), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, AWD steering components (AWS - Active Four-Wheel Steering)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, interior/exterior accessories, wiring diagrams, power windows/locks, mirrors, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)/Airbag system
Body Chassis Systems:
Body panels, doors, windows, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), chassis lubrication, frame structure
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair, HVAC system repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for all major systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) lookup and interpretation, component testing procedures, wiring schematic interpretation
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances and adjustments for engine and chassis components, electrical specifications, fluid capacities and types
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic strategies and component-level repair instructions.
Engine Configuration Base:
3.0L SOHC V6
Engine Displacement Base:
2972 cc (3.0 liters)
Horsepower Base:
Approx. 220-222 hp (depending on market and year)
Torque Base:
Approx. 200-205 lb-ft
Engine Configuration Vr4:
3.0L DOHC Twin-Turbo V6
Engine Displacement Vr4:
2972 cc (3.0 liters)
Horsepower Vr4:
Approx. 300-320 hp (depending on year and intercooler/ECU updates)
Torque Vr4:
Approx. 307-315 lb-ft
0-60 Mph Vr4:
Approx. 5.0 - 5.5 seconds
Fuel Delivery System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended)
Length:
Approx. 4615 mm (181.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1840 mm (72.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1290 mm (50.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2630 mm (103.5 in)
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 1550 kg (3417 lbs)
Curb Weight Vr4:
Approx. 1670-1770 kg (3682-3902 lbs) depending on transmission and options
NHTSA Ratings Early Models:
Varies by year and specific crash test; generally competitive for its era.
ABS:
Standard on most models, especially VR-4. Advanced multi-mode ABS on later models.
Aws:
Active Four-Wheel Steering (optional/standard on VR-4) enhances maneuverability and high-speed stability.
AWD:
Full-time All-Wheel Drive (standard on VR-4) enhances traction and handling.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags (SRS) standard from mid-1990s onwards. Early models may only have driver airbag.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, height-adjustable anchors.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems often included cassette players, CD players (later models), and multiple speakers. Some models featured Mitsubishi's 'Symphony' or similar branded audio.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (ATC) systems were available, with ATC becoming more common and sophisticated over the production run.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Active Aero:
Early VR-4 models featured an active front spoiler and a retractable rear spoiler that adjusted with speed. This feature was discontinued after the 1993 model year.
OBD Standard:
OBD-I for early models (1990-1995), transitioning to OBD-II for later models (1996 onwards).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 145,000 km) for 6G72 engines. Crucial for SOHC and DOHC engines to prevent catastrophic failure.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Refer to manual for specific grades based on temperature.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 quarts (4.3 - 4.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for Mitsubishi specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for precise specification).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or III equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Verify specific Mitsubishi recommendation.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III equivalent or specific power steering fluid as per manual.
Engine Issues:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule, potential oil leaks from valve covers and oil pans, issues with variable induction system on some models, twin-turbocharger reliability on VR-4.
Transmission Issues:
Synchro wear in manual transmissions, automatic transmission cooler line leaks (can lead to transmission fluid in coolant), AWD coupling issues on high-mileage VR-4s.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, failure of climate control units, issues with power window motors, failing ECUs (Engine Control Units).
Suspension Steering Issues:
Wear in AWS components, premature wear of CV joints (especially on AWD models), strut and shock absorber fatigue.
Mitsubishi Sports Car Legacy:
Follows in the lineage of Mitsubishi's performance coupes like the Starion and Eclipse.
First Generation Introduction:
Launched in 1990 (model year 1991 in North America) as a successor to the Mitsubishi Starion. Designed to compete with Japanese and European sports cars.
Facelifts Updates:
Major facelift in 1994 (model year 1994.5) with updated bumpers, headlights, and interior. Introduction of the 'Aero' package and other styling tweaks over the years. Elimination of active aerodynamics on later models.
Production Years:
1990-2001
Manufacturing Plant:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
