Specs

First Generation

Compared to the later generations, the most noticeable difference is that the first generation uses pop-up headlights. Another difference is the hood caps over the suspension area. Those were placed there to accommodate for the ECS connectors. The rear bumper with the black ripple plates on each side of the license plate is another difference.

91-93 Base and SL

Base and midrange 3000GT models got a twin-cam, 24-valve 3.0-liter V6, rated at 222 horsepower. A driver-side airbag was standard. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard across the board, and antilock braking was standard on the SL.

91-93 VR4

This was basically cosmetically the same as the base models, but mechanically different. The flagship VR-4 had 4-wheel steering, permanent 4-wheel drive, and a twin-turbo engine with dual intercoolers that made 300 horsepower. The VR-4 came only with 5-speed manual shift, but others might have an electronic 4-speed automatic transmission. A driver-side airbag was standard as well. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard along with antilock braking.

Second Generation

The second generation included a restyled body. The side skirts slightly varied from the first generation. The front bumper was changed lightly to accommodate regular headlights and small round fog lights. Instead of hood caps, the hood was shaped for the ECS and the rear bumper was re-stylized.To compliment a slight increase in boost, the VR4 included a 6-Speed Getreg transmission which retained the viscous center and rear limited-slip differential. The interior included dual air bags and 1996 was the last year for Active Aero.

94-96 Base and SL

Exposed glass headlamps replace the flip-up units, as well as updated bumpers, side skirts, and tail light garnish. Mitsubishi’s Variable Induction Control System (MVIC) appears on the SL and Base DOHC. The ECU becomes a HybridOBD-I/OBD-II (OBD-I with some diagnostic capability). The SL and Base gain 4 ftlbs of tq. Dual Airbags become Standard for all trims.

95-96 Spyder

Costly retractable-hardtop Spyders debuted in spring 1995. The top was an articulated design, made of plastic composites, and production was very limited. Production was fairly limited. Spyder VR-4s kept their 6-speeds, Spyder SLs were all Automatic. There was no Spyder Base.

94-96 VR4

The 5-speed gives way to a 6-speed manual on the VR-4. Mitsubishi ups the boost from ~9 to ~12 lbs, resulting in a 20hp/8ftlb power bump. Dual airbags were installed in 1994, as the Mitsubishi sports coupes got a modest facelift. The VR-4's engine got a boost to 320 horsepower, along with a switch from 5-speed manual shift to a 6-speed. All models wore a reshaped nose with four exposed headlamps, which replaced hidden flip-up units. The VR-4 gets larger brakes.

Third Generation

The Active Aero System was dropped and the body was redesigned with a new front bumper with larger openings for less air flow restriction. The hoop spoiler was introduced. The base model received a drop in performance with the use of a SOHC engine producing only 161HP at 5500 RPM and 185 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4000 RPM. This engine was originally only available in the 3000GT's Chrysler twin, the Stealth.

97-98 Base and SL

The 3000 gets a modest facelift, and a rear hoop spoiler for all trims (the VR-4 loses its Active Aero system). Mitsubishi feels the need to fill the void left by the Base Stealth with the Base 3000GT by giving it a 161hp SOHC version of the 6G72. They also get rid of the rear sway bar on the Base. The Non Turbo also went from 222HP to 218HP. ABS becomes Optional on the SL, still not available on the Base. Wheel sizes become 16in aluminum Base, 17in chrome SL.

97-98 VR4

The 3000 gets a modest facelift, and a rear hoop spoiler for all trims (the VR-4 loses its Active Aero system). Wheel size become 8in chrome VR4. The Infinity 8-speaker system remains Standard on the VR-4.

Fourth Generation

1999 was the last year for the 3000GT to be sold in the U.S. and Europe. A new front bumper was installed with an even wider opening in the middle. Changes on the side air ducts were installed that lead to the twin intercoolers. New more aerodynamic headlights were installed. The back center taillight was restyled with a black insert with the reverse lights in it. The sail panels were replaced to fully cover the side since earlier models suffered from peeling. The most noticeable upgrade is the aggressive aerodynamic wing.

99 Base and SL

1999 is marked by an aggressive front end restyling and a new rear center garnish. Also, all models ditch the faux windows in the sail panels in favor of a solid piece. Still no ABS or sunroof for the Base, but almost everything else is the same for the SL and Base models. Fog light again become Standard on all trims.

99 VR4

The VR-4 gets a huge rear combat-style wing. Also, all models ditch the faux windows in the sail panels in favor of a solid piece. Fog light again become Standard on all trims.