The Mitsubishi FTO is a two-door compact sports activities automotive produced by the Japanese carmaker throughout the years 1994-2000. Styling on the FTO could be very aggressive which will provide you with a perception that the automotive shall be very quick on the straights and go across the corners rapidly. The automotive received the distinguished Japanese Automobile of the Yr award for the 12 months 1994-1995 and the corporate celebrated the achievement by launching a restricted version FTO GPX mannequin in Japan.
It received its FTO title from the Mitsubishi Galant Coupe FTO produced by the corporate from 1971 to 1975. The time period FTO stands for Fresco Turismo Omologato is a mix of Japanese and Italian Language. Within the English model, FTO shall be ‘’Future Touring Origination’’. Initially, the automotive was solely bought in Japan, however the reputation of the automotive noticed a large number of imports to varied nations together with UK, Australia, New Zealand, and plenty of others.
This purchaser’s information is drafted after conducting very detailed analysis to incorporate all the data you will want when contemplating to purchase this basic from Japan. The workforce at JDMBuySell has made certain that we reply all of the questions you may need in your thoughts if you find yourself out there to purchase a brand new FTO.
Execs and Cons
Execs:
- Simple to drive
- Nice dealing with capabilities
- Obtainable in three totally different engines
- Unimaginable Sound at excessive RPM
- Very top quality constructed
Cons
- Poor gasoline financial system
- Costly to keep up
- Linear acceleration
- Excessive insurance coverage because of import purpose
- Lack of house makes the automotive much less sensible
Frequent Points
The Mitsubishi FTO is a really dependable automotive with no main design flaws. Nevertheless, the automotive is now 20 years outdated and there are some inherent issues with the automotive, which aren’t crucial and may be simply mounted.
One of many particular issues that are frequent in all of the FTO’s is a defective central locking system and failing home windows guides which make the glass jitter and make an annoying noise. You may go away nonetheless drive with these two issues however it’s also possible to get them mounted cheaply.
The brake rotors on the FTO do get warped and it will depend on how typically you drive the automotive at its restrict. Regular metropolis driving will lengthen the lifetime of the brake discs, however in case you intend to drive this quick and take part in observe days then it’s higher to put in a high-quality efficiency brake package.
A tough-driven Mitsubishi FTO would possibly someday produce a knocking sound when going over the bumps. That is because of the worn anti-roll bar bushes. You need to attempt to resolve the issue as quickly as attainable to keep away from harm to the steering system.
A few different frequent issues embrace a regular match battery and an air situation system, which isn’t bulletproof at occasions.
Common Costs
FTO is an outdated automotive and since it’s imported so its worth shall be larger than the precise worth of the automotive. The value will rely on the situation of the automotive, 12 months of producing, engine capability, and the variety of miles it’s pushed. The info of a handful of vehicles provides you an concept that there shall be fairly a variation in costs relying upon many elements and you’ll select the one, which matches, in response to your price range.
View all Mitsubishi FTO listed for sale.
Comparable Options
There will not be many direct opponents of the FTO but it surely doesn’t imply that it’s the solely automotive in its class and class.
Fashions and Specs
Pre-Facelift Fashions (Oct 1994-Feb 1997)
The primary mannequin of the FTO is an inline engine GS base mannequin with 14’’ wheels and computerized local weather management. GR is one-step higher than the bottom mannequin with 15’’ wheels and a two-litre V6 engine. Each the fashions can be found in 5-speed handbook or 4-speed computerized transmission.
The GPX is a restricted version mannequin launched with a batch of ‘COTY’ and restricted to solely 207 items. The FTO GPX is provided with 16’’ wheels, rear spoiler, aspect air dams and a MIVEC V6 engine as commonplace.
In 1996, a semi-race spec GP particular mannequin was launched with a 5-speed handbook and a 4-speed computerized transmission mated to Mivec V6 engine. The mannequin was additionally marketed as GP model R introduction at some dealerships.
Mitsubishi additionally launched a restricted version mannequin with Nakaya-Tune FTO package deal. The V6 engine powered all of the three fashions GPX, GP and GR together with an upgraded chrome steel silencer, brake pads, a carbon fibre lip spoiler and suspension fitted with Ohlins shock absorbers.
Facelift Fashions (Feb 1997-July 2000)
Three years after the launch, Mitsubishi gave the FTO a serious facelift with a number of visible and beneath the pores and skin adjustments. Essentially the most notable adjustments are the brand new entrance bumper association, two air intakes change into one massive single consumption and full-width front-facing splitter.
The rear spoiler design was modified and it appeared extra just like the rear wing of a racing automotive. Beneath the pores and skin, adjustments included upgraded suspension with important adjustments to the geometry of suspension to enhance dealing with and response.
The facelifted GS mannequin was provided with 1.8L SOHC inline engine coupled to a 5-speed handbook or 4-speed computerized transmission. The GR mannequin was powered by 2.0 L DOHC V6 engine, whereas the GPX mannequin comes with 2.0L Mivec V6 engine and a 5-speed handbook or computerized gearbox.
Mitsubishi later launched GX sports activities and GX sports activities aero sequence fashions with a 2.0L DOHC V6 engine bolted to both a handbook or an computerized transmission.
The GP R and GP R aero sequence fashions are similar to GX sports activities however powered by a 2.0L Mivec V6 engine.
The side-impact security requirements launched in July 2000 by the Japanese authorities and with a lower in gross sales, the FTO line was discontinued.
Manufacturing Numbers
Yr Manufacturing Home Gross sales (Japan)
1994 9232 9232
1995 19629 19629
1996 3811 3811
1997 1994 1994
1998 1138 1138
1999 690 690 2000 311 311
FAQ
Sure, the FTO is a dependable automotive and common upkeep will maintain it operating for a very long time.
Sure, components can be found and most of them may be bought on-line from Japan or particularly the UK.
Sure, you should utilize it as a every day driver within the metropolis or the freeway. The linear torque distribution makes driving this automotive very simple and comfy.
The FTO GPX mannequin with Mivec V6 engine and a Tiptronic transmission will provide you with probably the most full expertise of this Japanese sports activities coupe.
Sources
Import a Mitsubishi FTO
Learn our final information, How to Import a Car from Japan.
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