Mitsubishi 3000GT

The Mitsubishi 3000GT (sold as GTO in Japan, 3000GT in North America, and various other names globally) is a sport coupe produced from 1990 to 2001. The 3000GT was Mitsubishi technological flagship, with the most ambitious engineering ever applied to a Mitsubishi production car. The VR4 variant was the most aggressive, with twin-turbocharged V6, AWD, all-wheel steering, active aerodynamic flaps, and electronically controlled suspension. The 3000GT VR4 used the 6G72 V6 with twin Garrett T22 turbochargers making 320 horsepower factory rating. Six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions were available. AWD was standard on VR4, with the SL trim using FWD. Active aerodynamic flaps on the front and rear adjusted automatically based on speed. The chassis was sophisticated for the era and competed with the Toyota Supra Turbo, Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo, and Mazda RX-7. The 3000GT had complex engineering that compensated for its substantial weight (around 3,800 pounds). The car outweighed and underdrove some competitors but the technology was extraordinary for the price. Production ended in 2001 with no successor; the model was discontinued partly due to declining sales and partly due to Mitsubishi corporate refocus. Used 3000GT VR4 prices have been climbing as the cars become recognized future classics. The complex engineering creates higher maintenance complexity than competitor cars, but specialty 3000GT mechanics globally support continued ownership. On WhipJury, 3000GT submissions are common, particularly VR4 variants. Modified examples with engine and chassis upgrades appear regularly.