Mitsubishi and V8? It doesn’t really go together does it?
Back in 2001 there was a Mitsubishi built for the Future Tourer Series run within the struggling Australian Super Touring Championship using a V8 engine.
Future Touring was launched at the turn of the millennium as a cheaper alternative to V8 Supercars using control components wrapped within a silhouette formula.
Targeting marques including then-local manufacturers Holden, Ford, Toyota and Mitsubishi, Future Tourers were hoping to get more.
Estimated to be constructed for $80,000-$100,000, Future Tourers were beginning to gain some traction and the addition of a Mitsubishi proved a coup.
Built by the proprietor of Bond Roll Bars, Peter Muir, the Magna-based Future Tourer did receive aid from Mitsubishi’s performance arm Ralliart through the acquisition of a body shell and development of the aerodynamic package.
Powered by a category-spec Chev V8, the Magna was an exciting addition to the burgeoning ranks of Future Tourers.
A front-wheel-drive offering in the showroom, the Magna V8 was converted to send power through the rear wheels.
Greg East gave the Mitsubishi its debut in the final round of the Australian Super Touring Championship at Oran Park in February 2001.
However, Future Tourers were a bit of a nomad category after Super Touring ended it aligned with the Power Tour before appearing on the PROCAR bill in 2002.
A limited amount of cars were built for the category and it was eventually absorbed into other classes.
As for the V8 Magna oddity, it contested the first Bathurst 24 Hour where it struck bad luck and proceeded to feature on the national stage for the next five-years, but is now situated in Albury.