It’s a vehicle designed to let you and your chosen passengerface let’s it, the back seats are really parcel shelvesto load up for the weekend and cruise the highway in luxury and speed, passing without difficulty when necessary. With the 3000GT, you could still have a great time on winding roads. It might not be as adept at handling curves as a dedicated sports vehicle, but the outstanding comfort and wealth of technical amenities more than made up for that.
There are still some myths and uncertainties about the 3000GT because it was never as successful as the Supra or the RX-7.
In today’s succinct post, which is a component of our growing Car Facts series (where we dissect a single query about the great vehicles of yore), we respond to the query:
The Mitsubishi 3000GT is not a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The majority of cars had all-wheel drive (in fact, Japanese “GTOs came only as all wheel driveas is often the case, the North American market had some differences). There were non-VR-4 3000GTs with front-wheel drive available in North America.
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In This Article...
The 300GT SL is it AWD?
There are two drivetrain options available for the used 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT: front and all-wheel. There are two manual transmissions available: a 5-speed and a 6-speed.
Dodge Stealth is it RWD?
The 1990s saw the emergence of another intriguing relationship, much like the 1980s and the odd partnership between Dodge and Shelby. This one too produced just one model in the end, although it was a really unique vehicle years ahead of its time.
In 1970, Chrysler purchased a 15% stake in Mitsubishi Motors and started importing and marketing the vehicles for the American market. These automobiles were by no means spectacular or attractive, but they paved the way for some impressive vehicles with the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth names to enter the streets. Production started in 1988 under the Diamond Star Motors partnership in the United States because by the mid-1980s, Mitsubishi wanted to export their cars to America under the Mitsubishi brand with their own dealerships and distribution network. To support the production of both the Mitsubishi and Chrysler versions of these vehicles, a new facility was constructed in Normal, Illinois, and I have to admit, for the 1990s, these were quite nice little automobiles.
In 1993, Chrysler sold Mitsubishi their portion of the business again, but fortunately they were able to continue with a few collaborative models. The Dodge Stealth/Mitsubishi 3000GT is what I’m referring to. Dodge and Mitsubishi both released the car at the same time, however it was primarily a Mitsubishi model. It was an automobile that was WAY ahead of its time in many ways. Base, ES, R/T, and R/T Twin Turbo were the four trim levels available for the initial model year (1991).
With a single overhead cam 12-valve 3.0L V6 engine producing 164 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque and a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission, the Base model glided around the road on the front two wheels. Not the greatest specifications ever. The ES was configured similarly, although it had the same 3.0L V6 engine options and a 24-valve dual overhead cam engine that produced 222 horsepower. We are improving a little bit. The R/T Twin Turbo was the true star of the show. So let’s discuss it in greater detail.
I have some first-hand knowledge of the RT TT Stealth. I once owned one and I must admit, I was in love with the vehicle. The same DOHC 24V 3.0L V6 engine drove the RT TT, but it had twin turbos instead. Before production came to an end, the powertrain’s most recent iteration produced 320 horsepower and 315 lb.-ft of torque. When compared to other automobiles on the market in the 1990s, 320 horsepower was a respectable amount of power to produce, especially coming from a V6 engine with such a small displacement. The automobile had a drag coefficient of.33, which was fairly low compared to the.33 drag coefficient of a 2001 Lamborghini Murcielago. It outperformed much more powerful vehicles like the 1994 Mustang Cobra in terms of speed. The last two years of manufacturing, which included new improvements and upgrades each year, were the best. One of the rare sports vehicles with all-wheel drive in the 1990s was this one. The majority of sports cars had RWD, while you occasionally saw coolFWD. The twin turbo stealth could launch like a rocket and maintain almost perfect traction at all times because to the full-time AWD system. Incorporating AWD in the domestic performance market wasn’t very prevalent. Numerous folks still pleadingly ask for an AWD option to be made available for the Dodge Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat.
Do VR4s have all-wheel drive?
The Toyota Supra, Acura NSX, Mazda RX-7, and Nissan Skyline were all high-end Japanese sport coupes that were loved more than the Mitsubishi 3000GT. It’s a shame because, as MotorWeek discovered, it’s a great car, especially in VR4 trim.
John Davis and the crew laud the superb stability and nimble track handling of this huge brute. The 3000GT VR4 outperformed its competitors in terms of on-road comfort thanks to adjustable suspension and a plush cabin.
The quarter mile is completed in in 13.5 seconds, and acceleration is excellent for the time: 0-60 happens in 4.9 seconds.
The 3000GT VR4 may have been too far ahead of its time with its adjustable suspension, active aerodynamics, and four-wheel steering. Consumers did not comprehend its intricacy then as they would today, in a time when this type of technology is widespread.
Are 3000 GTs quick?
You probably picture amazing speed, precise handling, and svelte style when you think about sports vehicles. Car fans are drawn to the sports vehicles produced by several manufactures.
At the time, the 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT was a well-dressed automobile. However, good looks are only so good.
The two-door coupe came in three trim levels, according to Edmunds: base, SL, and VR-4. The 3000GT featured new front and rear design for the 1999 model year. The top-trim VR-4 also received a stylish genuine spoiler.
The 3.0 liter V6 in the front-wheel-drive base model wasn’t very impressive. The engine was just marginally more powerful than the original Eclipse’s motor, putting out 161 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Unsurprisingly, the 3000GT couldn’t satisfy the majority of speed-obsessed sports car lovers.
The FWD SL’s 3.0-liter twin-cam V6 engine produced 222 horsepower. The Mitsubishi 3000GT wasn’t the quickest vehicle to hit 60 mph due to its weight, though. However, it performed exceptionally well when making turns and stops. Additionally, it had a motorized sunroof, leather seats, and antilock brakes.
Top-tier AWD VR-4 vehicles featured twin-turbo V6 engines with exceptional torque. However, the 3000GT’s weight once more had a negative impact on its otherwise thrilling acceleration. The VR-4 models also didn’t stop or turn like the midrange SL.
Are 3000GT all turbo?
Non-turbo 3000GTs may be ordered in the North American market without all-wheel drive (AWD), but as far as we know, all GTOs in Japan had AWD (in New Zealand we get a lot of Japanese import used carsalthough GTOs are becoming an increasingly rare sight on the road, all of them here are AWD)
As you may be aware, the Mitsubishi 3000GT was also marketed in the North American market as a Dodge Stealth that had been “badge engineered” (if you’re interested in learning more about the minute distinctions between the two vehicles, check out this article about the 3000GT vs. Dodge Stealth).
The base-model 12 valve SOHC 3.0 V6 engine for the Dodge Stealth produced about 162 horsepower. This rather subpar engine option wasn’t offered for the original 3000GT or the first version facelift; only the Stealth had it. However, the Stealth was completely discontinued in 1997 (for the final makeover), and a base 3000GT model with the same SOCH engine was introduced.
As a result, there are some later model 3000GTs with a SOHC, non-turbo V6 available in the American market.
Are 3000GT and GTO the same?
(This image of Hu Kent’s Mk.1 N/A, often known as “hukent,” demonstrates how the N/A rear spoiler varies from the active aero spoiler found on the majority of Mk.1/2 twin turbos. Hu’s vehicle also features a Mk.2 center light panel. (Image: Hu Kent.)
From 1990 to 1993, Japan built and sold the Mk.1 GTO. They come in a variety of variations, with small “snake-eye” sidelights, and pop-up headlamps:
2972cc twin turbo, five-speed manual, four-wheel drive GTO Twin Turbo (though some have been converted to 6-speed drive trains). Some had leather seats, moon roofs, or both, and later models included electric fold-in mirrors. In contrast to later cars, which had 17 alloy wheels, 312mm dia. discs with the same 4-pot calipers, and two pot calipers on the rear discs, early cars had 16 in. alloy wheels, 298mm diameter vented front brakes with 4-pot calipers, and single piston sliding rear calipers. A 4-bolt main bearing block, new sensors, and other minor changes were added to the TT engine in late 1992, along with a tiny revision to the Mk.1 engine. All JDM TTs had MHI TD04-9b turbochargers installed.
GTO N/A or Non-Turbo – A mixture of automatics and 5-sp manuals, all of which have 4WD but not all of which have 4WS. Similar twin turbo option list (leather, moon roof, etc.).
Early in 1993, the UK saw the release of the Mk.1 3000GT, which had relatively few options. There was only one model available. The headlight washers on the body’s exterior replaced the snake-eyes on the GTO, requiring a redesigned nosecone, front indicator, and sidelight assembly. To accommodate the usual size UK number plate, a new notch was made in the rear bumper.
All 3000GT cars are 2972cc twin turbo 5-sp manual 4WD/4WS, and the majority of them are equipped with moon roofs and other features. All UK vehicles received the later engine revision, larger alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, and larger MHI TD04-13G turbos.
Instead of the GTO’s two front fog lights, the front lower lights in the bumper are driving lights. They have a distinct reflector pattern and turn on automatically when the main beam on the headlights is turned on, while having an identical appearance from the outside. In addition, the 3000GT’s dashboard sports an oil level warning light as opposed to the GTO’s oil pressure light.
No automatic or non-auto 4WD UKDM vehicles existed; if you find one for sale, it is a JDM vehicle, regardless of any 3000GT emblems that may have been added:lol::!:
A US-spec 3000GT with a N/A engine might, however, turn up. These cars were only FWD, but they are simple to identify thanks to their LHD chassis and GTO-spec bodywork.
All 3000GTs have a 17-digit VIN number, which is quite different from the JDM 11-digit number because it contains information about the car’s color, options, and specifications whereas the JDM cars only have the chassis type prefixed to the production number.
The Mk.2 GTO TT driven by “blueboy” at the Speedball rally last year. Brendan Fennell/”Limahl” photo
Between late 1993 and 1996, Japan saw the sale of the Mk.2 GTO. They largely included aesthetic updates over the Mk.1 model, including new bumpers, sideskirts, fixed-position projector headlights, and a new bonnet. The TT’s mechanical improvements consisted of installing a 6-sp manual transmission, while the N/A cars’ 5-sp manual and auto transmission options were carried over from the Mk.1 models.
GTO Twin Turbo MR The ‘Mitsubishi Racing’ or MR was a light-weight TT without 4WS, ABS, ECS, or Active Aeros, but it shared all of the same mechanical components as the standard GTO TT. For the MR, chassis numbers should begin with Z15A.
Between 1994 and 2000, the Mk.2 3000GT **was available in the UK. Despite receiving two further facelifts in Japan, the UK model remained as a Mk.2 until the GTO/3000GT manufacture ceased in 2000. The rear bumper cutout for the number plate was the only external change between it and the Mk.2 GTO that could be seen. Up until around two years later, when it received the 6-sp box, the Mk.1 retained the 5-sp manual box.
3000GT – Similar to Mk.1 but for the switch to a 6-speed drivetrain in late 1995 or early 1996. just one model.
The front shot of Paul’s Mk.2 3000GT below shows the towing eye cover that is present on the N/S/F corner of the front bumper of the vehicle.
The Mk.3 GTO** (96-98) was a small update that featured a new front bumper and a hoop spoiler in favor of the active aero system on the back. The available options were the twin turbo MR and a N/A ‘SR’ lightened and stripped in the style of the MR.
The chassis numbers for both vehicles should begin with Z15A, with the next two digits indicating the year of manufacture: 1994 = 00, 1995 = 01, 1996 = 03, etc.
(In August 2006, Lisa’s * Mk.3 MR was on display at the Mount Edgcumbe auto show. Despite the fact that all parts are interchangeable, this image demonstrates how drastically different the Mk.1 and Mk.2/3 rear ends are. Scott Howard/GTO Scott (photo)
The front end, sail panels, and rear wing of the Mk.4 GTO (9900) saw more evident restyling. The engine also had a few minor mechanical changes. According to what I know, the Mk.3 model marked the beginning of the spectrum of models.
(Images taken from a Japanese auction site; the side view demonstrates the numerous shapes that the Mk.4’s “sail” or “b” pillar panels came in.)
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