Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo
The 1990 GTO packed twin turbos, four driven wheels, four-wheel steering and moving aerodynamics into one wide Japanese grand tourer.
Mitsubishi GTO VR4 1990 (14471501841).jpg · order_242 from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0
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More than a set of wheels.
Mitsubishi launched the GTO in Japan in October 1990 as a “new-age” four-wheel-drive sports car. The flagship Twin Turbo paired a 280 PS 3.0-litre V6 with a Getrag five-speed manual and a viscous-coupling full-time four-wheel-drive system biased 45:55 front to rear. Its technology list went far beyond straight-line speed: electronically controlled dampers, four-wheel steering, active front and rear aerodynamics and a driver-selectable exhaust were all designed to make a large, powerful coupé stable and adaptable. Export versions wore 3000GT or Dodge Stealth names and different output ratings, so this profile stays with the Japanese launch car.
Look a little closer.
Press a switch and its Active Exhaust could route gases for a quieter or louder note; at speed, the front venturi panel and rear spoiler also moved automatically.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A coordinated four-wheel machine
The GTO's 45:55 full-time four-wheel drive sent a little more torque rearward, while four-wheel steering turned the rear tires in the same direction as the fronts at medium and high speeds. Electronic dampers altered stiffness as needed. Together these systems targeted stability rather than merely adding gadgets.
Source: Mitsubishi Motors · Car History ↗Japan's 280 PS car is not every 3000GT
The Japanese Twin Turbo launched at a stated 280 PS and 416.8 Nm, with a five-speed manual. Export-market 3000GT VR-4 cars, later six-speed GTOs and lighter MR versions use different outputs and equipment, so their figures should not be merged into this 1990 E-Z16A record.
Source: GAZOO · October 1990 GTO Twin Turbo catalogue ↗Where these facts come from
- Mitsubishi Motors · Car History
- GAZOO · October 1990 GTO Twin Turbo catalogue
- Mitsubishi Motors · Company History: 1990 control technologies
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 1, 2026.