Hidetoshi Aoki

From the next Celeste to a Sigma base

Aoki took over the Starion partway through; until then, about four people, including Eguchi, had worked on it. At first it was the next Celeste, a variation model using the Lancer EX's engine and components. But at the wish of partner Chrysler, it was decided to move it up a class and make it sportier, and around June the plan to base it on the second-generation Sigma was settled. Aoki, a fan of North American muscle cars, aimed for a powerful look, giving it a V shape with the center pointed at both the nose and the tail. The second oil shock delayed the launch by a year.