Some Bad Boys Of the 90's From Japan

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Once Upon A Time, They Made Bad Ass Cars

10 of the Best Mitsubishi Models Ever Made

Galant VR-4

• Years: 1988-2002
• Galant boasts a 45-year long production run and it’s recently been relaunched. Galant VR-4 which was the performance-oriented version of then mid-size sedan, on the other hand, didn’t have that long of a lifespan. Graced with mandatory all-wheel drive and twin-turbocharged 2.0L V6 developing up to 237 horsepower, Galant VR-4 was able to top 140 mph and sprint to 60 in 6.5 seconds. Still more than respectable figures for a mid-size sedan. Although surviving until the 2002, Galant’s best years were between ’88 and ’92 when first-gen Lancer Evolution rolled of Mitsubishi’s assembly lines overshadowing all other Mitsu’s performance vehicles in the process including Galant.

Lancer Evolution VI (Tommi Mäkinen Edition)

• Year: 1999
• Tommi Mäkinen is the four time WRC champion between 1996 and 1999 with the Lancer Evolution. Needless to say, he has at least deserved to get his very own special edition of the Lancer. Interesting feat is that he’s won all four championships with four different Lancer Evos – III, IV, V and VI. Mäkinen’s special edition Lancer Evo VI came with unique red paint and decals, special Recaro black and red seats, 17-inch white Enkei wheels and a number of performance tweaks like the lowered stance or a quicker steering ratio. Apart from that, it was basically the same 276-horsepower (gentlemen’s agreement) 2.0L turbo four Lancer with 275 lb-ft of torque at tap. It was also able to sprint to 60 in just 4.5 seconds, so no arguing about its potency.

3000GT VR-4

• Years: 1990-2001
• 3000GT or simply GTO was arguably the best of all Mitsubishi models ever produced. Sports car is still an expensive second hand affair, even 15 years after its discontinuation. 3000GT VR-4 was the ultimate version of what’s one of the best sports car that had come from across the Pacific. Twin-turbo V6 pushing 296 or 320 horsepower depending on generation was accompanied by all-wheel drive and an active rear spoiler. It was truly a magnificent piece of engineering and design, and will remain remembered for decades to come. So, next time you decide to go on with Mitsubishi dissing, do keep in mind what they were once capable of.

Complete list (GearHeads.org)

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5. Nissan 300ZX (1989 - 2000)

Known as the Fairlady Z in Japan, the 300ZX is unfairly glossed over time and time again despite being an absolute riot to drive - it made Car and Driver’s ‘Ten Best’ list seven years in a row. The Z32 generation was on sale throughout the 90s, and although its design looks incredibly dated now, it’s a gorgeous slice of 80s wedge action.

Power came from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 making 300bhp, and it featured Nissan’s then-new ‘Super HICAS’ four-wheel steering setup that also featured on the Skyline GT-R.

7. Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 (1990 - 2001)

Thanks to its all-wheel drive system, the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 is an absolute beast off the line. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 makes an impressive 320bhp and 315lb ft of torque, making it one of the more powerful cars in its segment.

Power was routed to the wheels via a Getrag manual transmission, and active aerodynamics were used to keep everything stable at high speeds, something that’s only just being mastered by supercar manufacturers today.

Complete list (CarThrottle.com)