Model Code:
Z16A (all-wheel drive), Z15A (front-wheel drive)
Production Years Covered:
1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Chassis Code:
Z16A (AWD/4WS), Z15A (FWD)
Segment:
Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Positioning:
A technologically advanced, performance-oriented flagship coupe from Mitsubishi, designed to compete with European sports cars.
Primary Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mazda RX-7 (FD), Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette (C4).
Unique Selling Points:
Advanced technology (active aero, ECS, AWS), powerful V6 engine, available twin-turbocharging and all-wheel drive.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing belt system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, emissions control.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensors and actuators.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (F5M33, W5M33), Automatic transmission (V4A51), clutch system, transfer case (for AWD models).
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, CV joints, limited-slip differentials (LSD), all-wheel drive system, four-wheel steering (4WS).
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, multi-link), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, power steering system, 4WS system components.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake hydraulics, parking brake, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service.
Electrical Body:
Lighting system, interior/exterior lighting, power windows, power seats, mirrors, door locks, security system, SRS airbags, climate control system, audio system.
Body Chassis:
Chassis frame, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, corrosion protection.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II), trouble codes, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections/replacements.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation, including torque specifications.
Electrical Schematics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including component locations.
Bodywork:
Body panel alignment, rust repair, interior trim removal and installation.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electronic system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated and Twin-Turbocharged 6G72 V6 (SOHC and DOHC variations)
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 (Twin-Turbo), 9.0:1 (Naturally Aspirated)
Valvetrain:
SOHC 12-valve or DOHC 24-valve (depending on model/year/turbo configuration)
Naturally Aspirated Hp:
222 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Naturally Aspirated Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Twin Turbo Hp:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Twin Turbo Torque:
307 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Turbocharger Details:
Twin Mitsubishi TD04-13G turbochargers with intercoolers (for twin-turbo models).
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (F5M33 for FWD, W5M33 for AWD)
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (V4A51)
All Wheel Drive:
Active All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential and optional electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential (Active AWD).
Four Wheel Steering:
All-Wheel Steering (AWS) system on select models, actively steering the rear wheels based on speed and steering input.
Transfer Case:
Transfer case integrated with the AWD system, providing power distribution to front and rear wheels.
NHTSA Ratings:
Not widely tested or published by NHTSA for this era; designed to meet contemporary safety standards.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Active Traction Control (ATC) available on some AWD models.
Aws:
All-Wheel Steering (AWS) contributes to enhanced vehicle stability and maneuverability.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from later production years (check specific model year).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player with premium speaker systems on higher trims. Bose audio systems were optional.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with digital display on higher trims.
Active Aero:
Active aerodynamic components including a front air dam that adjusted height and a rear wing that tilted at speed (on Twin Turbo models).
Ecs:
Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) allowing driver selection of damping rates (Comfort, Normal, Sport) on select models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle systems. No modern infotainment or smartphone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first (critical for interference engine).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum plugs, or as specified for iridium plugs.
Engine Oil:
API SJ/SL, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific recommendations based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) - 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Diamond ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issues Twin Turbo:
Cracked exhaust manifolds, turbocharger oil seal failure, fuel injector issues, active aero component failure, ECS (Electronic Control Suspension) failure, transfer case issues.
Common Issues General:
Timing belt tensioner failure, clutch wear, catalytic converter issues, electrical gremlins, rust on body panels, viscous coupling failure in AWD models.
Maintenance Critical:
Strict adherence to timing belt replacement is crucial to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
Brand Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a history of performance vehicles, including rally cars and sports coupes, building on its engineering prowess.
First Generation:
Introduced in 1990 (as a 1991 model year) as the flagship sports car, codenamed 'Hako' during development.
Major Refresh:
Significant facelift in 1994 (for the 1994 model year), featuring updated styling, revised active aerodynamics, and enhanced performance for the TT models.
Late Models:
The 1997-1999 models (often referred to as the 'Gen 2.5' or facelifted models) received further refinements, including larger turbos and injectors for the VR-4 (TT AWD).
Production Period:
1990-2000
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Japan.
Global Sales:
Over 100,000 units produced worldwide, with a significant portion sold in the United States.
