Mitsubishi Starion GSR-VR (1982)先従隗始, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mitsubishi Starion GSR-VR

1982 — Japan

Malaise Era (1975-1985)Japanese
Engine1,997 cc
DrivetrainRWD

Mitsubishi Starion GSR-VR

The Mitsubishi Starion (possibly a mistranslation of 'Stallion') represented Japan's answer to European grand tourers in the 1980s. Its distinctive wedge-shaped design with pop-up headlights and aggressive stance turned heads, while the turbocharged 4G63 engine delivered serious performance. The GSR-VR variant featured intercooling, electronic boost control, and sophisticated suspension for its time. While often overshadowed by contemporaries like the RX-7 and Supra, the Starion developed a cult following for its unique character, tunability, and representation of 1980s Japanese automotive ambition.