THE POTENT AND EXOTIC MITSUBISHI 3000 GT

Test drive the 3000GT and it will leave you speechless.
Step on the accelerator in a 3000GT VR-4 and the twin-turbocharged, twin-intercooled 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 answers with 315 foot-pounds of low-end torque and a throaty blast from the four chromed exhaust pipes. As the cams and crankshaft near the 6,000-rpm power peak, this engine lets out a turbine wail and presses you back against the seat with 320 liquid-smooth horsepower. The rush of acceleration is truly astonishing.

The 3000GT is equipped with a 161-horsepower 3.0-liter SOHC V6 specifically engineered to provide quick throttle response and a generous 185 foot-pounds of torque. SL models are powered by a DOHC, 24-valve version of Mitsubishi's highly-refined 3.0-liter V6. With its MVIC Variable Induction Control System, the SL engine is extremely flexible and generates 218 horsepower and 205 foot- pounds of torque. Both engines perform with a sweet mechanical growl and a serious enthusiasm for high rpm.

Each 3000GT model is equipped with a set of unique alloy wheels that are engineered to enhance brake cooling, steering response and overall handling. Starting with matte-finish 16x8-inch split tri-spoke wheels on the 3000GT, moving up to 17x8.5-inch chromed rotary-spoke wheels on the 3000GT SL, and finishing with massive 18x8.5-inch chromed six-spoke wheels on the 3000GT VR-4, each design gives the 3000GT a distinct visual flavor.

Regardless of the model you choose, the 3000GT is equipped with tires that are specifically sized to maximize engine, suspension and braking performance. From the 3000GT's 225/55 VR 16-inch tires to the SL's 245/45 ZR 17-inch tires and right up to the huge 245/40 ZR 18-inch tires on the VR-4, these cars are all equipped with serious high-performance rubber.

Working with the deep front air dam, the 3000GT's rear spoiler helps to manage air flow over the body. The front air dam keeps pressure from building up under the front of the 3000GT, and also channels cooling air into the engine and intercoolers (VR-4), and over the front brake discs. A hoop-style spoiler on 3000GT and 3000GT SL models, and a new raised wing-style spoiler on the 3000GT VR-4, reduce turbulence at the back of the car and provide stability-enhancing down-force at speed.

At speeds above 30 mph, the 3000GT VR-4's rear wheels steer up to 1.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels. In lane changes and S-turns, the rear steering provides a stabilizing effect that can reduce the chance of oversteering or fish-tailing. Four-wheel steering is specifically engineered to complement the VR-4's enormous performance capabilities.

Although the 3000GT's low-slung body gives it a stability advantage in corners, the suspension is also augmented by a front stabilizer bar on all models and a rear stabilizer bar on SL and VR-4 models. The stabilizer bar exerts an equalizing force on the car's body to keep it level in a turn and more predictable during cruising-speed maneuvers.

All four discs are internally ventilated to keep heat from building up in the braking system. By keeping the discs cooler, the brakes are less prone to fading under repeatedly heavy use. On VR-4 models, the front discs are double ventilated to cope with the car's increased capabilities. A series of air passages circling the inner radius of the disc allow the braking system to pass cooling air between the rotor and axle. The resulting braking power is simply awesome.

Rather than burden two tires with the job of transferring 320 horsepower to the pavement, the 3000GT VR-4 distributes power to all four wheels according to available traction. Accelerating out of a turn, pulling away from a stop or driving on wet pavement, the VR-4 will constantly adjust power delivery to keep the car astoundingly stable. The 3000GT VR-4 is one of the few high-performance vehicles in the world to offer this sophisticated feature.