English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Mitsubishi FTO: V6 sports coupe, versions and what to know when buying
Mitsubishi FTO (1994–2000) — a Japanese front-wheel-drive sports coupe with a V6 engine. In this article, we look at its versions, engines, and what to check when buying a used car.
FTO in brief
FTO — a two-door sports coupe with four seats, created for the Japanese market. The name stands for 'Fresh Touring Origin' and harks back to the older Galant FTO.
The car is renowned for its V6 engine and low, sporty body. It made its way to Europe mostly as a private import from Japan, so it often has right-hand drive.
Versions — what's the difference
FTO versions differed in their engines and equipment. The base model had a 1.8-litre V6, the mid-range a 2.0-litre V6, and the most powerful a 2.0-litre V6 with MIVEC technology.
Some cars came with an 'INVECS-II' automatic gearbox with a sporty mode. Some cars are modified, so original-condition examples are more valuable.
Engines and gearboxes
The 1.8-litre V6 had around 125hp, the 2.0-litre V6 around 170hp, and the 2.0-litre V6 MIVEC around 200hp.
The gearbox is a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The drive is front-wheel.
What to check when buying a used FTO
Check the car's provenance and import documents, history and auction sheet. Check that the car hasn't been heavily modified.
Inspect the body, especially the sills and wheel arches, check the V6 engine's cooling and distribution system, gearbox and suspension.
The choice of parts is limited, and some can only be ordered from Japan, so consider maintenance costs.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
GS
1994–2000The base version with a 1.8-litre V6.
- 1.8-litre V6 engine, around 125 hp
- More basic interior
- Often comes with a manual gearbox
GR
1994–2000Mid-range version with a 2.0-litre V6.
- 2.0-litre V6, around 170 hp
- More comfort features
- Often comes with lightweight alloy wheels
GP / GPX
1994–2000Top-of-the-range version with MIVEC.
- 2.0-litre V6 MIVEC, around 200 hp
- Sportier interior
- Often — bigger wheels
Comparing versions
| GS | GR | GP / GPX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For everyday driving | For more dynamic driving | For driving comfort |
| Engine | 1.8 l V6 | 2.0 l V6 | 2.0 l V6 MIVEC |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | €€€ |
For most buyers, the best bet is the GR or GP with the 2.0 l engine. The GS is the cheapest, but the weakest option.
Pros
- Low-slung sporty body
- V6 engine note and character
- Rare and coveted Japanese coupé
- Compact dimensions
Cons
- Right-hand drive and import
- Limited parts availability
- Some cars modified
Frequently asked questions
What does FTO stand for?
“Fresh Touring Origin” — Mitsubishi’s name for what was once the Galant FTO.
How much power does the Mitsubishi FTO have?
Depending on the version — from around 125 to around 200 hp.
Does the FTO have an automatic gearbox?
Yes, some versions came with a 4-speed INVECS-II automatic, while others had a 5-speed manual.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
