I was just surfing as you do, and came across this little gem. Thought I'd post it for general comment etc etc...
http://www.importdriver.com.au/FTO.htm
FTO Review
Moderators: IMC, Club Staff
-
Sparhawk
- Veteran Mechanic
- Posts: 1184
- jedwabna poszewka promocja
- Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2005 5:00 pm
- Location: Wagga
FTO Review
[color=blue]Death is life's way of telling you - you're fired.[/color]
Oh Bugger, my sig block pic has dropped off the host ;(
Oh Bugger, my sig block pic has dropped off the host ;(
-
BuCkEt
- Oldtimer
- Posts: 1544
- Joined: Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:00 pm
- Location: Canberra
Voila!! 
Top Gear
Bravo, Mitsubishi. It's been a long time since we've witnessed such courage from a Japanese manufacturer. The courage, that is, to release a car with true character and even a splash of originality. Meet the Mitsubishi FTO. Japan's Car of the Year for 1994
The FTO is based on the chassis of the Lancer/Mirrage series and features two engines already in use - the 1.8 litre four-cylinder and the two-litre V6 MIVEC engine.
But first we must mention the INVECS II (Intelligent and Innovative Control System II), gear change. In incorporates a Neural Network which works in a similar way to the decisions-making process of the human brain. Data on a driver's preferences is fed into a Learning Control circuit, which selects the optimal gear for that particular driver.
It also has an all-new sports mode, of a Japanese version of the Porsche Tiptronic gearbox. This new system, which costs roughly half that of the Porsche variety, allows the driver to select manual operation and drive the car as he would drive a manual.
The result is excellent. In sports mode, just a quick flick of the gear knob forwards or backwards is enough to engage the desired gear with lightning response. You also have the option of pushing the engine right up to its unusually high 8,000prm redline before firing in the next gear.
The car handles superbly. Front suspension is by MacPherson struts with stabilisers and the rear is by multilink, giving the FTO a very stable but sporty ride. The suspension has been further tuned to enhance its cornering ability and, with the exception of a little under steer, the results are good.
The interior layout and instrumentation are in keeping with the sporty feel, Seats are comfortable and supportive and the dashboard features basic yet will located dials and switches.
With prices starting at the equivalent of about £11,000, the FTO`s value for money is exceptional. But don't get too excited. With a baffling disregard for the need to hit Europe with something 'original', the Japanese are, as usual, keeping their best to themselves.
The 1994 Japanese Car of the Year is staying at home. Shame.