72,128 Original Miles
Manual Transmission
2.6L Turbo 4 Cyl
176 hp @ 5000 RPM*
223 lb/ft torque @ 2500 RPM*
Capable 0-60 MPH: 7.6 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph
MSRP in 1987: $14,963
*Seller Asking:
$14,900
Fast Facts:
- The Chrysler Conquest/Mitsubishi Starion twins are turbocharged RWD performance hatchbacks designed to compete with the Nissan Z, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX7
- The rally-inspired widebody flares are required to house the 16″ aluminum wheels
- The 4G54 turbo engine was one of the largest 4 cylinders in production, displacing a substantial 2.6 liters. With an under-square design (stroke larger than bore) the Conquest produced more torque than hp, and it made peak torque at a mere 2500 RPM – quite unique from a Japanese four-cylinder
- Mitsubishi could not have entered the U.S without the help of Chrysler, who in turn wanted a performance compact car of their own to compete with the increasingly popular “hot hatch” market. This partnership spawned the Mitsubishi Starion and Chrysler Conquest twins, which were the precursors to the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth
- Since Chrysler had an established footprint in the U.S, the Conquest outsold the Starion by a staggering number – over 3 times as many between 1987-1989. However, while the Conquest stole the spotlight, it was the Starion that was out getting its hands dirty in motorsport
- Mitsubishi needed to participate in American racing to make a name for itself in the States, and that’s where the Starion played a crucial role. While the Lancer and Galant were busy with international rallying, the Starion was earning its stripes in SCCA endurance road racing
- It won several championships, which helped establish Mitsubishi as a formidable competitor in U.S motorsport. In the end, the Conquest was the poster boy bringing in the money, while the Starion was the stunt double on the race track. In fact, with the exception of safety equipment, the Starion road car was nearly identical to the race car competing in SCCA
- This RWD platform was quite versatile and was modified to accept Mitsubishi’s AWD system for Group B rallying. Unfortunately, Group B was canceled before it could compete. Regardless, the RWD platform proved to be so capable in racing that Mitsubishi planned to keep it for the Starion’s replacement: the 3000GT halo sports car, which was to be fitted with the same AWD system developed for Group B
- However, keeping the RWD platform didn’t sit well with Chrysler, who was still involved and would receive their own version of the car (the Stealth). An AWD twin-turbo sports car based on an expensive RWD platform would be too pricey for the American public, and Chrysler quickly rejected the idea. Instead, they insisted Mitsubishi use the cheaper front-wheel drive Eclipse platform, which would allow both companies to produce an affordable FWD base model (the volume seller). This meant the Starion went down as the last RWD car Mitsubishi would ever make
Key Model Year Changes:
- Fuel management system is updated
- Updated oil cooler
- Updated flywheel
- The following year (1988) saw an increase in boost to 10 psi (from 7.5 psi), bringing output to 188hp and 234 lb ft of torque. The aero is enhanced with a revised front air dam, updated rear spoiler, and smoother underbody. Sport seats are updated to a more aggressive design
Seller Notes:
- 72k original miles
- Mexican Red
- 5spd
- Excellent condition
- All original parts
- CONTACT SELLER – Update: Seller’s Craigslist ad has been deleted (sold or removed from market)
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*SAE rated from factory. May not reflect current output.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
Mileage Disclaimer: NOC has not confirmed if the mileage stated by the seller is true and accurate. It is up to the buyer to verify these claims. Vehicle history reports, service records stating mileage, and even inspections of odometer tampering are recommended.
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