Mitsubishi FTO

The inline-engined GS was the base model in the FTO range, with 14" wheels and automatic climate control. The rear spoiler was only an Option to the Original Equipment on both the GS and the GR. The larger-engined V6 GR also had auto-aircon and 15" wheels. Completing the range was the V6 MIVEC-engined GPX with 16" alloy wheels, sporting a rear spoiler and side air dams as standard. All three of these models gained various refinements prior to the introduction of the facelift versions and many models were purchased fitted with a number of original options that were available, such as ABS, traction control and a passenger air bag.

Mitsubishi Preface Steel Silver FTO GS Inline-4 engine bay

Prior to the introduction of the facelift models a Mivec GP model was introduced in 1996, together with a later "semi-race spec" Nakaya-Tune dealer package. The "GP Special" (Denoted by the suffix '2' to the initial GP Model Code), with 5-sp manual or 4-sp auto, was also promoted by dealership as a GP version R introduction, although yet to gain the later GPvR body styling details, such as Facelift front and Aero Spoiler.

The first appearance of the Mitsubishi-designed INVECS-II automatic "tiptronic-style" transmission, based upon similar Porsche technology,[7] was at the launch of this FTO model range. The auto models are, therefore, sometimes referred to as "Tip" or "Tiptronic" FTOs. Driven manually, the box "learns" the driver's style for when motoring in auto mode. The four-speed and five-speed automatic gearboxes use different gear ratios and top speeds differ accordingly.[8]

The power plant of each model can be quickly identified in the engine bay, with the oil cap on the right of the engine cover for the 2.0 DOHC V6 and on the left for the 1.8 SOHC and 2.0 DOHC MIVEC V6. On MIVEC-engined models the front brake calipers are larger, with twin-piston operation, compared to the single-piston units of the other models. The rear single-piston calipers are common across the range. (Some owners may have updated the rear units with those of the larger piston, used on the Evo I/II/III and/or the front units with the larger calipers as used on the GTO + another popular brake mod is using EVO 4 front caliper brackets on a GPX with the standard caliper coupled with 294mm EVO 4 Discs)

The FTO GPX Limited Edition "94–95 Japan Car of the Year"

FTO COTY "94-95 Japan Car of the Year" badge. (Also shows OEM Option wind deflector, for all FTO models)

In commemoration of its win at the Car of the Year Japan awards in 1994, Mitsubishi produced a Limited Edition of their GPX model. This model was finished in a unique dandelion yellow paint scheme with "'94–95 Japan Car of the Year" emblems on the car's C-pillar. It was also installed with a rear screen wash/wiper and limited slip differential as standard. The LSD units are manual, code: F5M42-2-V7A2 & auto, code: F4A42-1-W7A5. Only 207 GPX Limited Edition models were produced during April 1995, 20 manuals and 187 autos.[9] It is usually referred to, via Car Of The Year acronym, as the FTO "COTY".

Between April and September 1995 a GR Limited Edition was also produced, following up on the kudos of the COTY award win and to satisfy this lower tier sector of the FTO v6 market. The GR LE was only available in Pyrenees Black, Passion Red or Steel Silver.

The Nakaya-Tune was a limited edition pre-facelift FTO dealership package, introduced prior to the "facelift" FTO launch.[10] This branded tuning package related to Akihiko Nakaya, one of the MCC's racing personalities and driver of a Taeivon Trampio FTO in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship in 1998–1999.

Advertising material of the time (a single-sided full-color leaflet) shows it to be available for the V6-engined GPX, GP and GR models and limited to 300 units. This option package provided: a Purofu brand stainless steel sports silencer, upgraded brake pads, a carbon fibre lip spoiler and upgraded suspension with Öhlins shock absorbers.[11] The suspension became lowered by 35 mm (1.4 in). As an after-market dealer option item, no chassis reference can be given for the three specific models for which it was available. Thus, how many were actually fitted "at point-of-sale" is therefore unclear and may only be evidenced within the dealership sale document of the time.[10]

1997 GPX facelift model in Icecelle Blue, fitted with OEM option aero rear spoiler & HID kit

GP Version R (Scotia White) model interior with distinctive blue seats. This interior also shows the three-spoke Momo airbag wheel & manual climate control.

Rear detailing of a GP Version R Aero Series model (Pyrenées black), showing spoiler side fin and boot logos

Rear side panel "MIVEC" logo (this example on COTY model)

In February 1997 the FTO model range was given a facelift with a new front bumper arrangement, usually referred to by FTO enthusiasts as "facelift" models.[12] The original two air intakes became one large single intake, blended into a full width forward-facing front splitter. The two supplementary fog and indicator paired units became four separate circular lights, each recessed into the new bumper. The headlamp internals were also changed to incorporate the vehicle's sidelights, but their external design remained. An HID Option was also made available (which was fitted into a deeper headlamp housing than the halogen).

The rear spoiler also underwent a redesign to an aero wing [aka 'B-wing'], which was phased in during 1997 as standard equipment on some models, such as the GP Version R. After its late introduction in the pre-facelift era, the now facelifted GP was given a full styling make-over with a "Version R" tag - heralding a further external styling feature with this new large spoiler (also fitted as standard on both the later Aero Series GPvR and GX models, or as an OE option for other extant models).

The GP Version R model was produced in Scotia White, Passion Red or Pyrenées Black only. It featured HID headlamps; Black rear seats, with color-coded "FTO" monogrammed front seats - Blue/with Scotia White body color, Black/with Passion Red body color or Red/with Pyrenées Black body color; uprated suspension - 20 mm front anti roll bar instead of 17 mm and a 20 mm rear anti roll bar rather than 18 mm; limited slip differential and the redesigned rear aero spoiler. A "Version R" decal also features on the two spoiler side wings and on the nearside of the front lip. As this model was lightweight, items such as side skirts, front fog lights, climate control, electric folding mirrors and sound insulation were left out. The later Version R Aero and GX Sports Package Aero models feature an "Aero Series" decal on the offside rear of the boot lid.

A further refinement to the facelift range was via the two GX models, with a 3 mm wider bore in the throttle body (increased from 60 mm to 63 mm and mated to the plenum bore), helping to provide the additional 10 PS over the earlier GR model engine. Whilst the GR model continued to offer only 4-speed auto and 5-speed manual into the "facelift" era, the GX Sport and GX Sport Aero upgrade came either as 5-speed manual or 5-speed auto. On the GS and GR models aircon operation became manual from Feb 1997.

The LSD option, found standard on the pre-facelift GPX Limited Edition, was of a viscous type. However, by 1997 this option for the facelift models, found standard on the GP Version R, was similar to that of a Torsen type.

In July 2000 new side impact safety standards were to take effect in Japan. With the FTO sales moving at an ever slower pace, it was deemed not cost effective to update the car and it was thus discontinued, along with its bigger stablemate the GTO.[13]

Pre-facelift vs Facelift. Interchanging the pre-facelift and the facelift bumper unit is a relatively simple matter and, as the latter version models have become write-offs over the years, there are many pre-facelift models now on the road that are sporting newer facelift bumpers. Future purchasers of an FTO should be aware of this. A simple check of the VIN Plate details, or the period of manufacture to be found on the seat-belt tags, should resolve any uncertainty as to the origin of the model-build. Apart from body styling, there are other less apparent differences in the facelift models, including an uprated ECU and also distinct variations to the drive shaft units across the range such as 25 or 27-spline shafts and CV cup variants, as well as fitment for ABS or non-ABS shafts and bearings for same.

Japanese promotional footage of the early FTO was also released in 1995[17] This has some helpful graphics of the FTO features found on the GR Sports (a Steel Silver model) and a GPX (a Passion Red model).

Just prior to its demise, the FTO became an official import to UK, available from Mitsubishi dealerships. A review of the FTO facelift model in this period was also given on TV's "Top Gear" by Vicki Butler-Henderson.[18]

Since 2009 the highly modified FTO of owner/driver Richard Batty has consistently popped up in British drag race runoff results through the years. In 2014 Batty finally gained a new European FWD Record with 8.859 at 174.59 mph in his 1,051 hp (784 kW) EVO-engined FTO.[19]

The build quantity per color helps to indicate the OEM rarity of some model builds - some of which may still be roadworthy, or available in the second hand market.

Total FTO model production by body color is as follows (color shades in parentheses):

Whilst the month/year date on seat belt tags can assist in clarifying a production date when purchasing a used FTO, the first three digits of the Chassis number on the FTO VIN plate (located on the engine bay baulk-head, e.g. E-DE3A XXXXXXX where X is a chassis number) will certainly provide the actual manufacturing year:
000 = 1994/1995; 010 = 1995/1996; 020 = 1997; 030 = 1998 etc.

The model code, usually consisting of four digits and stamped on the VIN plate (i.e. HNUE), can be read left-to-right as follows:
Body Style: H = 2 door coupe
Transmission: N = 5-speed manual / R = 4-speed auto / Y = 5-speed auto
Model Type: U = GS model / H = GR model / G = GPX model / X = GX model / F = GP model
Engine: E = SOHC EFI / M = DOHC EFI / H = DOHC EFI MIVEC

(Numeric suffixes to these four digits generally indicate later model build changes)

A DE2A prefix refers to the 1.8 4G93 16-valve engine. A DE3A prefix refers to 2.0 6A12 engine.

Whilst Mitsubishi was given some media attention in 2004 regarding various vehicle defects,[21] the FTO had four relatively minor defects requiring manufacturer recalls in its history[22] - three of which were in 2004, some four years after production ceased.

Recall code KJ-0087-0: On 840 models manufactured between 3rd Oct and 7th Nov 1994 (DE2A chassis models, numbered 0000208 to 0000293 and DE3A chassis models, numbered 0000255 to 0002977) a defect existed in a retainer used in the auto transmissions.[23] Recalled and corrected models (24th Nov 1994) have a white paint dot on the V-shaped lever at the top the gearbox.

Recall code RJ-1122-1: Between 3rd Oct 1994 to 3rd Mar 1995 - on 1,251 DE2A models (chassis numbers 0000008 to 0001566) and 11,816 DE3A models (chassis numbers 0000025 to 0013017) - a section of wiring in the loom relating to idle speed control (a.k.a. stepper motor) was too short, resulting in fracture disconnection of wires at the motor due to long-term engine vibration.[24] (The older stepper motor unit itself also has/had a brown/khaki color plastic unit. Replacements are black plastic).
Recall code RJ-1122-2: For the same dates and models in recall above, the bracket securing the glovebox had insufficient space to a wiring loom, possibly causing interference to the wiring due to long-term vibration. Symptoms being a blown fuse, starting failure and/or failing screen wiper operation. This affected 1,305 of those DE2A models and 12,375 of the DE3A models.[25] Both recall instances and corrected models (18th Jun 2004) have a white or yellow paint dot on the bottom bolt head of the passenger door lower hinge.

Recall code RJ-1249-0: On 2,354 models built between 16th Dec 1994 to 6th Jan 1995 - (341 DE2A models, chassis numbers 0000765 to 0001133 and 2,013 DE3A models, chassis numbers 0004851 to 0009205) - a wiring loom was too close to the retaining screw of the dashboard bonnet-release bracket.[26] The result of long-term vibration could result in fracture of wiring and symptoms such as indicator or speedometer failure.

Recalled and corrected models (28th Sep 2004) have a white or yellow paint dot on the head of the retaining screw.