The Ride of the Past: Dodge Conquest and Mitsubishi Starion
When the wind scoops the sound of the engine, and the road stretches ahead, two iconic vehicles stand out: the Dodge Conquest and the Mitsubishi Starion. Here's a trip down memory lane to explore these unique rides.
Experience the Dodge Conquest
The Dodge Conquest was a speed demon in its time, capable of shooting from 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds. The handling at the limit was exhilarating yet challenging, with the power steering sometimes lagging. The seats were grips that held you in place, making this car a perfect track machine.
While the interior mimicked a sci-fi wonder, it was slightly dated. However, the car's rarity today makes it a minor collectible. Finding matching body trim and parts, however, can be quite a challenge.
From My Mechanical Perspective: The Hachi-Roku’s Worst Nightmare
For any experienced mechanic, the Mitsubishi Starion was a true nightmare. It belonged to a time when Corolla drivers didn't dare challenge these beasts on curves or straights. The Starion was a victim of bad timing, being part of a badge-engineering strategy during the "Malaise Era."
Reliability and Performance
Despite its reputation, the Starion was reliable enough to survive through some tough times. The engine lineup, starting from 2.0 to 2.6 liters, gave it a competitive edge over its rivals. It was aimed at buyers of the "wedge" Camaros and "fox" Mustangs, making it a powerful contender in the market. However, the downside was its weight, with Starion weighing in at 1200 kg while the Trueno weighed only 1000 kg.
Marketing Triumph and Rarity
Mitsubishi's marketing efforts for the Starion were intense, going so far as to reminiscent the A6M Zero fighter planes in one of their 1983 ads. This aggressive marketing paid off, though locally in Japan, the Starion was largely unnoticed. Interestingly, even Mitsubishi staff acknowledged it as one of their finest moments.
Despite its performance, the production of the Starion was limited to just 102,000 units between 1982 and 1990. Today, these cars are highly sought after by collectors, especially in regions like Japan, Australia, and Europe. In North America, they were often dumped as inferior to European imports like BMW, Mercedes, Peugeot, and Audi.
Loading in More Pressure: The Marketing Battle
When it came to marketing, Mitsubishi went to great lengths to stress the Starion's superior performance. They made fun of the world in Japanese Kanji, often targeting competitors like the Nissan 300-ZX and Mazda RX-7 with direct marketing thrusts. It's amusing how these words, when translated, come across as a playful yet strong push.
Overall, the Dodge Conquest and Mitsubishi Starion were not just engines of speed but also stories of automotive heritage. Whether you loved them for their speed, their rarity, or their marketing prowess, they left a mark on the road and in automotive history.
h2Key Takeaways/h2
-Dodge Conquest: Quick, grippy seats, and rarity make it a minor collectible today.
-Mitsubishi Starion: Reliable but rare, with limited production run of 102,000 units.
-Marketing Efforts: Intense for the Starion, unmatched by competitors.