Z16A is the chassis code for the fully-equipped GTO Twin Turbo, produced across the model's entire run from 1990 through 2000 — the export world knew this car as the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 and, badge-engineered, the Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo. It's the version with every piece of technology Mitsubishi could fit into a car in the early '90s.
Overview
Unlike most chassis-code pairs on this list, Z15A and Z16A aren't sequential model years — they're two equipment tiers sold alongside each other from the August 1993/1994 facelift onward. Z16A is the full-equipment Twin Turbo: all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering (Mitsubishi's AWS system), Active-ECS electronically controlled suspension, active aero, leather and every convenience option Mitsubishi offered. Every Z16A runs the twin-turbocharged 3.0L 6G72 V6, producing around 320PS through a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic — a genuinely complex car for its era, built to be the flagship rather than the stripped-out driver's choice.
AWD / AWS / Active-ECS
All-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and electronically controlled suspension, all standard — the fully-loaded flagship spec Z15A's lightweight MR grade deletes.
6G72 Twin-Turbo V6, ~320PS
Twin turbochargers and dual intercoolers on a 3.0L V6 — paired with a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
Auction Pricing
Japanese market data puts clean GTO Twin Turbo (Z16A) values broadly between ¥1,500,000 and ¥4,500,000+, with well-kept, low-mileage manual examples commanding the top of that range. Given the amount of complex, failure-prone equipment on this car, condition and maintenance history matter enormously — we inspect every car ourselves before you commit to a bid.
What to Check
This is one of the more mechanically complex cars on this list, and most used-car problems trace back to that complexity: confirm the Active-ECS suspension and AWS four-wheel-steer system are both functioning correctly, since repairs on either can be expensive and parts availability has thinned over the years. Timing belt service history is critical on the interference 6G72, and the AWD transfer case and viscous coupling are worth checking for wear. As with any pop-up-headlight car of this era, confirm headlight motor operation, and check for rust in the usual areas around the rear arches and sills.
Import Eligibility
Fully Eligible
GTO production ended in 2000, so every Z16A has now cleared the 25-year import threshold. No waiting on eligibility here.
Fully Eligible
The entire GTO production run has now cleared the federal 25-year exemption. State registration requirements still vary — see our Import page.
MOT Only
Well past the 10-year IVA threshold, so a standard MOT is all that's needed to register — no IVA test required.
FAQ
Is Z16A an older or newer generation than Z15A?
Neither — they're not sequential. Z16A and Z15A were sold side by side from the 1993/1994 facelift onward as different equipment tiers of the same Twin Turbo GTO, not different production eras.
Z16A or Z15A?
Z16A is the fully-loaded flagship with AWD, four-wheel steering and active suspension — the more comfortable, more technologically complete GTO. Z15A's MR grade deletes that equipment for a lighter, simpler, more driver-focused car. See our Z15A GTO guide for the comparison.