Mitsubishi 3000GT
The Mitsubishi GTO was originally launched in 1970 as a part of the Colt Galant family (therefore it was called Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO) which was sold halfway through the seventies and the GTO name would not return until 1990 as its own model.
In 1990 Mitsubishi developed a sport coupe to compete in the $40,000 class with the likes of the Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, Nissan 300ZX, Corvette, and low end Porsches. The car that dawned was the Mitsubishi GTO, and it reigned as Mitsubishi’s flagship sports car from 1991-1999. The GTO was named the Mitsubishi 3000GT in the United States and Europe in order to avoid confusion and anger amongst fans of the Ferrari GTO sports car series and Pontiac GTO muscle car. Built in Nagoya Japan, the GTO was also sold in the US with its own body shape as the Dodge Stealth from 1991 to 1996.
The Mitsubishi 3000GT was built in three major versions: base, SL, and VR-4. Japanese customers also had special lightened and tuned-up MR (Mitsubishi Racing) versions of the GTO. The Dodge Stealth came in base, ES, R/T, and R/T Twin Turbo versions. The base versions, of Dodge and Mitsubishi, were powered by a 3-liter naturally-aspirated single camshaft V6 engine that created 162 horsepower (121 kW). The SL (and Dodge R/T) was essentially a luxury version of the base model, with extras such as leather, sunroof, and for the Dodge version more detailed body styling. However the main difference was a dual camshaft engine that offered 222 horsepower (166 kW). The Dodge ES model contained the more powerful (R/T) engine inside the less detailed (base) body, and was only produced from 91-93. All base, SL, ES, and R/T models had a choice of a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission, and came with standard front wheel drive. The VR-4, MR, and R/T Twin Turbo models had a twin turbocharged version of the dual camshaft V6 that created 300hp (1991-1993. 1994-1999 had 320), all wheel drive, all wheel steering, and a 6-speed manual transmission (five-speed in 1991-1993 versions). The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 also had an electronically actuated rear spoiler and a movable air dam under the front fascia from 1991-1996.
These figures yielded impressive performance: 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and the 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds @ 97mph. The car also had a very inpressive 155 mph top speed. Unfortunately - due to the AWD system - the car was also heavy at 3800+ lbs. This weight kept the car from excelling in sprints, however, gave the car great agility in cornering and in harsh weather.
The car's underpinnings were essentially the same throughout its lifespan, but the exterior went through three alterations after the car was first released in 1991. The car went through numerous "facelifts" through the next couple of years, until U.S. production stopped in early 1995 (the other 2 body changes were overseas). Production overseas continued, but no new models were available to the U.S. directly. Mitsubishi's reluctance to create a new chassis for the car and the emergence of the well-received Mitsubishi Eclipse caused the GTO to be discontinued in 1999. The car continues to have a strong fan following.
Trivia
- After wrecking a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III at the exit of a pit lane, in a bid to help rescue his kidnapped sisters, Jackie Chan's character in Thunderbolt eventually receives a Mitsubishi GTO to race in.
- The Dodge Stealth was initially to be used as a pace car for the 1991 Indianapolis 500 race, until the UAW put a stop to that, a prototype Dodge Viper was substituted.
External links
- 3000GT Spyder Literature Links has information and factory brochures on the 3000GT Spyder and the rest of the 3000GT line.