Mitsubishi’s automotive journey began in 1917 when Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. introduced the Mitsubishi Model A, Japan’s first mass-production car. However, it was expensive compared to American and European rivals, leading to its discontinuation in 1921.
In 1970, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was officially established as a separate entity from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, focusing on passenger vehicles. The brand gained global recognition with models like the Lancer and Pajero, excelling in rally racing. Mitsubishi also pioneered Silent Shaft technology, later licensed to Porsche, Saab, and Fiat.
Today, Mitsubishi is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, continuing its legacy of innovation and motorsport success.
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Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2000 Turbo (1982-88)
The Mitsubishi Lancer 2000 Turbo (1982-88) was introduced as a **high-performance turbocharged sedan**, designed to compete in **Group 4 rallying** and showcase Mitsubishi’s engineering capabilities. It was the **first Lancer to feature a turbocharged engine**, laying the foundation for the legendary **Lancer Evolution series**.
Purpose & Expectations
- **Rally Homologation Special**: Mitsubishi developed the Lancer 2000 Turbo to **compete in international rally events**, particularly against rivals like the **Audi Quattro and Lancia 037**.
- **Turbocharged Performance**: Equipped with the **4G63 turbo engine**, the Lancer 2000 Turbo was expected to deliver **high-speed thrills and motorsport-inspired driving dynamics**.
- **European Market Expansion**: Mitsubishi introduced the model in **select European markets**, aiming to establish its reputation for **turbocharged performance sedans** Review](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/mitsubishi/lancer-2000-turbo/).
- **Foundation for Future Models**: The Lancer 2000 Turbo’s success influenced the development of the **Lancer Evolution**, which became Mitsubishi’s most iconic rally car.
Although it wasn’t a **mass-market success**, the **Lancer 2000 Turbo** remains a **cult classic**, recognized as the **precursor to Mitsubishi’s rally dominance**.
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Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Mitsubishi Starion (1982-89)
The Mitsubishi Starion, introduced in **1982**, was designed to be a **high-performance, turbocharged sports coupe** that showcased Mitsubishi’s engineering capabilities and competed with established rivals like the **Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra, and Nissan Z cars**.
Purpose of the Starion
- **Performance Innovation:** The Starion was one of the first modern Japanese sports cars to feature **turbocharging and electronic fuel injection**, setting a precedent for future Mitsubishi performance models.
- **Global Market Expansion:** Mitsubishi aimed to establish a stronger presence in **international markets**, particularly in the **United States**, where the Starion was sold under **Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth** as the **Conquest**.
- **Motorsport Influence:** The Starion was developed with **racing in mind**, later competing in **Group A touring car racing**, proving its capabilities on the track.
- **Technological Showcase:** Mitsubishi used the Starion to introduce **balance shafts**, improving engine smoothness and reliability, a feature that would later be used in many of its vehicles.
Expectations at Launch
- **Competing with Japanese Grand Tourers:** Mitsubishi expected the Starion to rival the **Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra, and Nissan 280ZX**, offering a balance of **performance, comfort, and affordability**.
- **Strong Sales Performance:** The company hoped the Starion would be a **sales success**, particularly in markets where turbocharged sports cars were gaining popularity.
- **Brand Recognition:** Mitsubishi aimed to **strengthen its reputation** as a manufacturer of **high-performance vehicles**, paving the way for future models like the **Lancer Evolution**.
While the Starion didn’t achieve **mass-market success**, it has since gained **cult status** among enthusiasts who appreciate its **unique styling, turbocharged power, and motorsport heritage**.
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Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Mitsubish FTO (1994-2000)
The Mitsubishi FTO (1994-2000) was introduced as a **stylish, lightweight sports coupe**, designed to offer **affordable performance** with a **high-revving V6 engine and sharp handling**. Originally intended for the **Japanese Domestic Market (JDM)**, the FTO quickly gained popularity as a **grey-market import**, leading to limited official sales in the UK and other regions.
Expectations were high, as Mitsubishi positioned the FTO as a **driver-focused alternative** to rivals like the **Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, and Nissan Silvia**. With its **MIVEC-equipped V6, front-wheel-drive layout, and aggressive styling**, the FTO was aimed at **young enthusiasts** looking for a **fun, accessible sports car**. It even won **Japan’s Car of the Year award (1994-95)**, reinforcing its reputation as a standout coupe.
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Get The Complete Picture. If you are interested enough to read about classic cars you will be interested in the environment in which they were created.
Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Mitsubishi 3000 GT (1990-00)
The **Mitsubishi 3000GT (1990-00)** was introduced as a **high-tech grand tourer**, designed to compete with the **Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Mazda RX-7** in the growing Japanese performance car market. Mitsubishi aimed to showcase its **engineering prowess**, equipping the 3000GT with **advanced features** like **active aerodynamics, all-wheel drive (VR-4 models), four-wheel steering, and a twin-turbocharged V6 engine**](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mitsubishi/105000/mitsubishi-3000gt-buying-guide-and-review-1992-1999).
Expectations were high, as Mitsubishi positioned the 3000GT as a **Japanese supercar**, blending **luxury, high-speed stability, and cutting-edge technology**. While it wasn’t the lightest or most agile sports car, it offered **supercar-like straight-line performance** and **excellent long-distance touring capabilities**](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mitsubishi/105000/mitsubishi-3000gt-buying-guide-and-review-1992-1999).
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Get The Complete Picture. If you are interested enough to read about classic cars you will be interested in the environment in which they were created.
Check out our Cost of Living pages indicated below to better understand the limitations of the period in which classic cars evolved.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (1999-2001)
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (1999-01) was built with one goal: to dominate **rally racing** while delivering **race-inspired performance** to the streets. As the **sixth generation of the iconic Evolution series**, it was developed under **Group A homologation rules**, ensuring it met the standards required for competition in the **World Rally Championship (WRC)**.
When it launched, expectations were high. Enthusiasts anticipated **improved aerodynamics, better cooling, and a more responsive driving experience**—all key to maintaining Mitsubishi’s WRC success. Mitsubishi refined the **turbocharged 2.0L 4G63 engine**, upgraded the **suspension and handling**, and introduced a **Titanium-Aluminide turbocharger**, making the Evo VI quicker, sharper, and more resilient under extreme conditions.
Its motorsport pedigree, especially **Tommi Mäkinen’s dominance**, cemented its reputation as a true **driver’s car**, and its arrival in **official UK showrooms** expanded its appeal to a broader audience.
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