Chrysler and Mitsubishi: The Short Story of the Dodge Stealth

Iconic RIDES - No one could have anticipated the storm that the Dodge Stealth would stir in the automotive world. Much like the unexpected collaborations of the 1980s, such as Dodge and Shelby, the 1990s saw another unique partnership. This time, it was Dodge and Mitsubishi, and while their collaboration only produced a single model, it became a remarkable car that was truly ahead of its time.

The 1991 Dodge Stealth adalah salah satu mobil yang merupakan hasil a strategic investment of Chryler on Mitsubishi Motors back in 1970s. (Picture from: DodgeGarage)

In the early 1970s, Chrysler made a strategic investment by acquiring a 15% stake in Mitsubishi Motors. This partnership allowed Chrysler to import Mitsubishi vehicles to the U.S. and rebrand them under the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth names. Though these cars weren’t initially groundbreaking, they laid the foundation for more exciting models to emerge. By the mid-1980s, Mitsubishi was ready to make its own mark in America, opening their own dealerships and forming a production partnership with Chrysler called Diamond Star Motors in 1988. A new plant in Illinois helped birth some innovative cars of the ‘90s, including the Dodge Stealth, a car that left an impression on everyone who experienced its power and design.

The 1991 Dodge Stealth featured with a remarkable four-wheel steering system, which allowed the rear wheels to turn slightly, improving cornering stability and contro. (Picture from: DodgeGarage)

When the Dodge Stealth first hit the road, it came with a variety of engine options that catered to different preferences. The base model featured a front-wheel-drive setup with a 3.0L V6 engine, producing a modest 164 horsepower. While this version was not groundbreaking, it still provided a decent driving experience. The next level up, the ES model, offered a more refined 3.0L V6 engine with dual overhead cams, bumping up the power to 222 horsepower. But the true star of the Stealth lineup was the R/T Twin Turbo, which took performance to a whole new level.

The 1991 Dodge Stealth also adorned with an all-leather interior. (Picture from: DodgeGarage)

The Stealth R/T Twin Turbo packed a punch with its 3.0L V6 engine, but the addition of twin turbos brought the power up to an impressive 320 horsepower. For a car from the 1990s, these numbers were exceptional, especially when compared to other vehicles of its era. The car’s aerodynamic design, boasting a 0.33 drag coefficient, contributed to its impressive performance. To put that into perspective, the legendary Lamborghini Murciélago from 2001 had the same drag coefficient. With its all-wheel-drive system, the Stealth could launch off the line with precision and control, making it one of the few AWD sports cars of the time.

The 1991 Dodge Stealth standard version powered by a front-mounted 3.0L V6 engine, producing a modest 164 horsepower. (Picture from: DodgeGarage)

In addition to its powerful engine and AWD system, the Stealth also featured a six-speed manual transmission—an uncommon offering in cars of this price range during the 1990s. The electronic-controlled suspension added another layer of sophistication, allowing drivers to experience advanced handling that was rarely found in other vehicles of that era. Although the system wasn't as advanced as modern-day technology, it was still a standout feature in the early '90s.

The 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin-Turbo packed a punch with its 3.0L V6 engine, but the addition of twin turbos brought the power up to an impressive 320 horsepower. (Picture from: DodgeGarage)

Another innovative feature of the Stealth was its four-wheel steering system, which allowed the rear wheels to turn slightly, improving cornering stability and control. This was a feature that few cars in North America offered at the time, and even today, it remains a rarity. While the four-wheel steering may not have been the most noticeable in day-to-day driving, it contributed to the car's overall handling prowess.

The 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin-Turbo was not only fast but also stylish, boasting a wide, sleek design that commanded attention on the road, making it one of the most exciting cars of the '90s. (Picture from: DodgeGarage)

The combination of twin turbos, AWD, a six-speed manual transmission, and advanced suspension made the Dodge Stealth a performance machine that was difficult to rival in its era. Add to that an all-leather interior, a removable targa top, and 18-inch wheels, and the Stealth was not only fast but also stylish. Its wide, sleek design gave it a commanding presence on the road, making it one of the most exciting cars of the '90s.

The 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin-Turbo PPG Pace Car featured custom bumpers, body panels, and safety gear, showcasing a striking version that highlighted the car's unique attributes. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)

Unfortunately, despite all of its impressive features, the Dodge Stealth never fully reached the heights it deserved. Production ended in 1996, while its counterpart, the Mitsubishi 3000GT, continued for a few more years. Nevertheless, the Stealth left a lasting legacy as a car that was ahead of its time, with a perfect balance of power, technology, and design that made it stand out from the crowd.

The 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin-Turbo Indy Pace Car. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)

One notable chapter in the Stealth's history was its selection as the pace car for the 1991 Indianapolis 500. However, controversy quickly arose when race fans and union leaders objected to the idea of a "foreign" car pacing the iconic American race. Even though the Stealth was branded as a Dodge, its Mitsubishi origins were enough to spark protests. As a result, Chrysler made a last-minute decision to replace the Stealth with a pre-production Dodge Viper for the event, ensuring that an American-made car would lead the pack.

The 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin-Turbo Indy Pace Car. (Picture from: MoparInsiders)

Though the Stealth was ultimately sidelined, a special PPG Edition was created, showcasing its potential as a pace car. With custom bumpers, body panels, and safety gear, the Stealth PPG was a striking version that highlighted the car's unique attributes. While the Stealth may have lost its moment in the Indy 500 spotlight, its story remains a fascinating part of automotive history.

The Dodge Stealth’s journey may have been brief, but its impact on the world of performance cars continues to resonate. Its advanced technology, striking design, and unforgettable presence on the road make it a true gem of the 1990s. ***  [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DODGEGARAGE | MOPARINSIDERS | ]

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