The Evolution of Mitsubishi in the United States: From the Starion to the Diamante VR-X
Introduction
Mitsubishi Motors USA has a long history of selling cars and light trucks in the United States. Since the introduction of models like the Starion, Tredia, Cordia, and Powerful Max in 1983, Mitsubishi has established itself as a player in the American automotive market. While the brand has had success with various models over the years, there has been one notable standout in its lineup: the Diamante. This large luxury sedan has left a lasting impression on car enthusiasts, and today we take a closer look at one of its rare iterations – the Diamante VR-X.
The Diamante: A Luxury Sedan with a Unique Heritage
The Mitsubishi Diamante made its debut in North America in 1992. It was the successor to the Mitsubishi Sigma, an exclusive “pillared hardtop” version of the fifth-generation Galant. The Sigma did not perform well in the American market, but Mitsubishi saw an opportunity to steal some sales from the best-selling Lexus ES and Acura Legend by introducing the Diamante.
The first-generation Diamante, available in both sedan and wagon body styles, was phased out in the United States after 1995. However, it left a lasting impression, and Mitsubishi continued to refine and improve upon the Diamante formula. In 1997, the second-generation Diamante sedan arrived in American showrooms, and it remained a part of the Mitsubishi lineup until 2004.
The Arrival of the Diamante VR-X
In 2002, after several years of lackluster sales, Mitsubishi decided to give the Diamante a facelift for the 2003 model year. This refresh included the addition of the VR-X sport version to the lineup. The VR-X boasted some aesthetic enhancements such as white analog gauges, an optional fast and furious spoiler, and unique VR-X wheels. It also featured a more powerful audio system and performance upgrades to appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Under the hood, the VR-X was powered by a 3.5-liter 6G-series V6 engine, producing 210 horsepower. While this was only five horsepower better than the regular Diamante’s engine, the VR-X was still a notable step up in terms of performance and style. All 2003 Diamantes sold in the United States came with mandatory four-speed automatic transmissions.
The Value and Rarity of the Diamante VR-X
Today, the Diamante VR-X is an exceedingly rare find. This particular VR-X, which now resides in a self-service wrecking yard in the Denver area, serves as a reminder of a special era in Mitsubishi’s history. Despite its rarity, the VR-X does not command a high price on the market. This can be attributed to various factors, including its limited production numbers, the model’s age, and the overall decline in popularity of large sedans in recent years.
However, for Mitsubishi Front Range enthusiasts or collectors, this VR-X presents a unique opportunity. Its distinctive VR-X wheels and other parts could be salvaged before the car meets its ultimate fate at the crusher. While the VR-X may not hold significant monetary value, its historical significance and rare status make it a desirable piece for those deeply invested in Mitsubishi’s legacy.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Diamante has played a significant role in the brand’s history in the United States. From its debut in 1992 as a luxury sedan aimed at competing with the best-selling Lexus ES and Acura Legend, to the introduction of the sporty VR-X variant in 2003, the Diamante has showcased Mitsubishi’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles to American consumers.
While the VR-X may have faded into obscurity in recent years, its legacy lives on among car enthusiasts and Mitsubishi loyalists. This rare special edition car serves as a testament to Mitsubishi’s pursuit of performance and style, and it remains an intriguing piece of automotive history.
Summary
Mitsubishi has been selling cars and light trucks in the United States since 1983 models like the Starion, Tredia, Cordia, and Powerful Max were introduced. Among its lineup, the Diamante emerged as a standout luxury sedan. Over the years, Mitsubishi refined and improved upon the Diamante formula, leading to the introduction of the VR-X sport version in 2003. This VR-X featured aesthetic enhancements and performance upgrades, making it a desirable choice for driving enthusiasts. Today, the Diamante VR-X is an exceedingly rare find, serving as a reminder of Mitsubishi’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles. While it may not command a high price on the market, its historical significance and limited production numbers make it a desirable piece for collectors and Mitsubishi enthusiasts.
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Mitsubishi has been selling cars and light trucks under its own name in the United States since the Starion, Tredia, cordia and Powerful Max appeared here like 1983 models, but only one large luxury sedan has ever been in the Mitsubishi Motors USA lineup: the Diamante. During the last few years of the Diamante’s availability here, a factory hot-rod version of the Diamante known as VR-X could be bought. Here is one of those extraordinarily rare cars, which now resides in a self-service wrecking yard in the Denver area.
The Diamond was the successor of the the mitsubishi sigmaan exclusive “pillared hardtop” version of the fifth generation Galant. The Sigma sold poorly here, but Mitsubishi had hopes of stealing some sales from it in the American market. The best-selling Lexus ES and Acura Legend. Making a North American version of the elegant Mitsubishi Debonair It didn’t seem like a good investment (although some Debonair DNA finally showed up here, inside the hyundai xg), so the new Diamante made its debut in North America as a 1992 model.
The first generation Diamante was available in both sedans and wagon shapeand the station wagon was phased out here after 1995. The second-generation Diamante sedan appeared in American Mitsubishi showrooms as a 1997 model, and sales here continued until 2004.
There was a facelift for the 2002 model year, after several miserable years of sales in the United States, and at that time the VR-X sport version was added to the lineup.
The VR-X got some skins, white analog gauges, a more powerful audio system, some performance upgrades, and an optional fast and furious spoiler. The MSRP for the 2003 VR-X was $27,557, or about $46,362 in 2023 dollars.
The VR-X’s engine was a 3.5-liter 6G-series V6, rated at 210 horsepower. This was only five horsepower better than the regular Diamante’s 3.5-liter engine.
All 2003 Diamantes sold in the United States came with mandatory four-speed automatics.
This car, like The Diamante cars from the mid-1990s.It was built in Australia.
The leather seats came with VR-X stamping.
This is a good example of a rare special edition car that isn’t worth much now. Perhaps some Mitsubishi Front Range enthusiast will purchase the unique VR-X wheels and other parts before this car hits the market. the crusher.
0% interest, zero down payment, zero payments through 2004 on all new Mitsubishis.
The Down Under version of this car was known as the Verada.
https://www.autoblog.com/2023/10/03/junkyard-gem-2003-mitsubishi-diamante-vrx/
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