|
.
|
Mitsubishi FTO
Make: Mitsubishi
Model: FTO GPR
Power: 197bhp @ 7500rpm
Torque: 20.4kgf.m @ 6000rpm
Engine: 1998cc V6 DOHC
Weight: 1150kg
Height: 1300mm
Length: 4365mm
Width: 1735mm
Drive Type:Front-engined, front-wheel drive
The Mitsubishi FTO is one of the best looking cars to come out of Japan and one of Mitsubishi's best kept secrets. The FTO is a low, sleek coupe with enough grunt to deliver what the sporty body promises. Underneath the bonnet, which has a whiff of Aston Martin about it, is an eager revving V6 engine. Also gracing the front is a purposeful-looking spoiler. Along the sills are a couple of aerodynamic side skirts and the body kit is completed with a wing on the back.
Powering the FTO is 2lt V6 screamer of an engine which utilises Mitsubishi's MIVEC system, double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. MIVEC automatically switches between two sets of cam lobes, one for low-rev response with muscular, yet controlled torque, and the other for exceptional top-end power. Maximum power at 200bhp is at a peaky 7500rpm.
The FTO comes with a slick-shifting five speed gearbox, but a clever adaptable automatic transmission can also be specified. Known as INVECS II Sports Mode, this five-speed unit is able to log a particular driving style into its memory. INVECS II can recognise the difference between hills and flat roads and also tell the differences between driversand adpt its shift patterns to suit. The FTO's top speed is noted to be 130mph.
The FTO's chassis is more than man enough for the job. Front suspension is MacPherson struts and the rear end is controlled by a multi-link system. Stopping power is provided by ventilated front discs and solid rears with ABS anti-lock. The car remains neutral and settled on long, quick bends with its rack and pinion power steering offering plenty of feedback.
|
|
