1983-1989 Mitsubishi Starion/Chrysler Conquest
Today, Mitsubishi is best known in enthusiast circles for its Lancer Evolution roadable rally stars, but these highly strung, turbocharged four-bangers trace their heritage to the 1983-1989 Mitsubishi Starion. This sleek, angular, rear-drive GT evolved from the former Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo imports. Through 1986, it was also sold as a Dodge or Plymouth Conquest, then as a Chrysler Conquest for its last three years. It's claimed to be the first Japanese production car to combine turbocharging and computer-controlled fuel injection. Mitsubishi asserts that the name Starion is a contraction of Star of Orion, but urban legend insists the ponycar's
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/classic/features/12q4_future_classic_1983_1989_mitsubishi_starion_chrysler_conquest/#ixzz2QTSSDhLH
Today, Mitsubishi is best known in enthusiast circles for its Lancer Evolution roadable rally stars, but these highly strung, turbocharged four-bangers trace their heritage to the 1983-1989 Mitsubishi Starion. This sleek, angular, rear-drive GT evolved from the former Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Sapporo imports. Through 1986, it was also sold as a Dodge or Plymouth Conquest, then as a Chrysler Conquest for its last three years. It's claimed to be the first Japanese production car to combine turbocharging and computer-controlled fuel injection. Mitsubishi asserts that the name Starion is a contraction of Star of Orion, but urban legend insists the ponycar's
moniker stems from a Japlish mispronunciation of "stallion." ChryCo simply hoped its Conquests would do precisely that--lure buyers out of Mazda RX-7s, Nissan 300ZXs, and Toyota Supras. The first models featured twin balance shafts and a small turbo for reduced lag that produced a smooth 145 hp and 185 lb-ft. With the addition of an intercooler in 1985, the SOHC 2.6-liter turbo-four's output jumped to 170-hp/220-lb-ft, and performance exceeded that of the naturally aspirated Nissan and Toyota sixes. But combined Mitsubishi and Chrysler sales never threatened the big-brand GTs.
By Frank Markus | From the December 2012 issue of Motor Trend |Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/classic/features/12q4_future_classic_1983_1989_mitsubishi_starion_chrysler_conquest/#ixzz2QTSSDhLH