For decades, American and Japanese automakers have teamed up in unexpected ways, often producing cars that combine the best of both worlds. These collaborations have typically served practical purposes, like sharing production costs, meeting emissions regulations, or filling gaps in product lineups. But sometimes, they’ve led to performance machines that defy easy categorization. Think of the early 1980s when Ford partnered with Mazda to co-develop the Probe or when Chevrolet worked with Toyota to create the Geo Prizm. These weren’t just exercises in badge-engineering, but bringing together American design preferences with Japanese precision to produce genuinely competitive cars for their time.Many of these joint ventures flew under the radar, especially when performance took a backseat to affordability or fuel economy. Yet occasionally, these partnerships delivered something more ambitious. In the early 1990s, as Japanese manufacturers pushed technological boundaries with all-wheel drive, active aerodynamics, and twin-turbo engines, American brands saw an opportunity. They could bring these innovations to a new audience without starting from scratch.This resulted in a handful of performance cars that looked, felt, and drove like nothing else in the American market. Some packed over 300 hp, featured advanced all-wheel drive systems, and rivaled the best European sports cars in handling. Similarly, this Dodge sports car from the 90s may carry an American badge, but underneath the skin is a refined, efficient, and agile Japanese machine with cutting-edge technologies. The Dodge Stealth Is A Mitsubishi 3000GT Under The Skin Dodge Stealth Front Three QuarterIn the early 1990s, Dodge and Mitsubishi were deep into a long-standing partnership under the Diamond-Star Motors joint venture. This collaboration had already produced several small cars, but the Dodge Stealth marked a bold step into the performance segment. Built in Japan by Mitsubishi, the Stealth shared nearly every mechanical component with the Mitsubishi 3000GT, including its platform, drivetrain options, and even much of the interior layout.At the top of the lineup, both cars offered a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 300 hp and 307 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual and an advanced all-wheel drive system. Both featured four-wheel steering, active aerodynamics, and electronically adjustable suspension. However, Dodge made several changes to set the Stealth apart visually. The front and rear fascias were redesigned, with the Stealth receiving pop-up headlights and a more rounded front bumper, while the 3000GT featured fixed lights and a more aggressive front end. The rear wings also differed significantly between the two models. While the 3000GT VR-4 had a large, raised active spoiler, the Stealth R/T Twin Turbo used a lower-profile, hoop-style wing.In terms of market availability, Mitsubishi sold the 3000GT globally under different names, including the GTO in Japan. However, the Dodge Stealth remained exclusive to North America. The U.S. market offered several Stealth trims, including the base model with a naturally aspirated engine and front-wheel drive, the mid-range ES and R/T, and the high-performance R/T Twin Turbo. It is still the only AWD sports car with a manual transmission with an American badge. Mitsubishi offered a similar range with the 3000GT, although some high-spec features such as the active exhaust system remained unique to certain Mitsubishi models in Japan.Dodge marketed the Stealth as an American performance car, despite its Japanese engineering. For enthusiasts looking for a domestic badge with cutting-edge technology, the Stealth provided an intriguing option. While both cars delivered similar performance, their distinct branding and styling gave buyers two different flavors of the same high-tech sports coupe. Dodge Stealth Vs Mitsubishi 3000GT – Differences Explained The pre-1994 Dodge Stealth uses a rounded bumper with pop-up headlights. The Stealth gets a cleaner hood with a single vent. Turbo Stealth models use a hoop-style spoiler, while the 3000GT had an active aerodynamic package. The Stealth uses a more conservative taillight design; the 3000GT has a more wraparound design. The wheel designs between the Stealth and 3000GT were significantly different. Dodge did not offer the active exhaust system offered in some 3000GT models. Both cars were built in Japan, but while the 3000GT was sold globally, the Stealth was exclusive to the US market. Used Mitsubishi 3000GTs Are More Valuable Than The Dodge Stealth Dodge Stealth Front Three Quarter Classic.com Average Used Sales Price When it comes to resale value in today’s classic car market, the Mitsubishi 3000GT holds a clear edge over its Dodge twin, the Stealth. According to data from Classic.com, the average used value of a Mitsubishi 3000GT stands at $23,561, while the Dodge Stealth averages $13,732. That’s a gap of nearly $10,000, even though both cars share the same platform and drivetrain.Digging deeper into the numbers, the highest recorded sale for a 3000GT reached an impressive $100,499, more than double the $52,000 high mark for the Stealth. At the lowest end, 3000GTs have sold for as little as $2,000, compared to $3,550 for the Stealth, showing that bargain examples exist for both sports cars. The most recent sale accounts for a 3000GT selling for $23,250, significantly above the Stealth’s $18,000.The price gap can be attributed to brand perception and rarity among enthusiast circles. Mitsubishi marketed the 3000GT more aggressively as a flagship performance car. The VR-4 model especially gained attention for its 300-hp twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive, and advanced features like active aero and electronic suspension. Although the Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo shared some of these specs, it never achieved the same recognition.For collectors and buyers, the 3000GT simply carries more weight as a desirable 1990s Japanese sports car. If you’re looking to invest in one of these twins, expect to pay more for the Mitsubishi badge. A Japanese V6 Engine Powered The Dodge Stealth Dodge Stealth Engine Engine Specs (Source: Dodge)At the heart of every Dodge Stealth sat a Japanese-engineered V6 engine built by Mitsubishi. All trims used the 6G72 3.0-liter six-cylinder that came in multiple configurations, depending on the model. Even the base Stealth featured a 12-valve single overhead cam version producing 164 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. It drove the front wheels and served as the most affordable entry into the lineup.Moving up to the ES and R/T trims, Dodge upgraded the same 3.0-liter block with a 24-valve dual overhead cam setup. This naturally aspirated version pushed out 222 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, offering a more responsive driving experience without forced induction. Like the base model, these trims remained front-wheel drive and gave buyers a solid balance between performance and comfort.At the top sat the R/T Twin Turbo, which shared its high-performance powertrain with the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4. It used a twin-turbocharged version of the same 3.0-liter DOHC V6, delivering 300 hp and 307 lb-ft of torque. Paired with all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, this setup gave the Stealth R/T serious performance credentials. From 1991 to 1993, it used a 5-speed manual, while 1994 and later models came with a 6-speed manual.Despite wearing an American badge, the Dodge Stealth’s performance came directly from Mitsubishi. The 6G72 proved to be a versatile and reliable foundation, capable of everything from daily driving to serious speed.