1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4

There exists a certain turbocharged, all-wheel drive factory hot rod. A WRX, STi or Evo? It's actually none of them, it's a DSM. Eclipse GSX? Wrong again, think of another sporty DSM. We're talking about the technologically packed, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steer, twin-turbo DOHC V6 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4. With famous names like the Supra, WRX, Evolution VIII, RX-7 and Skyline filling the pages and wet dreams of the import world, certain players in the market tend to fall through the cracks. Cars like the 3000GT VR-4 arrived from the factory with an impressive list of features and specifications, ready to blow away the automotive world and rewrite record books with huge sales numbers. Manufacturers often misjudge the buyer market though, and soon certain models end up neglected and forgotten; not every car sells like a Civic. Some cars are forgotten, but not every car is unloved. Jojo Germita of Lancaster, Calif., has not given up on his 1993 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 for the latest hot thing to hit the streets; his love for the ultimate DSM has held true for years, and he has the wheels to prove it.

To really grab a unique edge in a Honda world, Germita set out to create a distinct new body for the 3000GT. With the help of T5 Motorsport in Santa Clarita, Calif., a PitRoadM M-16 front bumper found its way on to the car. PitRoadM is a JDM tuner shop small enough that you can find pictures of the actual shop mechanics on the company Web site! The rest of the car is covered in the much more famous Bomex side skirts and rear bumper. After a switch to 1999-spec 3000GT taillight inserts, the car went to the paint shop. TPR Autobody of City of Industry, Calif., covered the car is a thick, luscious House of Kolor candy apple red with silver underlay. Topping off the exterior bodywork is a set of APR Performance carbon-fiber canards and front splitter, and an utterly massive 52-in wide carbon-fiber rear wing.

With the grip of all-wheel drive and the power of a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine, the VR-4 can really move. The car is set up to embarrass drivers who aren't familiar with the specs, or underestimate a car of this size. Germita first began with the insides of the motor. Forged aluminum pistons, Serra valves and springs and forged connecting rods were installed first. With a stout foundation to build on, Germita set to improve the efficiency of the stock motor without raising boost levels very far above stock. DN Performance stainless steel hard turbo piping was installed with SP Engineering silicone hoses and a GReddy blow-off valve to free up airflow on the intake side. A set of 450cc fuel injectors backed by a Supra fuel pump adds fuel before being ignited and exiting through a Trust cat-back exhaust system. A set of Unorthodox Racing adjustable cam gears helps bring this engine combination under control before being harnessed by an ACT six-puck clutch. Keeping the upgraded power levels cool is a PWR aluminum radiator hooked up with a PitRoadM thermostat. The last modification to the engine bay is, of course, bling. A GT Pro billet aluminum spark plug cover combined with a series of polished or powder-coated pipes and pieces to blind any unsuspected show judges caught under the glare of the engine bay.