Wikipedia

Mitsubishi Starion

TheMitsubishi Starionis a two-door,turbochargedfour-cylinderrear-wheel drivefour-seatfastbacksports carmanufactured and marketed byMitsubishifrom 1982 until 1989 — withbadge engineered variantsmarketed inNorth Americaas theConquest,under theChrysler,Dodge,andPlymouthbrands.

Mitsubishi Starion
1988 Mitsubishi Starion Turbo 2.0 (wide-body)
Overview
ManufacturerMitsubishi Motors
Also called
  • Mitsubishi Colt Starion
  • Chrysler Conquest
  • Dodge Conquest
  • Plymouth Conquest
Production1982–1989
Model years1983–1989
AssemblyJapan:Okazaki, Aichi(Nagoya Plant)
DesignerRyu Kaibuchi, Takashi Kono, Masaki Iwamoto, Hidetoshi Aoki[1]
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style3-doorcoupé
PlatformFR layout
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,435 mm (95.9 in)
Length
  • 4,410 mm (173.6 in)(1982–87)
  • 4,400 mm (173.2 in)(1988–90)
Width
  • 1,685 mm (66.3 in)(narrowbody)
  • 1,745 mm (68.7 in)(widebody)
  • 1,735 mm (68.3 in)(1988–89)
Height
  • 1,320 mm (52.0 in)(1982–87)
  • 1,275 mm (50.2 in)(1988–89)
Curb weight
  • 1,260 kg (2,780 lb)(narrowbody)
  • 1,340 kg (2,950 lb)(widebody)
Chronology
PredecessorMitsubishi Galant LambdaGSR
SuccessorMitsubishi GTO/Dodge Stealth
Plymouth Laser/Eagle Talon
Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Starion was one of the first modern Japanese turbocharged performance automobiles with electronic fuel injection.[2][3]

Overview

edit

Mitsubishi began marketing the Starion in 1982, during a period in which a number of Japanesegrand tourer(GT)sports carswere available, including theNissan Z cars,Mazda RX-7,Toyota Supraand to a lesser extent, theHonda Prelude,Isuzu PiazzaandSubaru XT.

The Starion was marketed in the US as the Mitsubishi Starion andbadge engineeredvariants of it were marketed as the Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler Conquest. In the UK it was sold as the Colt Starion.

It was manufactured in two body configurations, a narrowbody and widebody; the narrower style complied withJapanese exterior dimension regulationsta xing larger vehicles and engine displacement exceeding two liters. Only the narrowbody was offered through the 1985.5 model year.

The introduction of the widebody also split the car into two ranges: a non-intercooled lower-horsepower car using the narrow body style and a high-performance intercooled widebody. In most markets, widebody cars were given the label of Starion ESI-R or Conquest TSi. Markets that never received the widebody had the ESI-R label, these cars had similar performance as the widebodies. Widebody cars were offered in 1986–1989 model years in the US.

The Starion was featured in the 1984 movieCannonball Run II.

Name

edit

Mitsubishi says "Starion" is a contraction of "Star of Arion" — and refers to both a star and the mythical horse,Arion. The cover of the original Japanese Starion sales brochure, published by Mitsubishi (May 1982) carried the text: "the name STARION — derived from the combination of star and Arion, Hercules' horse in Greek mythology, symbolizes a sense of the universe, and of power and high performance.[4]

Several sources attribute the name to struggles by Japanese engineers to pronounce the wordstallion.[3][5]An early Japanese television commercial for the Starion closed with a logo of a stallion's head with the word "Starion" below it. One translation of the voiceover says the name refers to a star and the mythical horse,Arion.[6]TheMitsubishi ColtandMitsubishi Eclipsefeatured equine names, with the Eclipse named after thechampion racehorse.

Design

edit
Rear view of earlier, narrow-bodied Starion
A Mitsubishi Starion Turbo

The Starion uses a traditional front-mounted engine withrear-wheel drivelayout. Many came with alimited slip differentialandanti-lock brakes(single channel, rear wheels only) as standard features. The entire chassis was derived from the previous high-performance variant of theMitsubishi SapporoorMitsubishi Galant Lambdasports coupé, with aMacPherson strutsuspension and sway bars that were fitted to the front and rear.[2]Rack and pinion steeringwas not offered, instead gearbox steering was standard on all models.

Engine capacity differed between markets. American customers received the larger SOHCAstron G54B2.6 L engine. Most markets received the SOHC 2.0 LSirius G63Bengine, subsequently featured in DOHC form in later Mitsubishi sport compacts such as theMitsubishi Lancer Evolution.Both the 2.0 L and the 2.6 L produced roughly the same horsepower, the larger 2.6 L did have a slight torque advantage and the 2.0L had a higher redline. Reporters of the time considered the 2.0l to be peaky and exciting, while the American market 2.6l had plenty of torque, but was less rewarding. Both engines featured computer-controlledfuel injectionand turbocharging. After 1987, European Starion models were also fitted with the 2.6 L engine, as was the GSR-VR for Japan. The move to the 2.6 L in all markets was spurred by emissions restrictions around the world tightening to meet the American standards for lead in fuels. Reviews during the change were negative as many felt the car was slower, for most of these markets this was the case as the engine change also coincided with a move to the heavier body style.

From 1984 until 1987 in Japan a 12-valve (two intake, one exhaust) SOHC intercooled version of the 2.0 L G63B was made available in the top-spec GSR-V (and some GSR-VR) trim grade Starions. This setup was known as the Dual Action Super Head (or DASH for short) due to its ability to activate the third intake valve above a certain RPM, thereby increasing top end response, flow and overall engine performance. Redline was increased to 7000 rpm on these models.

Horsepower for the turbocharged models ranged between 145 and 200 PS (107 and 147 kW; 143 and 197 hp) depending upon which turbocharger was fitted, the presence of an intercooler, and whether the 8-valve or 12-valve head was used.

A naturally aspirated version known as the GX was offered in the Japanese market, with production ending in 1983. The Starion GX was offered without power windows, air conditioning,independent rear suspension,fuel injectionorpower-assisted steering.

Seating was a 2+2 with rear seats unsuitable for large adults. The front seats were adjustable for lumbar, angle, knee support, position and featured variable-angle side-braces.

Front seat belts were located in the doors for the driver and front passenger. 1987 and later American models featured electrically operated seat belts. Newer models also featured power windows that remained powered up to 30 seconds after the engine was turned off. In Japan, some of the early cars built still featured fender-mounted mirrors in the traditional Japanese style.

A five-speedmanual transmissionwas standard in most models, however, anautomatic transmissionwas sold as an option in some markets.[citation needed]

Later upgrades to the model included an intercooler, five-lug wheels replacing the four-bolt wheels it had shared with the rear wheel driveMitsubishi Galant Lambda,rear power train changes from four- to six-bolt axles, various fuel management upgrades and upgrades to the transmission.

For the 1989 and 1989 model years, an optional handling package was added. Mitsubishi referred to it as the "Sports Handling Package", option code SH. Chrysler referred to it as the "Performance Handling Package", option code AGA. Both variants are commonly referred to as SHP. The SHP package included adjustable front and rear struts,1 inch wider wheels (from 16 x 7 to 16 x 8 front and 16 x 8 to 16 x 9 rear), and wider tires (225/50 and 245/45). The package can be retrofitted to earlier pre-widebody cars but includes converting to 5-lug hubs from the 4-lug hubs.

Thedrag coefficientwas around 0.32,[2][3]superior to theMazda RX-7and theNissan 300ZXupon its release.[2]

Notable aftermarket upgrades include multi-port injection (MPI) consisting of standalone engine management (programmable computers) to control individual fuel injectors, one per cylinder versus the stock PCI-ECM two injector system. Two injector systems, primary (idle injector) and secondary (boost injector) non-sequential firing (1983–1986) and sequential firing (1987–1989).

Production: These figures are both cars, total, all styles

  • 1986: 19,438
  • 1987: 17,605
  • 1988: 10,655
  • 1989: 1,961
  • Figures courtesy of Mitsubishi Japan.[citation needed]

Models

edit
Rear view of wide-bodied Starion (1988; UK)

A number of models existed throughout the world during 1982 to 1989.

Japan

edit

2.0 LG63Bengine, apart from GSR-VR which has 2.6 LG54B.

TheJapanese domestic markethad a large range of Starions to choose from.

  • GX - 1982–1983 - live rear axle, non-turbo 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) engine
  • GSR-I, GSR-II, GSR-III, GSR-X - 1982–1984 - turbocharged, the earliest models were non-intercooled (145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp)). Intercooler versions had 175 PS (129 kW; 173 hp)
  • GSR-II, GSR-III, GSR-X - 1984–1987 - mid-life refresh, can be distinguished from the earlier Starions by large fog lights in the front bumper
  • GSR-V - 1984–1987 - all equipped with 12-valve Sirius DASH engine (200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp)) and 5-bolt wheels
  • GSR-VR - 1987–1989 - widebody, equipped with the 2.6 L Astron engine (175 PS (129 kW; 173 hp)). A small number of widebodies (approx. 73) were produced with the Sirius DASH as a limited edition model known as 2000GSR-VR

The Roman numeral after 'GSR' denotes the vehicle specification. Some examples can be found below:

Australia

edit

2.0 LG63Bengine.

Australian vehicles were mostly similar to the European Turbo specification. The J codes below denote the model version, and are found on the Australian Vehicle Information Plates.

  • JA - 1982–1984
  • JB - 1984–1985
  • JD - 1985–1987

North America

edit
Early, narrow-bodied US market Starion

It was marketed inNorth Americaby Mitsubishi as the Starion from 1983 until 1989. It was also sold as a captive import byChrysleras the Conquest, under both theDodgeandPlymouthnames from 1984 until 1986 and only under the Chrysler name from 1987 until 1989.[7]For model year 1987, Mitsubishi introduced a passive restraint system for front occupants which featuredautomatic shoulder belts.[7]The safety feature remained through the final 1989 model year.

The Conquest used the 2.6 LG54Bengine with TD05-12A MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) turbocharger. The TD05-12A (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) turbocharger was also fitted to the earlier, non-intercooled narrow-body models, producing 145 hp (108 kW).[8]

Chrysler Conquest

Mitsubishi

  • Base - 1983
  • LS - 1983-85
  • LE - 1984-87
  • ES - 1984-85
  • ESI - 1985.5-1988, intercooled
  • ESI-R - 1986-89 widebody, intercooled

Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth

  • LE
  • TSi - 1986-89 widebody, intercooled
  • Technica - 1985-87 narrow body with digital dash cluster

Verified by ** MCA-Chrysler Motorsports of America (10/01).

Europe

edit

2.0 LG63Bengine with MHI TC06-11A turbocharger, apart from GSR-VR which has 2.6 LG54Bengine with TC05-12A turbocharger.[9]

  • EX II - narrowbody with intercooler
  • EX - luxury version
  • Turbo - base model

With the exception of Australia, many models were available as either narrow-body or wide-body shell styles.

Motorsports

edit

The Starion was a prominent competitor inmotorsportsup to International level during the 1980s and performed well on the circuit inGroup AandGroup Nraces of the era. Andy McLennan driving aSimmons Drumssponsored Starion was very successful, picking up many race wins and a Monroe championship, this against the semi works car of Colin Blower.[9]In the Netherlands, John Hugenholtz won the over 2L class in the Dutch Championship, with the Colin Blower-prepared Mitsubishi Dealers car. In the United States, the Starion became best known for successes inendurance racingat severalSCCAsanctioned events, and in Japan at theJapanese Touring Car Championship.[10]Starions from Dave Wolin's Team Mitsubishi, with turbocharged 2.6 LG54Bengines built by notedLotusengine guru Dave Vegher, captured the prestigious "Longest Day ofNelson Ledges"24-hour endurance race four years running from 1984 through 1987.[11]Team Mitsubishi Starions also won theSports Car Club of America(SCCA) U.S. Endurance Championships three of those four years, competing against the fullyfactory-backed(Wolin's team was only partially sponsored by Mitsubishi) efforts fromChrysler,Audi,NissanandMazda.Although not commonly seen in modern motorsports, a number are still raced on both circuit and inspecial stage rallyevents, usually byprivateers.

Starion 4WD

edit
The Starion 4WD was never fully developed, due to the cancellation ofGroup B

The Starion was not very successful off-road, but found victory inGroup AWorld Rally ChampionshipsandAsia Pacific Rally Championshipsduring 1987 and 1988. Anall wheel driveversion of the Starion was also produced forGroup Bspecifications (one of the fewJapanese automobile manufacturersto enter this class), but after an encouraging start as a prototype, it was nothomologatedbefore theFIAbanned Group B cars for safety reasons. The Starion was converted to all wheel drive by adding a strengthenedtransfer casefrom a Pajero behind the transmission. This configuration allowed the engine to be situated well back in the chassis, for improved front/rear weight distribution compared to theAudi Quattro,whose configuration required the engine to be far forward in the car. Although the wheelbase did not change, the use of regular headlights rather than the production model's pop-up headlights allowed the nose to be six inches shorter, as well as saving several pounds in weight.[12]Further weight was saved by the use ofcarbon fiberfor thedriveshafts,sumpguard, and lower arms of the suspension, andfiberglassfor the hood (bonnet), tailgate, door skins, fenders, bumpers and spoilers,[12]resulting in a final weight of less than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), lighter than the Audi Quattro. The car was developed with aturbochargedandintercooledversion of Mitsubishi's 2.0 Lfuel injectedengine, but the final goal was to use a turbocharged and intercooled 261 kW (355 PS; 350 hp) version of theSirius Dashengine that Mitsubishi announced at the 1983Tokyo Motor Show,which switched electronically at 2500 rpm from one inlet valve per cylinder to two.[12]The car was campaigned for Mitsubishi by TeamRalliartinEssex,Great Britain,under rally veteranAndrew Cowanand engineerAlan Wilkinson,who had developed theAudi Quattrofor Audi Sport UK.

Major results circuit

edit
Team Mitsubishi Starion winning the 1985 Longest Day of Nelson Ledges, 24-hour race, despite heavy rollover crash damage (Note the chicken wire "windshield" ).
1987 Escort Endurance Series Championship-winning Team Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R.

International

edit

Japan

edit

Major results rally

edit

Starion 4WD(1984–1986)

References

edit
Wikimedia Commons has media related toMitsubishi Starion.
  1. ^Aoki, Hidetoshi."Starion (1982)".Mitsubishi Car Design Trails.Retrieved23 October2024.
  2. ^abcdKnowling, Michael (July 18, 2000)."Pre-Owned Performance - Mitsubishi Starion".Autospeed.No. 536. Archived fromthe originalon 2012-09-29.
  3. ^abcKnowling, Michael (June 14, 2003)."The Early Days of Turbo - Part Five".Autospeed.No. 234. Archived fromthe originalon 2018-02-11.
  4. ^attributed to Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, May 1982
  5. ^"Urban Legends Reference Pages: Starion / Stallion Confusion".Snopes.Retrieved2010-09-29.
  6. ^Niedermeyer, Paul."Curbside Classic: 1983 Mitsubishi Starion – Or Is It Stallion? Did I Finally Solve The Mystery Of Its Name?".Curbside Classic.Retrieved5 September2012.
  7. ^abCsere, Csaba (November 1986). "Japan 1987: Charting the Changes".Car and Driver.Vol. 32, no. 5. CBS Magazines. p. 60.
  8. ^Mastrostefano, Raffaele, ed. (1985).Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1985(in Italian). Milano: Editoriale Domus S.p.A. p. 253.ISBN88-7212-012-8.
  9. ^abc"History of Starion in the U.K".Homepage.ntlworld. Archived fromthe originalon 2010-10-12.Retrieved2010-09-29.
  10. ^Brinker, Mark R.; Vernis, Myron T. (2022).Japan's Most Astonishing Automobiles For the Collector and Enthusiast(Volume 2 ed.). Quiet Greatness, LLC.ISBN978-0-578-34683-0.
  11. ^"Dave Wolin's Team Mitsubishi".Davewolin.Retrieved2010-09-29.
  12. ^abcAuger, Jay (19 January 2016)."Mitsubishi Starion 4WD Rally - Group B Prototype".rallygroupbshrine.org.Retrieved5 August2019.

9. The movie Cannonball Run II featured a 1983 Starion driven by Jackie Chan

Further reading

edit
  • Clarke, R.M. (2001).Starion & Conquest Performance Portfolio 1982-90.Brooklands Books; illustrated edition.ISBN978-1-85520-571-0.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mitsubishi_Starion&oldid=1252814594"