Mitsubishi 3000GT (1990)
Reel off a spec sheet that includes all-wheel drive, electronically-controlled suspension, active aerodynamics and four-wheel steering, and you’d think the Mitsubishi 3000GT had been launched today. However, this coupé arrived in 1990 and Mitsubishi threw everything at it to make it competitive against the likes of the Porsche 944 and Toyota Supra.
Even the engine was advanced for the period as it was a twin-turbo, quad cam 3.0-litre V6 with 282bhp. This gave fine performance, but all of the techno-wizardry for the aero and suspension couldn’t overcome the dull feel of the dynamics. However, its complexity is now one of the 3000GT’s major draws for those seeking a modern classic coupe.
Subaru SVX (1991)
After the sales flop of its XT coupé, Subaru persevered with its two-door ambitions with the SVX. It was a determined effort to move further upmarket into territory occupied by the likes of the Nissan 300ZX and Toyota Supra. To do this, Subaru deployed a 3.3-litre flat-six engine and all-wheel drive to make the most of its 231bhp.
Even so, buyers were wary of this mechanical package and other SVX details such as the window within a window side glass. All of this combined with the high ticket price at launch to render the SVX a rarity that was quickly forgotten when the Impreza Turbo turned up and dominated rallying.
