Class:
Front-engine, All-wheel-drive Sports Grand Tourer
Positioning:
Direct competitor to the Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7 of the era, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology.
Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (MKIV), Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Notable Features:
Available Twin-Turbocharged V6, Active Aerodynamics (front air dam, rear wing), Active Four-Wheel Steering (AWS), Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS)
Design Philosophy:
Designed as a technologically advanced and high-performance GT car with a focus on driver engagement and comfort.
Engine Systems:
6G72 SOHC and DOHC V6, Twin Turbocharged variants, Fuel Injection, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Exhaust, Emissions Control
Transmission Systems:
Manual (F5M33, Getrag V12), Automatic (V4A51), Clutch, Drivetrain, AWD System (Active), Transfer Case
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic System, ABS, Front and Rear Brakes (Vented Discs), Parking Brake
Suspension Steering:
MacPherson Struts (Front), Multi-Link (Rear), Active Four-Wheel Steering (AWS), Power Steering System, Wheel Alignment
Electrical Systems:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Audio System
Body Chassis:
Body Construction, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Windows, Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seating, HVAC, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing Procedures
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension and Steering Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
Installation Replacement:
Component Removal and Installation (e.g., engine, transmission, alternators, starters, AC components)
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Transmission Type Na:
5-speed Manual (F5M33)
Transmission Type Tt:
6-speed Manual (Getrag V12)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (V4A51) with electronically controlled torque converter clutch
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on Twin-Turbo, optional on some N/A models (check specific VIN)
AWD System:
Full-time AWD with viscous coupling center differential and optional electronic torque split (on later models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not rated for this model year
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not rated for this model year
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Aws:
Optional (Active Four-Wheel Steering)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System) standard from 1994 onwards.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems, often with cassette tape players and optional CD changers. Speaker configurations varied by trim.
Active Aero:
Electronically controlled front air dam retraction and rear spoiler angle adjustment based on speed.
Ecs:
Electronic Control Suspension offering adjustable damping stiffness (Comfort, Normal, Sport modes).
Diagnostics:
OBD-I diagnostic port, requiring specific breakout boxes or knowledge for full diagnostics on early models.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (crucial for 6G72 engine to prevent catastrophic failure).
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for N/A, 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for TT (check specific plug type)
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for specific temp range)
Coolant:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (or specified alternative)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-SP III (or equivalent Dexron-III compatible)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check specific reservoir cap)
Common Problems:
Hydraulic line failures for Active Four-Wheel Steering (AWS), ECS system malfunctions, exhaust manifold cracking (especially on TT models), timing belt tensioner issues, turbocharger failures (on TT models), fuel pump failures.
Maintenance Importance:
Due to its complex systems (AWS, ECS, Twin-Turbos), diligent maintenance and adherence to service intervals are critical for longevity and performance.
Parent Company:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Debut:
1990 (as Mitsubishi GTO in Japan), 1991 (as Mitsubishi 3000GT in North America)
First Generation Years:
1990-1999
Updates 1992 1996:
Minor styling tweaks, interior refinements, and powertrain enhancements (e.g., introduction of 6-speed manual for TT models in 1995).
Manufacturing Plant:
Kameoka Plant, Kyoto, Japan
Production Volume:
Approximately 80,000 units worldwide (all generations combined).
