A New Generation of Japanese Performance

The Mitsubishi GTO was launched in Japan in October 1990 as a technologically advanced 2+2 sports coupe. Following the successful reception of Mitsubishi's HSR and HSX concept cars, the GTO brought many of the company's latest performance technologies into a production car.

Advanced Four-Wheel Drive

At the heart of the GTO was a full-time four-wheel-drive system designed to provide strong traction and stability. The car also featured four-wheel steering, which allowed the rear wheels to steer in the same direction as the front wheels during medium and high-speed driving.

Electronic control was another major part of the GTO's engineering. Its electronically controlled suspension could adjust damping rates to suit driving conditions, giving the car a combination of handling ability and ride comfort.

Active Aerodynamics

One of the GTO's most distinctive technologies was its Active Aero System. At higher speeds, the system automatically operated a front Venturi cover and variable rear spoiler to improve the car's aerodynamic performance.

Active Exhaust

The GTO also featured an Active Exhaust System, allowing the driver to change the character of the exhaust at the touch of a button. The system could route the exhaust through the silencer for a quieter note or provide a louder, more sporting sound.

A Technological Showcase

With its combination of four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, electronically controlled suspension, active aerodynamics and active exhaust, the Mitsubishi GTO demonstrated just how much technology could be incorporated into a Japanese performance car at the beginning of the 1990s.

The result was a distinctive 2+2 sports coupe that became one of Mitsubishi's most technologically ambitious performance cars.