Mitsubishi FTO
Mitsubishi
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Mitsubishi FTO: A Front-Drive Coupe With a Rev-Happy V6
The FTO was a compact Japanese-market sport coupe known for its lightweight build, eager V6, and one of the earliest automatic transmissions with manual-style paddle control.
Launched in 1994, the FTO (Fresh Touring Origination) was a front-wheel-drive coupe sold primarily in Japan, though many found their way to the UK, Australia, and New Zealand as imports. It was crowned Japan Car of the Year for 1994 to 1995, a rare honor for a sporty two-door.
The headline powertrain was a 2.0-liter MIVEC V6 that revved to a thrilling 7,500 rpm and produced around 197 horsepower, an impressive figure for a naturally aspirated engine of that size and era. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder served as the entry point. The V6 cars could be ordered with a five-speed manual or Mitsubishi's INVECS-II automatic, which offered a sport mode with sequential shifting via the lever, a genuine novelty at the time.
Light, balanced, and characterful, the FTO has become a sought-after modern classic among enthusiasts who appreciate high-revving naturally aspirated engines and compact 1990s coupe styling.