history
Mitsubishi FTO (Fresh Touring Origination)
From 1994 to 2000 a total of 36,512 FTOs were produced. They all came from the Mizushima plant in Okayama, Japan.
1994 
20,074
1995 9,741
1996 2,928
1997 1,960
1998 1,033
1999 616
2000 160
There is a total of 2,305 FTOs registered in New Zealand.¹
The only body style was a 2-door coupé, and all FTOs were front wheel drive. Either a straight-4 or a transversely mounted V6 engine was available, mated to either a 5-speed manual or INVECS-II semi-automatic transmission. Pre-1997 models had a 4-speed version, whilst the post-facelift versions had a 5-speed.
INVECS (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System) is the brand name used by Mitsubishi Motors for its electronic automatic transmission technology.
INVECS II was based on Porsche's Tiptronic semi-automatic transmission technology and first implemented in the Mitsubishi FTO in 1994. As with Porsche's version it allowed for either a fully automatic mode, or a clutchless semi-automatic mode if the driver wished to control the up- and down-shift points. It also offered the same Adaptive Shift Control software which monitored and "learned" the driver's habits over time and adjusted the smoothness or aggression of the gearshifts to suit his or her driving style.
| Model name | Engine | Peak power |
|---|---|---|
GS |
1800cc SOHC 16 valve 4cyl |
125 PS (92 kW; 123 bhp) at 6,000 rpm |
GR |
2000cc DOHC 24 valve V6 |
170 PS (125 kW; 168 bhp) at 7,000 rpm |
GX |
2000cc DOHC 24 valve V6 |
180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp) at 7,000 rpm |
GPX |
2000cc DOHC MIVEC 24 valve V6 |
200 PS (147 kW; 197 bhp) at 7,500 rpm |
In commemoration of its win at the Car of the Year Japan awards in 1994, Mitsubishi introduced a limited production of the GPX Limited Edition model. It can be identified by its dandelion yellow paint scheme. It also has a rear screen wiper and limited slip differential as standard. Less than 500 of these are believed to have been produced.
Cars built after August 1997 are regarded as facelift models, although the only exterior change was to the front bumper, which gained a larger air intake, deeper front splitter and restyled housings for the supplementary lights.
An Electric FTO?
The Mitsubishi FTO-EV was an experimental electric version of the FTO, utilizing high-performance lithium-ion batteries, the car set a record when it covered 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) in 24 hours in December 1999. To read more on the FTO-EV and it's record breaking run click here.
¹Statistics NZ Transport Agency 31 January 2011
