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Photo of a Mitsubishi 3000GT

Mitsubishi 3000GT

The 1997 VR-4 sent 1,695 kg to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with twin turbos and all-wheel drive.1

Researched November 9, 2026 from 34 sources

Also called

  • Swiss Army knife of sports carsA comparison-test nickname likening the VR4's equipment to a fully stocked multi-tool.2
  • 3KGTA shortened rendering of 3000GT used for the coupe.3

At a glance

0200400
162–320 hpPower
0250500
250–427.1 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,420–1,870 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.412

Engine
3.0 L 6G72 V6: SOHC/DOHC/twin-turbo; EU 13G, Japan/US 9B turbos4
Layout
Transverse front engine; US NA FWD, VR-4 AWD4811
Gearbox
NA: 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto; VR-4: Getrag 5-/6-speed manual38
Built at
Nagoya Plant, Okazaki, Japan; Spyders converted by ASC in California4
Units built
VIN tally: 86,151 3000GTs and 65,303 Stealths; coverage uncertain9

The story

Created to challenge the RX-7, 300ZX and Supra, the 3000GT made its early VR-4 a technology showcase: twin turbos, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, electronic suspension control and moving front and rear spoilers.34

1989: HSX previews the production car19891990: GTO goes on sale in Japan19901991: Import Car of the Year19911994: US VR-4 gets 320 hp and six speeds19941995: ASC turns the coupe into the Spyder19951996: Active Aero bows out after 199619961997: SOHC engine joins the base 3000GT19971999: Final US year, final VR-4 wing19992000: GTO production ends in Japan2000 Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO: 1970–1977Mitsubishi Starion: 1982–1989Mitsubishi HSX: 1989Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 1) (Z16A): 1990–1993Z16AMitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 2) (Z15A / Z16A): 1994–1996Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 3): 1997–2000 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones34567101415
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1970–1977Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO
1982–1989Mitsubishi Starion
1989Mitsubishi HSX
1990–1993Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 1) (Z16A)
1994–1996Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 2) (Z15A / Z16A)
1997–2000Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 3)
1989HSX previews the production car
1990GTO goes on sale in Japan
1991Import Car of the Year
1994US VR-4 gets 320 hp and six speeds
1995ASC turns the coupe into the Spyder
1996Active Aero bows out after 1996
1997SOHC engine joins the base 3000GT
1999Final US year, final VR-4 wing
2000GTO production ends in Japan
  1. 1989

    HSX previews the production car

    At the Tokyo Motor Show, the HSX concept previews the shape that becomes Japan's GTO and the export 3000GT and Dodge Stealth.3

  2. 1990

    GTO goes on sale in Japan

    October brings the GTO, reviving the Galant GTO name for Mitsubishi's new flagship.456

  3. 1991

    Import Car of the Year

    The 3000GT earns the US award. North American model years span 1991-1999 for the Mitsubishi and 1991-1996 for the related Dodge Stealth.45

  4. 1994

    US VR-4 gets 320 hp and six speeds

    Power rises from 300 to 320 hp. A Getrag six-speed replaces the five-speed, alongside larger brake discs and twin-piston rear calipers.37

  5. 1995

    ASC turns the coupe into the Spyder

    ASC converts coupes into retractable-hardtop Spyder SL and VR-4 models for 1995-1996. The SL is automatic; the VR-4 has a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive.348

  6. 1996

    Active Aero bows out after 1996

    US VR-4s lose Active Exhaust after 1994, electronic suspension control after 1995 and Active Aero after 1996; Dodge's Stealth run also ends in 1996.34

  7. 1997

    SOHC engine joins the base 3000GT

    The US base 3000GT adopts a 162-hp SOHC V6; the twin-turbo VR-4 holds at 320 hp.49

  8. 1999

    Final US year, final VR-4 wing

    For its final US model year, the 3000GT gains a new front end; the VR-4 gets an inverted-airfoil Combat Wing.4

  9. 2000

    GTO production ends in Japan

    Falling sales and looming side-impact rules end GTO production in Japan; only 267 were sold in the previous fiscal year.410

Every generation

  • Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO
    Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO1970–1977
  • Mitsubishi Starion
    Mitsubishi Starion1982–1989
  • Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 1)
    Z16A1990–1993
  • Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 2)
    Z15A / Z16A1994–1996
  • Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 3)
    Mitsubishi 3000GT / GTO (Series 3)1997–2000

Power over the years

From 276 hp to 320 hp in 4 years.

0100200300400 19901992199419961998 hp 1990 · 276 hp · Japan GTO Twin Turbo (280 PS)1991 · 222 hp · US 3000GT base / SL1991 · 300 hp · VR-4, first generation1992 · 282 hp · Europe 3000GT Twin Turbo1994 · 276 hp · Japan GTO Twin Turbo MR (280 PS)1994 · 320 hp · VR-4, six-speed1995 · 320 hp · Spyder VR-41996 · 218 hp · California NA 3000GT1997 · 162 hp · US base 3000GT, SOHC 320 hp VR-4, six-speed 276 hp Japan GTO Twin Turbo (280 PS)
345789
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1990276Japan GTO Twin Turbo (280 PS)
1991222US 3000GT base / SL
1991300VR-4, first generation
1992282Europe 3000GT Twin Turbo
1994276Japan GTO Twin Turbo MR (280 PS)
1994320VR-4, six-speed
1995320Spyder VR-4
1996218California NA 3000GT
1997162US base 3000GT, SOHC

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • 3000GT SL (US)

    Standard

    3000GT SL (US)

    1991–1999

  • Performance

    3000GT (UK)

  • Performance

    3000GT VR-4 (early US)

    1991–1993

    300 hp

  • Performance

    3000GT VR-4 (later US)

    1994–1999

    320 hp

  • Special

    3000GT Spyder SL

    1995–1996

  • 3000GT Spyder VR-4

    Limited

    3000GT Spyder VR-4

    1995–1996

    320 hp

    604 built

  • Limited

    GTO-MR (January 1993)

    1993

  • Performance

    3000GT VR-4 (final US year)

    1999

    320 hp

    287 built

  • Limited

    3000GT Beckenbauer Edition

    1994–1995

    30 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Early models pair pop-up headlights with raised hood caps.4
  • Facelift models have glass-covered projector lights and smooth hood bulges.7
  • Early Japanese GTOs have small snake-eye sidelights.11

Year by year

  1. 1991–1993 (US)

    Pop-up headlights and separate raised hood caps identify the early body.34

  2. 1994 (US)

    Fixed projector headlights replace pop-ups; smooth hood bulges replace the separate strut caps.7

  3. 1995 (US VR-4)

    VR-4 coupes gain chrome 18-inch wheels.4

  4. 1997–1998 (US)

    VR-4s get a restyled front bumper and a hoop-shaped rear spoiler.3

  5. 1999 (US)

    New lights, bumper and sail panels; only the VR-4 gets the Combat Wing, while non-turbos keep the arched spoiler.4

  6. August 1998 (Japan)

    The final GTO restyle changes both ends; the Twin Turbo gets a large wing-style rear spoiler.5

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi 3000GT
    3000GT
    Photo of a Dodge Stealth
    Dodge Stealth

    Dodge Stealth

    The early Stealth has a crosshair front bumper, different rear-quarter windows and a crescent-shaped spoiler.4

Against its rivals

  • Mazda RX-7 (1993)

    3000GT vs Mazda RX-7 (1993)

    Curb weight lower is better

    3000GT1,751 kg
    Mazda RX-7 (1993)1,288 kg
    2
  • Nissan 300ZX Turbo (1994)

    3000GT vs Nissan 300ZX Turbo (1994)

    Base price lower is better

    3000GT$42,253
    Nissan 300ZX Turbo (1994)$41,272
    7
  • Toyota Supra Turbo (1997)

    3000GT vs Toyota Supra Turbo (1997)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    3000GT4.8 s
    Toyota Supra Turbo (1997)5.1 s
    1
  • Porsche 911 Turbo (1997)

    3000GT vs Porsche 911 Turbo (1997)

    Price as tested lower is better

    3000GT$46,613
    Porsche 911 Turbo (1997)$104,800
    13

Prices

Value today $7.0K–$29.7K2324

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K 19901995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $7,000–$29,666 1991 · $19,439 · US base model1991 · $31,400 · US new, VR-41992 · $34,150 · US new, VR-41993 · $38,150 · US new, VR-41994 · $41,275 · US new, VR-41995 · $43,898 · US new, VR-41996 · $45,580 · US new, VR-41997 · $44,590 · US new, VR-41998 · $46,230 · US new, VR-41999 · $44,600 · US new, VR-4 1991 · 19439 · US base price, 1991 model year 2024 · $6,500 · 1997 3000GT, 77k miles, BaT2025 · $25,000 · 1991 3000GT VR-4 5-speed, 44k miles, BaT2025 · $5,100 · 1998 3000GT SL, 70k miles, BaT2025 · $55,500 · 1999 3000GT VR-4 6-speed, 27k miles, BaT2025 · $19,000 · 1999 3000GT SL 5-speed, BaT2025 · $15,751 · 1992 3000GT SL, 22k miles, BaT2026 · $121,999 · 1999 VR-4, 248 miles, BaT2026 · $29,666 · 1995 Spyder VR-4, 13k shown, mileage unknown, BaT2026 · $16,250 · 1993 VR-4 5-speed, 101k miles, BaT2026 · $7,000 · 1998 SL 5-speed, 64k miles, BaT2026 · $17,250 · 1999 3000GT SL 5-speed, 35k miles, BaT2026 · $27,500 · 1995 3000GT Spyder VR-4 6-speed, 32k miles, BaT $122.0K BaT, 2026
222324252728293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1991Launch price$19,439US base price, 1991 model year
1991Price when new$19,439US base model
1991Price when new$31,400US new, VR-4
1992Price when new$34,150US new, VR-4
1993Price when new$38,150US new, VR-4
1994Price when new$41,275US new, VR-4
1995Price when new$43,898US new, VR-4
1996Price when new$45,580US new, VR-4
1997Price when new$44,590US new, VR-4
1998Price when new$46,230US new, VR-4
1999Price when new$44,600US new, VR-4
2024Auction sale$6,5001997 3000GT, 77k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$25,0001991 3000GT VR-4 5-speed, 44k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$5,1001998 3000GT SL, 70k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$55,5001999 3000GT VR-4 6-speed, 27k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$19,0001999 3000GT SL 5-speed, BaT
2025Auction sale$15,7511992 3000GT SL, 22k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$121,9991999 VR-4, 248 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$29,6661995 Spyder VR-4, 13k shown, mileage unknown, BaT
2026Auction sale$16,2501993 VR-4 5-speed, 101k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,0001998 SL 5-speed, 64k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$17,2501999 3000GT SL 5-speed, 35k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$27,5001995 3000GT Spyder VR-4 6-speed, 32k miles, BaT
2026Value today$7,000–$29,666

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “PUMA's 109-lap second place”
    • “Jackie Chan jumps a GTO off an NSX”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Mitsubishi 3000GT vs. Porsche 911 vs. Toyota Supra: ’90s Comparison Test motortrend.com
  2. 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo vs. the Best Sports Cars of the Early '90s caranddriver.com
  3. Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4: Everything You Need to Know About This Forgotten JDM Phenom motortrend.com
  4. Mitsubishi 3000GT - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. 第144回　三菱GTO | 三樹書房 M-BASE エムベース mikipress.com
  6. Mitsubishi Galant GTO - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. 1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Test: Japanese Gladiator caranddriver.com
  8. 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT and Spyder Press Release 3000gtspyder.com
  9. Stealth 316 - Stealth/3000GT Production Guide stealth316.com
  10. 三菱、スポーツカー2台を生産中止に 【ニュース】 - webCG webcg.net
  11. GTO/3000GT Model Differences - Frequently Asked Questions - GTO UK forum.gto.club
  12. Sex gånger Mitsubishi 3000GT - www.sportbilen.se sportbilen.se
  13. Mitsubishi 3000GT: Buying guide and review (1992-1999) | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  14. Mitsubishi Starion - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  15. Used Car Buyer's Guide: Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 | CarThrottle carthrottle.com
  16. 中谷明彦が語る三菱S-AWCの先進性と乗りこなしテクニック Part.1 GTOでN1耐久に参戦 フロントL.S.D.さえあれば…… | Motor Fan｜自動車情報のモーターファン motor-fan.jp
  17. TI爆走400km N1耐久レース N1　(1) リザルト | JAFモータースポーツ motorsports.jaf.or.jp
  18. JNC THEATER: Long before Fast & Furious, there was Jackie Chan’s Thunderbolt | Japanese Nostalgic Car japanesenostalgiccar.com
  19. These '90s cars are only collectable because of video games | CarsGuide carsguide.com.au
  20. Introducing the 'Gran Turismo Sport' August Update: Adding 5 New Japanese cars and Wet Conditions! - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  21. Beckenbauer batizou serie especial de carro esportivo japones! autopapo.com.br
  22. Team3S- Dodge Stealth & Mitsubishi 3000GT Owners Pages team3s.org
  23. No Reserve: 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,000 on June 2, 2026 (Lot #245,614) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  24. 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder VR-4 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $29,666 on April 23, 2026 (Lot #239,286) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. 248-Mile 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $121,999 on February 6, 2026 (Lot #228,866) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. Used Mitsubishi GTO/3000GT review - ReDriven redriven.com
  27. 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,250 on May 12, 2026 (Lot #242,138) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,100 on November 13, 2025 (Lot #219,540) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 27k-Mile 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $55,500 on September 25, 2025 (Lot #211,865) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 35k-Mile 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,250 on April 14, 2026 (Lot #237,761) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 32k-Mile 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder VR-4 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,500 on January 19, 2026 (Lot #226,989) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. Original-Owner, 44k-Mile 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,000 on December 18, 2025 (Lot #223,980) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 22k-Mile 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,751 on May 28, 2025 (Lot #193,753) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. One-Owner 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,500 on June 13, 2024 (Lot #150,463) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • mikipress.com
  • 3000gtspyder.com
  • stealth316.com
  • webcg.net
  • forum.gto.club
  • sportbilen.se
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carthrottle.com
  • motor-fan.jp
  • motorsports.jaf.or.jp
  • japanesenostalgiccar.com

Photo credits

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