GREYNESS THRUST UPON IT (some text hidden) --NONE--
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Introductionword count: 80
The Mitsubishi FTO is something of a symbol of UK buyer power. With Mitsubishi refusing to give the car an official UK launch, coupe buyers voted with their wallets and made the 'Fresh Touring Origination' the top selling Japanese import. Offering purposeful styling, razor-sharp handling and a range of high-tech engines, the FTO became the totem of the 'Gran Turismo' generation. Tracking down a used example is simplicity itself. Finding an honest one may well take a little more endeavour.
Modelsword count: 18
Models Covered: 3 dr coupe, 1.8, 2.0 petrol [GS, GR, GX Sport, GPX, GX Aero, GP Version R]
Historyword count: 312
Launched in Japan in 1994, the Mitsubishi FTO became the first sports car to win the coveted Japanese Car Of The Year award since the MK 1 Toyota MR2 in 1984. Based on a modified Mitsubishi Galant platform, the FTO was offered with three engines, a 1.8-litre 16v four-cylinder unit developing 125bhp, a 2.0-litre V6 developing 180bhp and a MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and lift Electronic Control system) version of the V6 which utilised variable valve timing in order to generate 200bhp. Six models are available as imports. The 1.8-litre GS is the base model, whilst the GR is similar except for the fitment of the 180bhp 2.0-litre V6. The GX Sport is a GR with bigger alloy wheels, better brakes and an aggressive spoiler kit. The most popular model was the GPX, which used the 200bhp MIVEC V6, but was outwardly similar to the GX Sport. Two lesser-known versions are the GX Aero, which opted for a more aggressive spoiler kit, and the specialist GP version R, which is a lighter, stiffer version of the GPX. A GPX Type-R if you will. 'Intelligent' four speed INVECS II automatic gearboxes could be specified, with five-speed auto boxes available from 1997, when the FTO range received a mild facelift. The indicators and front foglamps were now mounted in separate housings whilst the 'mouth' at the front of the car was changed from an ovoid shape to a more rectangular appearance. Originally only intended for the Japanese market, official imports to New Zealand began in 1998 and whilst a few cars were reaching these shores via the 'semi-official' route of Mitsubishi's Ralliart arm, it wasn't until May 2000 that the FTO GPX got the official thumbs up from Mitsubishi UK, priced at £22,995. With over 20,000 grey imported FTOs having already arrived, Mitsubishi may just have missed the boat, so as to speak
What You Getword count: 229
Even if the FTO were a dog to drive, which it most certainly isn't, its popularity would be guaranteed by its rakish styling. With muscular front wheel arches that bust gently through the line of the front wing and a beautifully proportioned wedge shape, the FTO is unashamedly pretty. Compared to the Mitsubishi, a Hyundai Coupe or a Toyota Celica appear awkward, misshapen and lugubrious. From the front the squinting headlamps and purposeful maw of the air intake give the car genuine overtaking presence - you could easily mistake it for a Jaguar XK8 arriving in your mirror. Opt for a Japanese import and it's quite a lottery which level of equipment you'll end up with. Mitsubishi pursued a menu-pricing policy with the FTO, offering basic cars with huge, although reasonably priced, option lists. Expect to find ABS, electrically folding door mirrors, manual air conditioning, a drivers airbag, tilt adjustable power steering and central/remote door locking on most models bar the base 1.8. UK-spec FTO GPX models were fitted with fully automatic air conditioning, a leather rimmed steering wheel and low-profile 205/50R16 tyres. The interior singularly fails to live up to the visual drama of the FTO's exterior, being probably its weakest aspect. There's quite a large amount of low quality early nineties style plastic on display, and it is this more than anything else that dates the FTO.
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