Mitsubishi 3000GT (Z15A/Z16A)
Mitsubishi 3000GT
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Model code	Z11A Z15A/Z15AM Z16A[1]
Also called	Mitsubishi GTO (Japan) Dodge Stealth Sauber S1[2][better source needed]
Production	1991–1999 (Mitsubishi 3000GT) 1990–1996 (Dodge Stealth)
Assembly	Japan:Okazaki, Aichi (Nagoya Plant)
Designer	Masaru Suzuki (1987)
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car (S) Grand tourer (S)
Body style	2-doorliftbackcoupé 2-doorconvertible (1995–1996)
Layout	Transversefront-engine,front-/four-wheel drive
Related	Mitsubishi Diamante/Sigma
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L6G72SOHCV6 3.0 L6G72DOHC24v V6 3.0 L6G72 DOHC 24vtwin-turbocharged V6
Transmission	4-speedautomatic (INVECS introduced 1992) 5-speedmanual 6-speed manual (1993 onwards)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,470 mm (97.2 in)
Length	4,600 mm (181.1 in)
Width	1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height	1,285 mm (50.6 in)
Curb weight	3,131 lb (1,420 kg)Base 3,263 lb (1,480 kg)SL 3,649 lb (1,655 kg)SL Spyder 3,737 lb (1,695 kg)VR-4 4,123 lb (1,870 kg)VR-4 Spyder
Chronology
Predecessor	Mitsubishi Starion

TheMitsubishi 3000GT is a front-engine, all-wheel/front-wheel drivegrand touring/sports car manufactured and marketed byMitsubishi from 1990 until 2000 over three different series. Manufactured in a three-doorhatchback coupé body style inNagoya, Japan, the2+2 four-seaters were marketed in theJapanese domestic market as theGTO, and globally as3000GT. In North America, it was sold both as the Mitsubishi 3000GT (1991–1999) and theDodge Stealth (1991–1996), abadge engineered, mechanically identicalcaptive import. As a collaborative effort betweenChrysler andMitsubishi Motors, Chrysler was responsible for the Stealth's exterior styling.^[3][4]

The car was based on Mitsubishi'sSigma/Diamante and retained their transverse mounted 3-liter, 24-valve V6 engines and front-wheel-drive layout.^[5] The GTO's engines were naturally aspirated or with twin-turbochargers and were also available with active aerodynamics (automatically adjusting front and rearspoilers), four-wheel-steering, full-time all-wheel-drive and adaptive suspension.^[4]

Mitsubishi marketed aretractable hardtop variant, which were engineered and converted from coupé models in California byASC,^[6] and sold as theGT Spyder orVR4 Spyder for model years 1993–1995.^[7] These were the first fully automated retractable hardtop marketed since the 1959 Ford Skyliner.^[8]

The JDM model took its name from theGalant GTO, a two-doorhardtopcoupé marketed by the company in the early 1970s, which in turn took its name from theFerrari 250 GTO, short forGran Turismo Omologata – "Omologata" signifying that it met motorsporthomologation requirements.

Following the successful showing of theMitsubishi HSR and Mitsubishi HSX concept cars at the 1989Tokyo Motor Show,^[9] Mitsubishi unveiled the new GTO as a 2+2 seating grand touring car in order to compete with theMazda RX-7,Nissan 300ZX,Honda NSX,Subaru SVX, and theToyota Supra. They resurrected the GTO name, and the car went on to serve as Mitsubishi's flagship for the remainder of the decade. Despite the cachet of the badge at home, it was marketed as the Mitsubishi 3000GT and as the Dodge Stealth outside Japan; the company was concerned thatconnoisseurs would object to the evocative nameplate from theFerrari 250 GTO andPontiac GTO being used on a Japanese vehicle.

Each was built on the same production line at Mitsubishi's plant inNagoya, Japan.^[10] Its Japanese introduction coincided with the softening Japanese economy, subsequently known as the"bubble economy".

JDM GTOs were marketed at Mitsubishi'sCar Plaza retail chain, with JDM buyers paying additional annualroad tax as well as elevated taxes for being classified as a large car by Japan'sexterior dimension regulations.

A Dodge Stealth was scheduled as a 1991Indianapolis 500pace car, until theUnited Auto Workers (UAW) rejected it because of its Japanese rather than US-manufacture. A prototype of theDodge Viper was substituted in place of it.^[11] Still used as a backup pace car, eventual race winnerRick Mears received a Dodge Stealth for winning the race and dealers sold pace car replica editions, as the Viper did not begin production until later that year.^[12]

Approximately 86,151 3000GTs and 65,303 Stealths were produced.^[13][14]

Early models were internally designated Z16A and incorporated full-timefour-wheel drive andfour-wheel steering which was labeled asMitsubishi AWC.^[1]Active aerodynamics called "Active Aero Control System"^[1] enhanced the coke bottle silhouette body styling, achieving adrag coefficient ofCd=0.33, with automatically deploying front and rearspoilers,^[15] sport/tour exhaust modes called "Active Exhaust System",^[1]pop-up headlights and articulated blister caps on the hood to accommodate the ECS controllers at the top of thestrut turrets. The Dodge Stealth featured a signature cross-hair front bumper fascia, different B-pillar and quarter window treatments, and crescent-shaped rear spoiler — and did not include active aerodynamics. In 1993, the engine went to a 4-bolt main and a forged crankshaft, some of the early production models still received the cast crank.^[16]

In North America, both the Mitsubishi 3000GT as well as the Dodge Stealth were available. Two different powertrains were offered on the 3000GT while the Stealth had three different options. The base 3-door hatchback Stealth came equipped with a 3.0-liter 12-valve SOHC V6 engine producing 164 hp (122 kW) at 5,500rpm. The base 3000GT and SL model and the Dodge Stealth ES and R/T model came equipped with a 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine producing 222 hp (166 kW). The VR-4 (Viscous Realtime 4WD) and R/T Turbo came equipped with a twin turbocharged 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine producing 300 hp (224 kW) at 5,500 rpm. A 5-speedGetrag 440 manual transmission was standard and a 4-speedINVECS automatic was an option on all models except the turbocharged variants. The 3000GT SL and Stealth R/T included an electronically controlled suspension as well as other features such as anti-lock brakes and automatic climate control while the turbocharged models further added performance options such as permanent 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, limited-slip differential, active aerodynamics and came with Z rated 17-inch tires.

In Europe, instead of the Mitsubishi-built^[1] TD04-09B turbochargers used on Japanese and US Twin Turbo models that generated 9 psi (0.6 bar), the EU-spec model received the higher capacity TD04-13G turbochargers which generated 13 psi (0.9 bar). While power output is no higher than contemporary market models, these have lower discharge temperatures to better handle the prolonged high speeds possible on the GermanAutobahn, along with an upgraded transmission.^[17] The engine was rated at 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp); the modifications took time and European models only went on sale in the autumn of 1992.^[18]

Automotive magazines quoted 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration times ranging from 4.9 seconds^[19] to 6.0 seconds and quarter mile times of 13.6-13.9 seconds at 95–98 mph (153–158 km/h)^[20][21] Dodge claims a 0-60 of 4.89 seconds for the 1991 R/T turbo models.^[22]

Magazines from the era praised its strong acceleration and grip as well as its full time AWD system allowing for all season use.^[23] In a comparison test by AutoWeek the $34,423 ($79,468 in 2024 dollars^[24]) 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 did 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds beating the lighter $61,000 ($140,823 in 2024 dollars^[24]) Acura NSX which hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.^[25]

Facelift models were internally designated Z15A (2WS) and Z16A (4WS) and featured a revised frontbumper to accommodate projector beamheadlights and small, round projector fog lights. They were unveiled in August 1993 in Japan and gradually made their way to other markets as the earlier cars sold out. Some markets, such as the UK, did not get these models until as late as 1996.^[26] The caps on the hood were replaced with integrated sheet metal blisters, and revised side air vents and rear bumpers were added. The interior was redesigned with dual air bags, a new audio system, and revised air conditioning refrigerant. The engines in the twin-turbo models received an increase to 320 hp (239 kW) and an increase in torque from 307 to 315 lb⋅ft (416 to 427 N⋅m) whenMIVEC variable valve technology was introduced in 1995^{[citation needed]}, and as a result Japanese models received an increase in torque, but the power rating remained unchanged at 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp).

The VR-4 model now included a six-speedGetrag 446manual transmission with revised gear ratios. Larger wheel/tire combinations were available beginning in 1995. The base and SL model received 16-inch wheels in silver or chrome with 225/55 tires, while the VR-4 now had 18-inch chrome wheels with 245/40 tires (the Spyder had the standard 17-inch with higher profile tires from 1994 to handle the additional 400 lb (180 kg) of weight).

With subsequent price increases, features were discontinued: the tunable exhaust was phased out after 1994 model year, the ECS after 1995 model year, and the active aerodynamics disappeared after 1996. This was also when Chrysler ceased sales of the Dodge Stealth captive import, and for the remainder of its life only Mitsubishi-badged versions were available.

Chrysler and Mitsubishi worked withASC to engineer and convert 3000GTs intoretractable hardtops, marketed as the Spyder SL and Spyder VR4 for 1995 and 1996 model years.

In 1995, Mitsubishi's 3000GT Spyder was available in four color combinations: red with grey leather interior, black with ivory leather interior, white pearl with grey, and martinique yellow with ivory leather interior. In 1996 the 3000GT Spyder was available in red with tan interior, black pearl with tan leather, white pearl with tan leather interior, and green pearl with tan leather. SL Spyders were only available with an automatic transmission while the VR4 Spyder was only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The GTO MR model appeared in the Japanese market in August 1994. The ‘Mitsubishi Racing’ or MR moniker, has been used on a few other performance Mitsubishis such as theLancer Evolution, and usually meant a lighter model. The GTO MR was essentially a lightweight GTO Twin Turbo that deleted 4WS, ABS, ECS and Active Aero, but was mechanically identical to the normal GTO Twin Turbo aside from a final drive ratio of 4.154.^[27] Available as an option were AP Racing 6 pot brakes, used on the N1 spec GTO.^[28][29] Chassis numbers for the MR start with Z15A. This lowered the weight of the MR to 1,650 kg (3,638 lb). The AWD system featured in the MR received the same 45% front 55% rear split ratio as the other turbo models.^[30]

Best Motoring, a Japanese television program about Japanese cars, featured the 1994 GTO MR in an hour long program where it beat the lighter R32Skyline GT-R over a mile in acceleration.^[31]

In 1994, Mitsubishi released a limited edition of what was now the previous generation 3000GT, branded as "Beckenbauer Edition." HonoringFranz Beckenbauer. All were painted Lamborghini yellow and were equipped with a Remus sports exhaust, OZ Futura rims, a numbered plate signed by Beckenbauer, and aC-Netz mobile phone system. Only 30 were made, sold through 1995.^[32][33]

The redesign of the second generation 3000GT brought it up to date, especially through the loss of pop-up headlights and the front strut caps and resulting smoother hood.^[34] The Tuneable Exhaust System was phased out in 1995 and the Active Aero was phased out in 1996. A notable change was the brake redesign, facelift models received 2-piston rear brake calipers and larger front brakes that showed no sign of fading under heavy use unlike the early models. Braking distances improved slightly. The new 6-speed was geared well and paired with the extra horsepower and torque allowed the car to out-accelerate its rivals from a standing start.These changes made all models lighter, the VR-4 was now 3,737 pounds (1,695 kg) and the SL 3,263 pounds (1,480 kg).^[35]

Road tests at the time showed the second generation 3000GT VR-4 to be capable of 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.8 - 5.4 seconds^[36] and the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at 101 to 105 miles per hour (163 to 169 km/h), making it faster in a straight line than theNissan 300ZX Twin Turbo andMazda RX-7 Twin Turbo.^[37][4][38] Though heavy, it was comfortable and easy to drive fast. Thanks to the ample power, it could be taken around a track quickly, with noted under steer and a lack of feedback.^[39]

TheSOHC engine was added to the Mitsubishi 3000GTs after the discontinuation of the Stealth. The 3000GT's featuring the single cam engine had a weight of 3,131 pounds (1,420 kg) provided that they were not offered with the sunroof and leather seats.

The 1997-2000 3000GTs are separated by pre- or post-facelift. Slower sales in the American sports car market led to the major facelift plans for 1997 being abandoned. Minor cosmetic changes were implemented instead including a new front bumper and rainbow-shaped arched type wing.

In 1999, the car received its last exterior makeover facelift; with the new aggressive front bumper, headlamps, turn signals and sail panels. A true inverted airfoil spoiler coined the "Combat Wing" only for the 1999 VR-4 were used to distinguish it from previous models. Non-Turbo models did not receive the "Combat Wing" and kept the arched spoiler from the pre-facelift. 1999 was the final year the 3000GT was available in the U.S. market. With sales slowing to a trickle and newside impact regulations looming, production for theJapanese domestic market finally ceased in 2000.^[40] A last two cars were sold the following year.^[41] In a test byPopular Mechanics the USDM 1999 3000GT VR-4 ran a 13.44 seconds quarter mile (~402 m) at 101.7 mph (163.7 km/h).^[42]

Media related toMitsubishi GTO at Wikimedia Commons

• GTO press release, Mitsubishi-motors.com, August 25, 1998 (Japanese)

• Mitsubishi Motors vehicles
• 2000s cars
• All-wheel-drive vehicles
• Front-wheel-drive sports cars
• Vehicles with four-wheel steering
• Coupés
• Cars introduced in 1990
• Cars discontinued in 2000

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