Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo 3.0 V6 TT AWD
The Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo is a fascinating artifact of early 1990s automotive globalization. Born from the Diamond Star Motors partnership between Chrysler and Mitsubishi, the Stealth was essentially a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 wearing Dodge badges and slightly revised front-end styling. The result was the most technically sophisticated vehicle ever sold through a Dodge dealership.
The R/T Twin Turbo's specification sheet read like a science fiction novel in 1991. The 3.0-liter DOHC V6 used twin turbochargers and intercoolers to produce 300 horsepower — the self-imposed Japanese industry limit at the time. Power was distributed through a six-speed Getrag manual transmission to all four wheels via an electronically controlled center differential. Four-wheel steering adjusted the rear wheels to improve both low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. Active aerodynamics automatically raised a rear spoiler and redirected front airflow at speed. Electronically adjustable exhaust valving could alter the car's voice from refined to aggressive.
The technology came at a cost: weight. At nearly 3,800 pounds, the Stealth R/T TT was portly for a sports car, and the weight was felt in corners despite the sophisticated double-wishbone suspension at all four corners. The twin-turbo engine also exhibited noticeable turbo lag in its first few model years, though improved engine management in later versions reduced this.
Performance was nonetheless impressive. The R/T TT could reach 60 mph in about 5 seconds and run the quarter mile in the mid-13-second range — figures that competed with the Porsche 911 Turbo and Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo. The all-wheel-drive system provided remarkable traction in all conditions, and the four-wheel steering gave the heavy car an unexpected agility.
The Stealth's commercial life was complicated by its Mitsubishi origins. American automotive journalists sometimes dismissed it as a Japanese car in American clothing, while the high price and complexity discouraged some buyers. Dodge discontinued the Stealth after 1996, though the Mitsubishi 3000GT continued until 1999.
Today, the Stealth R/T TT is recognized as one of the most capable and technologically advanced sports cars of the 1990s. Its relative obscurity compared to the 3000GT VR-4 means that prices have historically been lower, making it an intriguing value proposition for enthusiasts seeking a high-technology sports car from the golden era of Japanese engineering.
The twin-turbo AWD drivetrain is extremely complex and expensive to repair. Check both turbos for shaft play and oil leaks. The transfer case and center differential must be serviced regularly — neglect leads to expensive failure. The 6-speed Getrag manual is robust but check for synchro wear. Active aerodynamics (rear spoiler motor, front air dam) often malfunction and are expensive to repair. The ECU-controlled exhaust valving can stick. Check the four-wheel steering system for proper operation — it adds complexity but is part of the car's character. Budget for higher maintenance costs than a typical sports car. Parts availability is decent through Mitsubishi channels (identical to 3000GT VR-4).
The Stealth was manufactured by Mitsubishi in Nagoya, Japan, and imported by Chrysler for sale through Dodge dealerships. Three trim levels were offered: base (SOHC, FWD), R/T (DOHC, FWD), and R/T Twin Turbo (DOHC TT, AWD). The base model used a different engine than the 3000GT equivalent. The Stealth's front fascia was unique, but the rest of the body was identical to the 3000GT. Production ended in 1996, three years before the 3000GT.