Revitalizing classic names has become a formula for success, and that’s what could happen if the Mitsubishi Sapporo becomes reality.
Rumors are swirling that a classic name might be coming back to the Mitsubishi lineup. We’re pretty sure the 3000GT is making a comeback, but a car that might fit below this classic supercar, which was offered during the late 1970s and early 1980s, just might be exactly what we want to see. The Sapporo was a small, attractive, and versatile sports car aimed at younger buyers when it first appeared during its first generation. Could it make a return?
What might the new model include?
So far, everything about a return of the classic name is a rumor. Attaching a model year to this car is certainly premature, but thinking a new sports car from this brand could return and bring us the excitement and fun desired is something we love to think about. The Sapporo was an attainable sports car that meant nearly everyone could drive and enjoy this affordable, littler performance machine. Will this be the same formula used to bring this nameplate back to the market?
What should the Sapporo look like?
Early imaginative videos and images show a new Mitsubishi Sapporo with styling that reminds us of the Toyota GR Supra. This could be what we get, and that would be a huge benefit and shot in the arm to the Mitsubishi brand. Currently, this brand has only a few SUVs, which makes it a brand that’s mostly overlooked. Something exciting, fun, and new would be a great addition to the lineup. The 3000GT is certainly a great way to get started while building excitement for the brand, but the Sapporo will bring back a name that has been gone for a long time.
Why does Mitsubishi need the Sapporo?
Currently, the Mitsubishi lineup is made of three SUVs. These vehicles are the Eclipse Cross, Outlander Sport, and Outlander. The Mirage finally bid farewell to the automotive market after living out its slow and painful death until the 2024 model year. Nothing about the vehicles offered by this brand shows any excitement or makes you feel special about driving them. While these three SUVs aren’t exactly turning any heads, they are all good, respectable, and enjoyable vehicles in their respective classes, but most brands have other SUVs that are more popular and come with better features and qualities than anything Mitsubishi offers.
The Sapporo could go a long way to bringing this brand back to a respectable position in the automotive world, ensuring we have a car that’s exciting, fun, and relatively affordable. Although the upcoming 3000GT should be exciting and fun, its not expected to be an affordable car that everyone can drive. When you think of the Sapporo, think about the shoppers who are looking for a practical but affordable sports car that can give them some driving thrills while being easy to drive every day.
Will Mitsubishi build this car?
Everything about the Mitsubishi Sapporo is a rumor right now. We haven’t heard anything concrete that tells us that this car will return to the market. Will Mitsubishi move forward with better PHEV technology and add it to the Sapporo, thus increasing the performance qualities, efficiency, and eco-friendliness of this new sports car? Does Mitsubishi have a powertrain that would work well in a sports car, or will the Sapporo be another small Japanese sports car that shares much of its underpinning with the Mazda MX-5 Miata?
Too many questions
Unfortunately, when a new car is nothing more than a thought and a rumor, it’s hard to have any questions answered that would give the world something concrete, Mitsubishi has been slowly dwindling in the American automotive market but still has a respectable position in Japan. Could the new Sapporo only be sold in Japan and leave the American market out of the equation? Will we get the 3000GT but not the Sapporo? These are additional questions that make us wonder what the brand’s thought process is for this potential new sports car.
The bottom line is pretty simple: if the Mitsubishi Sapporo becomes a reality, it will be an exciting and engaging addition to a rather boring and mundane lineup. This sports car could be the catalyst that brings more shoppers back to the brand, even if they stop by to see this sports car and drive away in one of the three SUVs offered. It seems that Mitsubishi needs something to give it a spark, and the Sapporo could be the right car to do that.
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