Mitsubishi FTO

The Mitsubishi FTO is a front engined, front-wheel drive Sports Car produced by Mitsubishi Motors between 1994 - 2001.

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Styles and Major Options
Pre-facelift models

GS

This was the entry level FTO, and the only 4 cylinder model produced. Power was supplied by a single overhead cam 16 valve engine producing 125bhp at 6,000 rpm. Despite being overshadowed by its V6 big brothers, the GS is quite nippy and will hit 125mph Standard equipment includes air conditioning, central locking, electric windows and mirrors (without electric folding), and projector type headlights. Standard wheels were 15" steel items, although most owners have upgraded to alloy wheels.

GR

The FTO GR is a big step up from the GS model, offering the driver a healthy 170bhp at 5,500rpm form its charismatic V6 engine, Visually, the standard GR model is identical to the GS. Most models are fitted with the "Sports Package", this adds 16" alloy wheels and a rear spoiler, front fog-lights are a common fitted option. Electric folding mirrors, climate control, variable intermittent wipers and ugraded trim complete the standard specification.

GP

The GP was the entry-level MIVEC FTO. The trim was largely identical to the GR model but did not have standard Climate control, *it did have a standard rear spoiler though. This model was succeeded by the GP Version R in later years.

GPX

Topping the FTO model range was the MIVEC engined GPX model, Whilst the GPX shared the same 2.0 V6 engine with the GR, in GPX guise the engine is fitted with Mitsubishi's MIVEC system which varies the timing, lift and duration of the valves using two different camshaft profiles. The cam changeover occurs at 5,500 rpm, this results in maximum power jumping from 170 bhp (GR engine) to 197bhp, as well as that the rev limit is increased, making engine speeds of 8,500 rpm attainable. Standard equipment is high - 16" alloys and a spoiler are standard, as well as front fog lights, climate control, folding electric mirrors, upgraded brakes, and a more plush cabin.

Yellow Special Edition

To celebrate winning Japanese car of the year in 1995, Mitsubishi launched a special edition, finished in Dandelion Yellow, the special edition was based on the range-topping GPX model but also featured: These models were only available with the 4 speed INVECS II tiptronic transmission
 * HID headlights
 * Limited slip differential,
 * "car of the year" badging on the quarter panel,
 * Rear wash/wipe.

Facelift models

GS

The GS facelift model only benefited from a different front bumper and slightly different headlights, no mechanical upgrades were made apart from the addition of the new 5 speed INVECS II tiptronic gearbox - this gearbox replaced the 4 speed tiptronic on all trim levels.

GR

The ultra-rare facelift GR model continued with it's 170bhp engine and lost its standard climate control, this model was only available without the "Sports Package".

GX / GX Aero Series

This is generally accepted as the true successor to the pre-facelift GR model. The engine was upgraded from 170bhp to 180bhp, teim levels were largely the same as the pre-facelift GR, with the option of the "Sports Package", further options came in the form of the "Aero Series" which added HID headlights, side skirts, and an upgraded rear spoiler.

GP Version R / GP Version R Aero Series

The GP Version R is believed to be Mitsubishi's response to Honda's Integra Type R. This was a model for those who wanted maximum performance. This model shared the 197bhp MIVEC engine previously seen in the GP and GPX models, but differed from the GPX in a number of ways:

A helical Limited slip differential (as seen in the yellow special edition)
 * HID headlights (also first seen in the yellow special edition)
 * Special GP Version R rear spoiler
 * Front and rear strut braces
 * Choice of red, blue or black front seats, dependent on body colour

The GP Version R also lost some of the GPX equipment:
 * Some sound deadening
 * Front fog lights
 * Self folding mirrors
 * Side skirts
 * Climate control (in favour of manual air conditioning)

The GP Version R was also available in "Aero Series" trim, this model added side skirts.

Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
Pre-Facelift Models (1994-1997)
 * 1.8 I4 125bhp (GS)
 * 2.0 V6 170bhp (GR)
 * 2.0 V6 197bhp (GP, GPX, Special Edition)


 * 5 Speed Manual Transmission
 * 4 Speed INVECS-II Tiptronic Transmission

Facelift Models (1997-2001)


 * 1.8 I4 125bhp (GS)
 * 2.0 V6 170bhp (GR)
 * 2.0 V6 180bhp (GX)
 * 2.0 V6 197bhp (GP Version R, GPX)


 * 5 Speed Manual Transmission
 * 5 Speed INVECS-II Tiptronic Transmission

Safety
Standard safety equipment on the FTO was fairly sparse, but in-keeping with any car from 1994. Safety options were driver and passenger airbag, ABS, and traction control.

Photos
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Colors
Color Name - Paint Code
 * Passion Red - R71
 * Imperial Red - R39C
 * Monaco Red - R82
 * Steel Silver - A34
 * Symphonic Silver - A26A
 * Pyreness Black - X08
 * Scotia White - W83
 * Icecelle Blue - T73
 * Moonlight Blue - T88C
 * Midnight Blue - B09
 * Dandelion Yellow - Y77C
 * Timber Green - G13

Main Competitors

 * Toyota Celica
 * Toyota Levin
 * Honda Integra
 * Mazda MX3
 * Ford Puma
 * Ford Cougar

Hybrid Models
An electric version using a manganese lithium-ion battery, the FTO-EV, was produced by Mitsubishi Motors in 1998 as an experimental vehicle. In December 1999 at the Mitsubishi car R&D centre, the FTO became the first electric vehicle to cover 2,000km in 24 hours.

Unique Attributes
This is an automatic transmission that learns your driving style, Featuring adaptive shift Control foftware it monitors your driving style, and sets the gear change points to suit that style.
 * INVECS-II transmission

First seen on the 1986 BMW 7 series, and later on the Toyota Sera, these were a very unusual feature in 1994.
 * Projector type headlights

(Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) is the brand name of a variable valve timing engine technology developed by Mitsubishi Motors. MIVEC, as with other similar systems, varies the timing, lift and duration of the valves by using two different camshaft profiles
 * MIVEC

High intensity discharge headlights were very rare when the FTO was launched they first appeared on the BMW 7 series in 1991, The FTO was one of the first Japanese cars to have HID's, which were also combined with projector type headlights.
 * HID's

Interior
Seats: All FTO models are equipped with bucket style front seats, these all feature height adjustment of the seat base, which has separate adjustment knobs for the front and rear halves of the seats. No adjustable lumbar support is offered on any models, The seats themselves are often trimmed with garish multi-colourerd patterns which detract from the quite well designed interior. Many owners have opted for leather or leatherette covers which are available from internet retailers. As with most Japanese domestic market cars, the drivers seat does not have the same one-touch sliding mechanism as the passenger side, making entry and exit more difficult from that side. The FTO features seat belt guides that thread the seatbelt through a plastic clip at shoulder height, these are of great benefit to shorter occupants, although they hamper access to the back of the car when in place. Many FTO owners complain of a common problem relating to the seat belt design - occasionally the seat belt will run around the seat-back adjustment lever resulting in the seat-back tipping forward on sharp braking, using the seat-belt guides reduces the risk of this happening.

Controls: As with any Japanese domestic market model, the layout of the lights and wipers is the opposite to the those found on European cars, apart from this, there is little to complain about the ergonomics of the FTO cabin. For example; the placement of window and mirror switches, the operation of the climate control, and location of the trunk and fuel door release are exactly where you would expect to find them. All controls are within easy reach of the driver, and the instrumentation is clear and logically laid out.

Accomodation: Room for front seat passengers is on a par with most coupes, with ample leg and head room. The same can not be said for the space given to rear seat occupants, the rear seats are short on legroom, and that sloping rear window leaves headroom pretty tight.

Build Quality: As with most Japanese cars of the time, the FTO is very well screwed together. Dash plastic and interior trim is very hard-wearing and resistant to scuffs and scratches. FTO cabins tend to be free of major rattles and squeaks.

Resale Values
Main FTO Markets of Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Sample model: 2.0 GPX manual Transmission:

Australia:
 * 1994 $
 * 1995 $
 * 1996 $
 * 1997 $
 * 1998 $
 * 1999 $
 * 2000 $
 * 2001 $

New Zealand


 * 1994 $
 * 1995 $
 * 1996 $
 * 1997 $
 * 1998 $
 * 1999 $
 * 2000 $
 * 2001 $

Ireland
 * 1994 €
 * 1995 €
 * 1996 €
 * 1997 €
 * 1998 €
 * 1999 €
 * 2000 €
 * 2001 €

United Kingdom
 * 1994 £
 * 1995 £
 * 1996 £
 * 1997 £
 * 1998 £
 * 1999 £
 * 2000 £
 * 2001 £

Criticisms
Please make sure to keep critiques in a third-person point of view. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Second Generation (1997 - 2001)
Cars built after August 1997 are regarded as facelift models, although the only exterior change was to the front bumper, which gained a larger air intake, deeper front splitter and restyled housings for the supplementary lights.

The facelift also brought the GP Version R. This model featured HID headlamps, blue or red front seats, uprated suspension, limited slip differential,and a different rear spoier in addition to the GPX specification. As this model was to be light weight, items such as side skirts, front fog lights, climate control, electric folding mirrors and sound insulation were left out.

Design quirks and oddities

 * Appeared in Jackie Chan movies, Coronation Street and Neighbours.

Awards
The FTO took the "Car of the Year Japan" award in 1994. In commemoration of its win, Mitsubishi introduced a limited production of the GPX Limited Edition model. It can be indentified by its dandelion yellow paint scheme and "'94–95 Japan Car of the Year" emblems on the outer surface of the car's C-pillar. It also has a rear screen wiper and limited slip differential as standard. Less than 500 of these are believed to have been produced.

In 2007, readers of UK motoring magazine Auto Trader voted the Mitsubishi FTO “Best Sports Car” at the Auto Trader Used Car Awards beating a finalists including the Honda S2000 and the Mazda RX-8.