The Mitsubishi HSR (Highly Sophisticated-transport Research)[1] is a range of concept cars exhibited by Mitsubishi Motors through the late 1980s and 1990s. There were six distinct iterations of the vehicle released biannually to coincide with the Tokyo Motor Show, with each model after the original identified by a Roman numeralsuffixed to the name. The meaning of the acronym varied over the years. The first iteration meant Hi-speed Running Research, the second Hi-Sophisticated Research, and the third Human Science Research.[2]
HSR (1987) — The first vehicle was a showcase for Mitsubishi's integrated electronic systems offering automatic control of drive train, suspension, steering, brakes, and driving position according to driving conditions or weather.[3] It was powered by a 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine producing 295 PS (217 kW), had a maximum speed claimed by the factory at 300 km/h (186 mph).
HSR-II (1989) — The second generation had a heavy emphasis on active aerodynamics, with a series of movable fins and spoilers offering a drag factor which varied from 0.20 to 0.40 depending on setup. Much of the technology found its way to the Mitsubishi HSX, the precursor to the company's GTO sports car. It is also featured in the games Gran Turismo 4, Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo 6.[4]
HSR-III (1991) — The third concept car to bear the HSR name was powered by the 180 PS (132 kW) 6A10 1.6-litre V6, the world's smallest mass-produced V6.[5] Its design themes were "Human Scale Technology" and "Small is beautiful." It continued the active aerodynamics theme of the HSR-II, but with the addition of flexible skin on the rear spoiler, dubbed an "elastic aerotail."[6] Shifting from the overtly sporting and powerful earlier HSRs, the HSR-III also focused on cleanliness and recyclability - with the body parts all marked for ease of recycling.[7]
HSR-IV (1993) — A 180 PS (132 kW) modulated displacement version of the 1.6-litre V6 powered the fourth prototype, a four-wheel-drive sports car featuring an all-wheel anti-lock braking system.[8]
