The
Mitsubishi Eclipse is a
coupeA coupé or coupe is a closed car body style, the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
that has been in production since 1989 for left hand drive markets. It was named after an eighteenth century
EnglishEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west and the North Sea to the east, with the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
racehorse which won 26 races, and has also been sold as the
Eagle TalonThe Eagle Talon was one of three model names given to a sports coupe that was manufactured between 1989 and 1998 and sold by the then Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan in a joint 50/50 corporate venture known as Diamond-Star Motors...
and the
Plymouth LaserThe Plymouth Laser was a sports coupe made by Diamond Star Motors. Its sister cars were the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon.The Laser debuted in January 1989 as a 1990 model to replace the Plymouth Reliant coupe, with the Reliant sedan replaced by the Acclaim at that time. It was launched at the...
captive importCaptive import is an automobile marketing term denoting a foreign-built vehicle that is sold and serviced by a domestic manufacturer through its own dealer distribution system....
s through
Mitsubishi Motorsis the fifth largest automaker in Japan and the fifteenth largest in the world by global unit sales. It is part of the Mitsubishi keiretsu, formerly the biggest industrial group in Japan, and was formed in 1970 from the automotive division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.Throughout its history it...
' close relationship with the Chrysler Corporation. Their partnership was known as
Diamond-Star MotorsDiamond-Star Motors was an automobile-manufacturing joint venture between the Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation . The name came from the parent companies' respective logos: three diamonds and a pentastar...
, or DSM, and the vehicle trio through the close of the second-generation line were sometimes referred to by the DSM moniker among enthusiast circles.
As of 2009, the Eclipse is officially available in
North AmericaNorth America is the northern continent of the Americas, situated in the Earth's northern hemisphere and in the western hemisphere. It is bordered on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the east by the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southeast by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the North Pacific...
, Saudi Arabia,
KuwaitThe State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab emirate bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north and west. The greatest distance from north to south is 200 km and from east to west 170 km . The name is a diminutive of an Arabic word meaning "fortress built near water." It has a...
, UAE,
ChinaChina is a cultural region, an ancient civilization, and, depending on perspective, a national or multinational entity extending over a large area in East Asia....
, South Korea, the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
, and
BrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is a country in South America. It is the fifth largest country by geographical area, occupying nearly half of South America, the fifth most populous country, and the fourth most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean...
.
Models
The Eclipse has undergone four distinct generations: the first two generations (1G and 2G) are closely related and share many parts, whereas the third generation (3G) is based on a new platform and most parts are incompatible with 1G and 2G Eclipses. The fourth generation (4G) Eclipse was made available in May 2005.
Overview
The first generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was sold as an entry to mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe. Four trim levels were available: the bottom three were front wheel drive and the very top was all wheel drive. The top FWD and the AWD model were equipped with turbocharged engines.
The car underwent minor changes throughout its production; 1992–1994 models (1Gb) have updated sheetmetal and are easily distinguishable from previous vehicles (1Ga). The most notable of these changes is that the 1Ga models have pop-up headlights. The Eclipse was revised into a new vehicle for 1995 (described below in the 2G section).
Trim levels
The Eclipse was available in four trim levels during its first-generation production run. AWD models were not available until halfway through the first model year.
- Eclipse: Base FWD model equipped with a 92 hp
Horsepower is the name of several non-SI units of power. It was originally defined to allow the output of steam engines to be measured and compared with the power output of draft horses. The horsepower was widely adopted to measure the output of piston engines, turbines, electric motors and other...
naturally-aspirated engineA naturally-aspirated engine is a reciprocating internal combustion engine that depends solely on atmospheric pressure to draw in combustion air...
1.8 L
8-valve SOHC 4G37 engineAn engine is a machine that produces mechanical force and motion from another form of energy . It is also referred to as a prime mover. An automobile makes use of several motors to start the car and drive the car's various pumps – but the power plant that propels the car is called an engine...
- Eclipse GS: Upgraded FWD model with slightly more equipment
- Eclipse GS DOHC: Upgraded FWD model equipped with a naturally-aspirated 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63A non-turbocharged variant of the 4G63T engine**
- Eclipse GS Turbo: Top FWD model equipped with a 180-195 hp* turbocharged
A turbocharger, or turbo, is a gas compressor that is used for forced-induction of an internal combustion engine. A form of supercharger, the purpose of a turbocharger is to increase the density of air entering the engine to create more power...
2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T engine
- Eclipse GSX: AWD model equipped with a 180-195 hp* turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T engine
* 1990 manual transmissionA manual transmission, or manual gearbox is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
turbocharged models were rated at 190 hpHorsepower is the name of several non-SI units of power. It was originally defined to allow the output of steam engines to be measured and compared with the power output of draft horses. The horsepower was widely adopted to measure the output of piston engines, turbines, electric motors and other...
, whereas 1991 and later manual transmissionA manual transmission, or manual gearbox is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
turbo models were rated for . The automatic models were rated at due to smaller fuel-injectors and turbocharger.
** 1990-1994 DSMs did not come with the 420A
engineAn engine is a machine that produces mechanical force and motion from another form of energy . It is also referred to as a prime mover. An automobile makes use of several motors to start the car and drive the car's various pumps – but the power plant that propels the car is called an engine...
, which was not added until the second generation.
These models varied significantly in drivetrains and available options, and included some variance in appearance, as higher trim lines added different front and rear fascia panels and surrounding trim, with the GSX model getting a notably different styling package than the others.
Drivetrain
The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a
transverseA transverse engine is an engine in which the crankshaft is oriented side-to-side relative to the length of the vehicle. This is also sometimes called an east-west engine...
-mounted 4-cylinder Mitsubishi
4G37The Mitsubishi Saturn or 4G3 engine is series of straight-4 internal combustion engines introduced by Mitsubishi Motors in the 1970s, along with the Astron, Orion, and Sirius. Displacement ranges from 1.2 L to 1.8 L.-4G32:...
or 4G63 engine situated on the left-hand side of the car driving an
automaticAn automatic transmission is an automobile gearbox that can change gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
or
manual transmissionA manual transmission, or manual gearbox is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
on the right-hand side. AWD models have a different transmission which includes a
limited-slipA limited slip differential is a modified or derived type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
center differential and output shaft for a transfer case, which drives the rear differential (also available as limited-slip) and half-shafts.
The 4G37 and 4G63 engines are both
I4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is a four-cylinder internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a...
gasoline engines. The 4G63 is composed of an iron engine block and aluminum
cylinder headIn an internal combustion engine, the cylinder head sits above the cylinders and consists of a platform containing part of the combustion chamber and the location of the valves and spark plugs...
and is equipped with balance shafts for smooth operation. The turbocharged version of the 4G63 (sometimes referred to as the 4G63T) is equipped with a lower compression ratio (7.8 vs. 9.0 in the naturally aspirated version) and oil squirters under the pistons in order to better cope with the stress and extra heat caused by forced induction.
There is also a difference between rear axle/rear ends on all wheel drive models. 1990-early 1992 cars have 3 bolts attaching the axle to the wheel hub. Late 1992–1999 have larger diameter axles and attach to the hub with bigger, 4 bolt axle cups.
Awards
The Eclipse
Turbo was on
Car and DriverCar and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hachette Filipacchi Magazines. Originally headquartered in New York City, the magazine has been based in Ann Arbor, Michigan since the late 1970s.-History:Car and Driver was founded...
magazine's
Ten Best listCar and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...
for 1989 through 1992.
Overview
The second generation car maintained the market focus of the 1G car, but had a major update in styling and had different engines between trim levels. New to the line was a convertible model, the Spyder, introduced in 1996. The convertible was available in two trims: the GS and the GS-T. The first is powered by the non-turbo 4G64 engine, and the latter by the turbo 4G63 found in the GS-T (turbo) and GSX (all-wheel-drive) hardtop models. There was no convertible model powered by the Chrysler 420a.
The turbocharged engine option continued as the 4G63, but was modified for more power as compared to the previous generation (210 hp vs 195 hp). The non-turbo engine had 2 different engines depending on the market they were produced for. The US version engines were producing 140 hp, found only in the hardtop RS and GS trims, was a modified version of the
Chrysler Neon engineThe Dodge, Chrysler, and Plymouth Neon all primarily utilized a 2.0 Liter Inline four cylinder engine from 1995-2005. The Dodge Neon SRT-4 was equipped with a Dodge Turbocharged 2.4 Liter Inline four cylinder engine....
, manufactured by Chrysler and delivered to and installed at the Diamond Star Motors facility. The Europe version engines were naturally aspirated 4G63 with 141 hp. A limited number of 2G units were delivered with a 2.4L naturally-aspirated engine provided by Mitsubishi.
The Talon was discontinued in 1998 along with the rest of the Eagle line because lack of sales over previous years, leaving only the Eclipse on sale for the 1999 model year.
Trim levels
The Eclipse was available in seven trim levels: Base[Only available in 1996.5 (mid-model year)], RS, GS, GS Spyder, GS-T, GS-T Spyder, and GSX.
Second generations (1995–99) cars:
- Eclipse: Base FWD model equipped with a 140 hp 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420A engine
- Eclipse RS: Equipment Upgraded FWD model equipped with a 140 hp 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420A engine
- Eclipse GS: Equipment upgraded FWD model equipped with a 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420A engine
- Eclipse GS Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a 2.4L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G64 engine
- Eclipse GS-T: Hardtop FWD model equipped with a turbocharged
A turbocharger, or turbo, is a gas compressor that is used for forced-induction of an internal combustion engine. A form of supercharger, the purpose of a turbocharger is to increase the density of air entering the engine to create more power...
2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 engine
- Eclipse GS-T Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a turbocharged
A turbocharger, or turbo, is a gas compressor that is used for forced-induction of an internal combustion engine. A form of supercharger, the purpose of a turbocharger is to increase the density of air entering the engine to create more power...
2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 engine
- Eclipse GSX: AWD model equipped with a turbocharged
A turbocharger, or turbo, is a gas compressor that is used for forced-induction of an internal combustion engine. A form of supercharger, the purpose of a turbocharger is to increase the density of air entering the engine to create more power...
2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 engine
The models had different trim accoutrements:
- Base - No tachometer, standard antenna, No rear defroster, no driving lights, 14" steel wheels with covers or center caps
- RS - Tachometer, 14" alloy wheels, optional spoiler
- GS - Power antenna
An antenna is a transducer designed to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. In other words, antennas convert electromagnetic waves into electrical currents and vice versa. Antennas are used in systems such as radio and television broadcasting, point-to-point radio communication, wireless...
, driving lights, cruise controlCruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.-History:...
, body coloured door handles, 16" alloy wheels, lower body cladding, spoiler, rear windshield washer
- GS Spyder - Power antenna
An antenna is a transducer designed to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. In other words, antennas convert electromagnetic waves into electrical currents and vice versa. Antennas are used in systems such as radio and television broadcasting, point-to-point radio communication, wireless...
, driving lights, cruise controlCruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.-History:...
, body coloured door handles, 16" alloy 5 spoke wheels, lower body cladding, spoiler, double tipped stainless steel exhaust
- GS-T - 16" Alloy 5 spoke wheels, Grey painted panel around lower body paneling (1999), larger spoiler (ONLY on 1997–98), double tipped stainless steel exhaust
- GS-T Spyder - 16" Alloy 5 spoke wheels, double tipped stainless steel exhaust
- GSX - 17" wheels after 1997, 1995–96 cars had 16" alloys, Grey painted panel around lower body paneling (1999), double tipped stainless steel exhaust, larger spoiler (ONLY on 1997–98),
A minor style revision was applied for the 1997
model yearThe model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
. The front grille opening was given a more aggressive profile. The headlights were given a sharper slant on the inner edges, and the previous all-chrome fixture interior changed to a black interior with chrome reflector inserts. The driving lights were revised from a reflector type to a smaller projection type. The rear bumper cap was altered and had the reverse lights restyled and moved out into the bumper fascia, away from their original central position by the license plate bracket.
A special version of the Eclipse, called the "GS Tenth Anniversary Edition", was sold at the end of the 1999 model run with unique 16-inch rims supplied to Mitsubishi by OZ Racing. It also included the leather interior package, accented exhaust exit, and hoop-style spoiler that were normally offered on some turbocharged models. The special edition package was only offered with the 420A engine.
A unique version of the 2G Eclipse sold in some
EuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally divided from Asia to its east by the water divide of the Ural Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus Mountains , and the Black Sea to the southeast...
an countries. It used a normally-aspirated Mitsubishi 4G63 motor, similar to what was available in the 1G, unique sideview mirrors, and unique amber rear turn signals.
The Talon was available in four trim levels: Base, ESi, TSi and TSi AWD. The Eagle Talon saw its production end in 1998 when Chrysler shut down the
EagleEagle was a marque of the Chrysler Corporation following the purchase of American Motors Corporation and aimed at the enthusiast driver....
sub-brand, although the
Dodge AvengerThe Dodge Avenger name identifies four different cars:*The Dodge Avenger which was a renamed "Hillman Avenger"*The Dodge Avenger coupe *The Dodge Avenger Concept from the 2003 North American International Auto Show...
and
Chrysler SebringNot to be confused with Maserati Sebring, although Chrysler and Maserati did team up to produce the Chrysler TC before the Sebring came out.The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size cars sold by Chrysler LLC...
continued to be sold in variations that used the 420A engine and many of the 2G Eclipse/Talon interior components.
- Talon Base: equivalent to Eclipse Base
- Talon ESi: equivalent to Eclipse RS & GS
- Talon TSi: equivalent to Eclipse GS-T
- Talon TSi AWD: equivalent to Eclipse GSX
There were similar alterations to the styling of the Talon as there were for the Eclipse.
Drivetrain
The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder Chrysler 420A, Mitsubishi 4G64 or 4G63 engine. The Mitsubishi motors are mounted in the same orientation as for the 1G cars. The 420A-powered cars had the engine mounted on the right side of the car,and further back in the chassis. AWD models had a similar transmission to the 1G car. The 2G GSX also had a stronger carrier/differential when equipped with the limited slip option.
Motor
All motors are 4-cylinder
gasolineGasoline or petrol is a petroleum-derived liquid mixture, primarily used as fuel in internal combustion engines...
engines. All have iron blocks with aluminum cylinder heads. The 4G63/4G64 engines retain the balance shafts for smoother operation, while the 420A does not use them. The 1995-1999 turbo engines were given an increased compression ratio of 8.5:1, up from 7.8:1, and a smaller turbo, a Garrett T25 in place of the previous Mitsubishi TD04-13G (automatic cars) and TD05-14B (manual cars). This was done to minimize turbo lag, which was an undesirable trait for mass-market appeal in the US.
The 4G63 engines found in 1990-1994 models have a 60 mm throttle body compared to the 1995-1999 MY's 52 mm. The intake ports on the head and runners of the intake manifold are also larger. They also have larger crankshaft bearing journals to allow better lubrication.
The first-generation 4G63 head with its larger intake ports appears to offer better performance potential than the second-generation head due to its increased flow capacity in stock form. However, the second-generation head can be ported to increase the size of its intake ports similar to that of the first-generation head. Furthermore, the smaller ports provide greater velocity which aids in cylinder filling, and thus, as is the case with any head porting, port size is a compromise between air flow and air velocity.
2000–2005 (3G) Mitsubishi Eclipse
Third generation (3G): The Eclipse underwent a change into its third generation in 1999, closely aping the
Mitsubishi SST design study which debuted at the 1998
North American International Auto ShowThe North American International Auto Show , is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
. It was the first concept vehicle exhibited by Mitsubishi at an auto show in the United States.
The 4G63 was replaced by two powertrain options, a 150
hpHorsepower is the name of several non-SI units of power. It was originally defined to allow the output of steam engines to be measured and compared with the power output of draft horses. The horsepower was widely adopted to measure the output of piston engines, turbines, electric motors and other...
2.4 L 16 valve SOHC 4-cylinder 4G64 and a 205 hp 24v SOHC 3.0 L V6 (6G72). AWD was no longer an option. The suspension setup was adjusted to provide a softer and more compliant ride quality.
No longer considered to be a DSM, it shared its platform and
powertrainIn a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, driveshafts, differentials, and the final drive...
with the 8th generation
GalantThe Mitsubishi Galant is an automobile manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors since 1969. The name was derived from the French word galant, meaning "chivalrous". There have been nine distinct generations, and cumulative sales now exceed five million. It began as a compact sedan, but over the course of...
. Weight was also up slightly from the previous year's model. In late 2001 power was lowered to as a result of tightened emission standards forcing
MMNAMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is the North American operation of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, overseeing sales, manufacturing, finance, and research and development functions...
to adopt the
CaliforniaCalifornia is the most populous state in the United States, and the third largest by area. California is the second most populous sub-national entity in the Americas, behind only São Paulo, Brazil...
standards for all variants of the car.
In mid-2002, the GTS trim was introduced for the 2003 model year. This vehicle included an engine with a 10:1 compression ratio and an improved Mitsubishi Variable Induction Management (MVIM) air intake system that gave the car an extra and a slightly improved power curve. The 2003-2005 GTS and GT/GTS Spyder shared the new engine while GT models retained the powertrain. From 2003-2005, the Eclipse Spyder V6 was sold in a left-hand drive version in Japan.
Trim levels
The Eclipse was available in 7 trim levels: RS, GS, GS Spyder, GT, GT Spyder, GTS, and GTS Spyder. All models were FWD. The GTS trims were introduced in 2003, and the RS trim was dropped in 2005.
Third Generations (3G)(2000–2005):
- Eclipse RS & GS: Base model equipped with a 152 hp 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G64 engine
- Eclipse GS Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a 152 hp 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G64 engine
- Eclipse GT: Hardtop FWD model equipped with a 200 hp (205 hp federal spec 2000-2001 only) 3.0 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G72 engine
- Eclipse GT Spyder: convertible FWD model equipped with a 200 hp (205 hp federal spec 2000-2001 only) 3.0 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G72 engine
- Eclipse GTS: Hardtop FWD model equipped with a 210 hp 3.0 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G72 engine with Mitsubishi Variable Induction Management (MVIM)
- Eclipse GTS Spyder: convertible FWD model equipped with a 205 lbs of torque/ ft 210 hp 3.0 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G72 engine with MVIM
ECU trims for V6 models
- Fed Spec: Fed Specs only affect 2000 and some 2001 models, Manufactured from August 1999 to late October 2000, these GTs came with and . The Fed Spec GT is most recognizable for having one catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is a device used to reduce the toxicity of emissions from an internal combustion engine. First widely introduced on series-production automobiles in the U.S. market for the 1975 model year to comply with tightening EPA regulations on auto exhaust, catalytic converters are...
(cat) and two O2 sensorsAn oxygen sensor, or lambda sensor, is an electronic device that measures the proportion of oxygen in the gas or liquid being analyzed. It was developed by Robert Bosch GmbH during the late 1960s under supervision by Dr. Günter Bauman...
, with one sensor before the cat and the other after.
- Cali Spec: Cali Specs in 2000 were primarily shipped to California
California is the most populous state in the United States, and the third largest by area. California is the second most populous sub-national entity in the Americas, behind only São Paulo, Brazil...
because of the more stringent emission laws; although other areas of North AmericaNorth America is the northern continent of the Americas, situated in the Earth's northern hemisphere and in the western hemisphere. It is bordered on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the east by the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southeast by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the North Pacific...
received them as well. The Eclipse GT line was switched over for cost reasons to the Cali Spec, so only one version of the GT would be manufactured. Cali Specs came with less and less. Cali Spec emissions control are three catalytic converters and four O2 sensors. After each exhaust header is a sensor followed by a pre-cat then the main cat after y-pipe then two more O2 Sensors.
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse EV
The
Mitsubishi Eclipse EV is a prototype
electric vehicleThe battery electric vehicle, or BEV, is a type of electric vehicle that uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs....
with a lightweight electric motor and lithium-ion batteries in the chassis of a third generation Eclipse. It is powered by manganese lithium-ion batteries made by Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. which have 65-percent reduced charging time over nickel-hydrogen batteries.
It participated in the 2001 Shikoku EV Rally, a 780 km circuit around the perimeter of
Shikokuis the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan, located south of Honshū and east of the island of Kyūshū. Its ancient names include Iyo-no-futana-shima , Iyo-shima , and Futana-shima...
, Japan, where it drove in excess of 400 km on a single battery charge.
2006–Current (4G) Mitsubishi Eclipse
Another substantial styling revision was introduced, with the new model taking some of the profile from the second generation model but maintaining a front fascia consistent with Mitsubishi's current corporate styling features. Drivetrain features of the new model include a 265 hp (193.9
kWkw or KW may refer to:* Kuwait* kW, kilowatt* Kw, the self-ionization of water* kw, the Cornish language * KW, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada* KW, Kripke's Wittgenstein in Kripkenstein* Kanye West a rapper...
) 3.8
L
MIVECMIVEC is the brand name of a variable valve timing engine technology developed by Mitsubishi Motors. MIVEC, as with other similar systems, varies the timing, lift and duration of the valves by using two different camshaft profiles...
V6 and a 163 hp (123 kW) 2.4 L
MIVECMIVEC is the brand name of a variable valve timing engine technology developed by Mitsubishi Motors. MIVEC, as with other similar systems, varies the timing, lift and duration of the valves by using two different camshaft profiles...
I4, both derived from the
Mitsubishi PS platformThe Mitsubishi PS platform, also known as "Project America", is mid-size, front wheel drive platform developed by Mitsubishi Motors North America. It is used for the Endeavor, Galant, and Eclipse...
family, with which the Eclipse shares many mechanical components. Like the 2004 Galant, the new Eclipse is FWD only, although a concept model has been produced by Mitsubishi and Ralliart with a
MillenWorksMillenWorks, known as Rod Millen Motorsports until 2005, is an automotive technology company started by Rod Millen in 1980. The company began by preparing Millen's rally cars, and evolved into designing and building them...
designed hybrid-electric AWD platform, the 4G63 engine from the
Lancer EvolutionThe Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, colloquially known as the Lancer Evo or Evo ,is a car manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. There have been ten official versions to date, and the designation of each model is most commonly a roman numeral. All of them share a two litre, turbocharged engine and...
, and more aggressive body styling with imitation carbon fiber accents. The V6 produces and of
torqueTorque, also called moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
.
The fourth-generation
SpyderThe SPYDER is an anti-aircraft missile system developed by RAFAEL and using surface-to-air versions of the Python 5 and Derby missiles, also made by RAFAEL....
(
convertibleA convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle. Many different automobile body styles are manufactured and marketed in convertible form....
) Eclipse was released for the 2007 model year at the
North American International Auto ShowThe North American International Auto Show , is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
.
Trim levels
In the United States, its primary market, the Eclipse is available in four trim levels: GS, GS Spyder, GT, and GT Spyder. In Mexico, the GT Spyder is known as the Eclipse Convertible. In Canada, the GT trim is known as the GT-P.
4th gen (2006–present) cars:
- Eclipse GS: Base FWD model equipped with a 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G69 engine
- Eclipse GS Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G69 engine
- Eclipse GT: Hardtop FWD model equipped with a 263 hp 3.8 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G75 engine
- Eclipse GT Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a 260 hp 3.8 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G75 engine
The models and standard / optional equipment:
- GS Standard- Choice of five-speed manual or Sportronic automatic transmission, a 140-watt
The watt is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units . It measures rate of energy conversion. One watt is equivalent to 1 joule of energy per second....
(max.) Mitsubishi CD/MP3-compatible audio system with six speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, an anti-theft immobilizer, auto-off halogen headlamps, power windows/locks/mirrorA mirror is an object with at least one polished and therefore specularly reflective surface. The most familiar type of mirror is the plane mirror, which has a flat surface...
s, air conditioningAn air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area, or provide heat to an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
, a split fold-down rear seat, two 12-volt accessory outlets, anti-lock brakes, a rear spoiler, and a six airbagAn airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly in an automobile collision, to prevent vehicle occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or window....
safety system.
Options Include- Sun & Sound package with a power sunroof is paired with a 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate audio system. Boasting nine speakers including a trunk-mounted subwoofer, a 6-CD in-dash changer, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, the package also includes a center display with outside temperature and compass readings and an electrochromic rear-view mirror. A four piece body kit comes as an optional "aero kit" package for all models.
- GS Spyder - available for sale for the 2007 model year.
Options Include - GS Deluxe Leather Package: Leather front seating surfaces. Heated front seats. Heated side mirrors. Outside temperature indicator and compass in center dash display.
- GT Standard- Choice of six-speed manual or a five-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, a 140-watt (max.) Mitsubishi CD/MP3
MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression. It is a common audio format for consumer audio storage, as well as a de facto standard of digital audio compression for the transfer and playback of music on...
-compatible audio system with six speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, an anti-theft immobilizer, auto-off halogen headlamps, fog lamps, power windows/locks/mirrors, air-conditioning, a split fold-down rear seat, two 12-volt accessory outlets, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a rear spoiler, dual-stage six airbag safety system, traction control, a front strut tower bar, and a center display with outside temperature and compass readings.
Options Include- Premium Sport Package with seven-spoke alloy wheels, leather front seating surfaces, a power
sunroofAn automotive sunroof is a fixed or operable opening in an automobile roof which allows light and/or fresh air to enter the passenger compartment. Sunroofs may be manually operated or motor driven, and are available in many shapes, sizes and styles...
, an eight-way-adjustable (six power) driver's seat, alloy pedals, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, air-conditioning and a 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers, including a ten-inch (254 mm) trunk-mounted subwoofer, a 6-CD/MP3-compatible in-dash changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
- GT Spyder - available for sale for the 2007 model year.
Options Include - GT Premium Sport Package: 18" Alloy wheels. Leather front seating surfaces. 6-way power driver's seat. Heated front seats. Heated side mirrors. Aluminum pedals. Automatic climate control. Wind Deflector
2009 facelift
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was given a minor facelift for the 2009 model year, adding optional dual exhaust and projector H.I.D. headlamps. The V6 engine now rated at 265hp and 262lb-ft torque. It was unveiled at the 2008
Chicago Auto ShowThe Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Placeconvention complex. At , with over 1,000 vehicles on display, it is the largest auto show in North America and the third largest in the world .The event, first produced in 1901, has been staged more times than any other...
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