Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo Z16A
Import a Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo (Z16A) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 1990–2001
- Engine
- 6G72 3.0 L twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive
About the Z16A
The GTO went on sale in October 1990, and production ended in August 2001, with 182,867 built in total. The Twin Turbo uses the 6G72 2,972 cc twin-turbo V6, rated at 280 PS, with torque raised from 42.5 to 43.5 kgf·m in 1993.
It is the Japanese-market version of the 3000GT VR-4, with rarer facelift styling and the lightweight MR grade introduced in August 1994.
The GTO was conceived mainly as a grand tourer for North America, with torque for high-speed cruising. In Japan it still went racing: it ran in the N1 Endurance series, now Super Taikyu, from 1991 to 1996. Its best result was second at TI Aida, now Okayama International Circuit, and it lost a likely win when debris damaged its cooling system. The active aero was dropped in August 1996.
- Power
- 280 PS
- Torque
- 42.5 kgm; 43.5 kgm from Aug 1993
- Weight
- 1,600–1,730 kg (range)
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual; 6-speed from Aug 1993
- Drive
- All-wheel drive
- Engine
- 6G72 3.0 L twin-turbo V6
- Built
- 182,867 (all GTO)
Can a Z16A come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on a Z16A
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Timing belt
Worth asking for timing belt and water pump service records.
Active systems
Worth testing the active aero and active exhaust.
Four-wheel steering
Worth checking for four-wheel-steering faults where fitted.
Drivetrain
Worth checking the transfer case and viscous coupling.
Turbos
Worth checking the turbo oil seals; the rear turbo is hard to reach.
What we check on every Z16A
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What a Z16A costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GTO (all grades), Carsensor average asking price (21 cars) Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥3.34 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| GTO, Carsensor asking-price range Carsensor, Oct 2026 | ¥1.58–4.88 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| 2000 GTO Twin Turbo MR, six-speed, 47,000 km, Carsensor listing (total price) Carsensor, Oct 2026 | ¥4.40 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
Z16A buyer questions
Is every GTO eligible?
Yes. Production ended in August 2001, so in October 2026 every GTO is more than 25 years old and eligible in the US, and all are eligible in Canada. Check the build month on the plate for late cars.
Five-speed or six-speed?
The Twin Turbo had a five-speed manual until August 1993, when it changed to a six-speed and torque rose to 43.5 kgm. Later six-speed cars, especially the MR, carry the highest asking prices on Carsensor.
Are parts available in North America?
Much of the drivetrain is shared with the 3000GT VR-4 sold in the US and Canada, so engine and many chassis parts are available. Facelift body panels and JDM trim usually come from Japan.
Want a Z16A?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.