Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R Wide Body
The Mitsubishi Starion (also sold as the Chrysler/Dodge Conquest in the USA) was Mitsubishi's answer to the Porsche 944 and Nissan 300ZX. This rear-wheel-drive coupe used a turbocharged 2.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 hp — competitive for the mid-1980s. The ESI-R wide-body version, available from 1986, added dramatically flared fenders (adding 50mm to each side), wider wheels and tires, an intercooler for the turbocharger, and a more aggressive look that transformed the car from a generic 1980s sports coupe into something genuinely special. The Starion's handling was surprisingly good, with well-balanced rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential making it entertaining on twisty roads. The interior featured leather seats (in ESI-R spec), a comprehensive instrument cluster, and typical 1980s Japanese build quality. In Group A racing, the Starion showed well against more fancied European and Japanese rivals. Despite being overshadowed by the 300ZX and Supra in period, the Starion has experienced a recent resurgence in collector interest as 1980s Japanese sports cars appreciate. The wide-body ESI-R is particularly sought after for its aggressive stance and relative rarity.
Rust in rear wheel arches, doors, and trunk. Turbo reliability varies — check for boost leaks and oil burning. Wide-body ESI-R most desirable. LSD units can wear. Parts increasingly scarce — some shared with Chrysler Conquest. Cheap for now but values rising.
Produced 1982-1989. Narrow body (1982-85) and wide body ESI-R (1986-89). Also sold as Chrysler/Dodge Conquest and Plymouth Conquest in USA. 2.0L turbo in JDM, 2.6L turbo for export.