Whilst most current car buyers will most likely identify the modern Mitsubishi brand with creating a small range of vehicles made up of pick-up trucks, off-roaders, and SUVs, dedicated gearheads will remember the days when the Japanese giant was one of the heavy hitters when it came to performance cars.Serving up road-blitzing vehicles in the shape of the mighty Starion, 3000 GT and the rally-inspired Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi carved out a reputation as a manufacturer that could deliver high-powered machines that would rival the likes of Honda's Integra, Nissan's 300ZX, and Subarus rapid Impreza WRX STI.Nestled amongst their superb offerings and iconic fast motors is an often overlooked coupe that can serve up just as much excitement and its stablemates in a refined package, now an affordable route into owning a JDM classic here are 10 reasons why the Mitsubishi FTO is awesome.
10 The Alternative 2+2 Coupe
Released during a period when sports coupes were everywhere and offered by just about every manufacturer, the Mitsubishi FTO presented potential purchasers with a stylish alternative to the usual shortlist of competitors.
Far better looking than a Ford Probe, more exotic than a Volkswagen Corrado, and offered with a line-up of engines that made those fitted to the Acura Integra look rather boring, the Mitsubishi FTO was a fresh new face on the scene.
9 A Former Car Of The Year
Only ever offered as a 2-door coupe, the FTO launched in 1994 to critical acclaim and was swiftly voted Japan's car of the year for 1994-1995, with the newly designed model's FTO moniker translating as Fresh Touring Origination.
Praised for its sporting looks, dynamic poise and high levels of equipment, the Mitsubishi FTO found a keen fan base as the smaller, more affordable brother to the higher-powered and technology-laden Mitsubishi GTO.
8 Lots Of Interesting Features
Equipped with either a short-shifting 5-speed manual or advanced Tiptronic style INVECS-II transmission, when fully automatic, the system in the FTO would learn the driving style of its owner from semi-auto shifts to further enhance itself.
The MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) range of FTO engines would alter the intake and exhaust camshafts to increase both power and torque noticeably within the high-revving naturally aspirated engines.
7 A Range Of Tasty Engines
The entry-level GS-badged FTO came with a 1.8-liter rev-happy 16 valve engine that made 123hp and could hit 60 mph in 9 seconds, moving up to a 2.0-liter V6 would see power increase to 168hp with the 60mph dash drop to 8.4 seconds.
When equipped with the MIVECS system, the 2.0-liter 24-valve V6 would see a boost in power to 197hp, subsequently, the 0-60mph sprint time would drop to a more respectable 7.1 seconds with the car making its power higher in the rev band.
6 Sure-Footed Handling
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Thanks to a short, stiff platform and being equipped with a suspension setup that was refined for fast road use, the FTO proved to be more than capable in the corners, providing excellent levels of grip and superior steering feedback.
The fastest, top specification models came with further performance-enhancing features such as a limited-slip differential, thicker anti-roll bars, bigger wheels, and optional aero kits that weren't just there to make the car pretty.
5 Performance to Match Its Looks
Following a mild facelift in 1997 the Mitsubishi FTO engine range grew to include a new addition, the non-MIVEC equipped 2.0-liter 24-valve V6 unit put out a meaty 178hp with a 7000 rpm redline and would hit 60mph in 8 seconds.
Along with a new engine option, the FTO received a number of styling enhancements, greater options in regard to aero packages, and new trim levels. A lightweight Version R was also introduced, being fitted with the 197hp MIVECS engines.
4 They Love Modifications
Extracting more power from the already highly tuned naturally aspirated setup isn't a simple or cheap process, but small gains can be had by fitting a cold-air induction filter, sports manifold, and freer-flowing exhaust for instant results.
Those seeking the ultimate FTO can strap on a supercharger, reprogram the auto-box and then bolt on an aggressive body kit to get a car that will pump out close to 300hp and will hit 60mph somewhere in the mid-5-second range.
3 A Forgotten Gem
Down to new side-protection impact rules for cars manufactured in Japan, the FTO was deemed too expensive to revise and so the gorgeous coupe was discontinued in 2000 along with its pricier GTO sibling.
Despite having what was considered to be an average displacement engine with a moderate output, the FTO was not an economical car to run, and during a time when diesel power was the in-thing, it lost out to faster more frugal derv options.
2 Overlooked, So Cheap To Buy
The complex MIVEC system in the top models combined with the INVECS-II transmission system forced many owners to rely on regular main dealer servicing, which was not a cheap proposition due to pricey replacement parts.
Excessive costs relating to maintenance, insurance, and road tax linked with the FTO's woeful fuel economy saw cars plummet in value on the second-hand market with many low mileage cars in the UK falling below the $1000 mark.
1 A Future Classic In Waiting
Having fallen out of fashion and suffering from steep depreciation, the FTO was soon snapped up by those who could see its potential for use in amateur motorsports, or as a track day tool where it could outshine the competition.
With so many cars having been either abused on the racetrack or simply neglected, the numbers of decent examples have dwindled, which leaves the door open for the Mitsubishi FTO to return as a sought-after modern classic car.