In the Aussie big sedan performance stakes, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) and Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) stand out as the absolute pinnacle, with big numbers from their supercharged V8s and forced-induction sixes. Toyota had a crack with the TRD Aurion, but lesser known is the fact Mitsubishi did as well.
In 2008, a pilot build program of 20 Mitsubishi 380 VR-X Series IIIs were made with a Sprintex supercharger forcing 3.8 psi of boost into the 3.8-litre V6. This yielded an impressive 230kW and 442Nm – a lot for the front wheels.
By way of comparison, the TRD Aurion made ‘just’ 240kW and 400Nm, but unlike the 380, did not have a helical limited-slip differential. 0-100km/h was achieved in 6.0 seconds, according to factory claims, but getting those front hoops to hook up might’ve been a challenge.
Suspension copped some attention as well, with Koni front and rear dampers and lowered springs, with six-piston calipers clasping 370mm rotors at the front and 340mm at the rear. Mitsubishi’s CEO at the time, Rob McEniry, was one of the owners, with number 13 featuring on Carsales.
The Queensland-based car here is quite reasonably priced at $34,000 considering its rarity. It features a unique build plate, 19-inch alloys, leather steering wheel and gearknob, but little else interior-wise.
If you want to snap up a more unique and left-field piece of Aussie motoring history, you can check out the Carsales ad here.
