Regular Car Review: 1988 Chrysler Conquest TSi

Regular Car Reviews reminisces about the car known in most of the world as the Mitsubishi Starion, but sold here in the U.S. as the Chrysler Conquest.

Brought in by Chrysler to try and fill in a gap in its business, the Conquest was an attempt to have an “American” sports car in its line-up. Straight from the factory, the Conquest had a not-too-thrilling 2.6-liter single-cam straight four engine, and only output 176 horsepower. To extract the maximum out of his ride, RCR pal Kirill upgraded the brake and vacuum lines and exhaust system, ripped out the air conditioning and anti-lock brakes, among other tweaks. The end result: a growly, rattly, uncomfortable beater which is best described as the “anti-tuner.”

Along the way, we learn about the critical role the Conquest played in the reinvention of Chrysler, and a bit of a lengthy tangent about the parallels between the auto manufacturer and my hometown of Chicago.