Positioning:
A high-performance grand tourer designed to compete with European sports cars of its era, featuring advanced technology and performance capabilities.
Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Chevrolet Corvette (C4), Porsche 968, Mazda RX-7 (FD).
Aerodynamics:
Active aerodynamic front splitter and rear wing on VR-4 models.
All Wheel Drive:
Full-time All-Wheel Drive with Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) on VR-4 models.
Suspension:
Adjustable suspension system (ECS - Electronic Controlled Suspension) on SL and VR-4 models.
Convertible:
Retractable hardtop ('Spyder') variant available.
Applicable Years:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Trim Levels Covered:
Base, SL, VR-4, Spyder VR-4, Spyder SL
Engine Variants Covered:
3.0L V6 DOHC Twin-Turbocharged (6G72), 3.0L V6 SOHC (6G72)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Type:
Service Repair Manual (SRM)
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control system (ECU), transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drivetrain (AWD system on VR-4).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, including active suspension on some models), steering, brakes (including ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio system, climate control, airbags, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, convertible top mechanism (Spyder models).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, belts, fluids), inspections, lubrication points.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine teardown and rebuild, transmission repair, brake system service, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic charts, interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures.
Special Procedures:
Calibration of active suspension systems, AWD system maintenance, twin-turbocharger system diagnosis and repair, convertible top system service.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Configuration:
60-degree V6
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Horsepower Vr4:
300-320 hp (depending on market and specific year)
Torque Vr4:
307-315 lb-ft
Horsepower Sl Base:
222 hp
Torque Sl Base:
205 lb-ft
Induction:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with twin-turbochargers on VR-4 models.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Type:
5-speed manual transmission (Getrag)
Type:
4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated clutch (manual transmission).
AWD Transfer Case:
Electronically controlled viscous coupling center differential (VR-4).
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal:
4/5 stars (for comparable years)
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal:
4/5 stars (for comparable years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Standard on VR-4 models.
Four Wheel Steering:
Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) standard on VR-4 models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard from 1995 onwards; optional or standard depending on year and trim.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (conventional oil), 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (standard ignition), 60,000 miles (platinum plugs).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles or 4 years (critical for interference engines).
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: 8.7 Quarts (8.2 Liters).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF-SP II M or equivalent. Capacity: 6.9 Quarts (6.5 Liters).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90. Capacity: 2.2 Quarts (2.1 Liters).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent. Capacity: 1.5 Quarts (1.4 Liters).
Tdc Failure:
Timing belt tensioner failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage (interference engine). Regular replacement is critical.
Active Aero System:
Actuators and motors for the active splitter and wing can fail, leading to non-operation or stuck positions.
Active Suspension:
ECS components (struts, sensors, control unit) can degrade over time, leading to leaks or system failure. Conversion to conventional suspension is common.
Clutch Wear:
Heavy use can lead to premature clutch wear, especially on VR-4 models.
Vacuum Leaks:
Complex vacuum routing on twin-turbo models can lead to leaks, affecting boost and engine performance.
Heritage:
Mitsubishi's legacy in performance and engineering, particularly from its rally racing heritage (Lancer Evolution).
Introduction:
Launched in 1990 (as the GTO in Japan) and 1991 in the US as the 3000GT. The first generation covers model years 1991-1999.
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
A significant facelift occurred for the 1994 model year, with further refinements in 1996.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (often cited as Mizushima Plant).
