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- Mitsubishi Eclipse
The sporty Mitsubishi Eclipse was launched in 1989 - a front wheel drive, three door sports hatchback powered by four cylinder engines.
It was a high performance creation born out of a joint development between Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and MMMA (Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America, Inc.) formerly Diamond Star Motors.
There were four models - the base 1.8 litre engine Eclipse, Eclipse GS DOHC 2.0 litre, Eclipse GS DOHC Turbo featuring a turbocharged 2.0 litre and the Eclipse GSX included the turbo charge and all wheel drive.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Turbo and GSX were quickly among the fastest four-cylinder production automobiles in the world however these turbocharged versions did not sell well for some reason.
Performance: GS Turbo: 0-60 in 6.8 seconds, 1/4 mile in 15.2 seconds @ 91.5 mph.
There has been a question mark over the continued existence of Mitsubishi as sales have been plummeting recently particularly in the key US market where they have halved in the last few years. Now the company is reviving with an 8.6 per cent increase in European sales - up from 207,939 units in 2003 to 225,826 in 2004. American sales are also improving. The latest Eclipse GSX looks set to help this upward sales trend. The UK is a major market for Mitsubishi and last year there was a 13.1 per cent increase in units shifted to 35,610. As recently as 2000 UK sales were half that figure.
Our reviewers are in love with this car citing sporty looks, performance, ease of modification and excellent value as plus points. There are some maintenance issues but these seem to be offset by the general pleasure the Eclipse models provide.
First generation models launched.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse received its first major redesign with standard airbags and 2.0 litre engine. The turbo models - now called GS Turbo and GSX - received power upgrades. The base Eclipse was renamed the Eclipse RS. Styling was improved and the interior was more luxurious.
Mitsubishi Eclipse - The all new Mitsubishi Eclipse moved from boy-racer look and performance in exchange for sophistication. Leaving the unpopular turbo charged engines the Eclipse was now available in RS, GS or GT format. The RS and GS came standard with 2.4 litre four cylinder engine. The GT sported 3.0 V6 engine. The new Eclipse was larger with more interior space.
Mitsubishi Eclipse - Mitsubishi revealed the latest coupe Eclipse this year at the important US Detroit show with a choice of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit or 3.8-litre V6 GT. The V6 features Mitsubishis MIVEC variable valve timing and lift system, releasing 260bhp and 260lb.ft of torque. It looks good returning more to the individual look of the earlier models and comes with oversize V-6. It should ensure the new Eclipse some sales success. The interior design is also impressive.
In the US Eclipse was voted 1995 MotorWeek Drivers Choice by readers of MotorWeek magazine.
The year the Eclipse was launched it received the Industrial Design Excellence Award from the Industrial Design Society of America.
Mitsubishi says the Eclipse offers style, fun, performance, and value for money and it is hard to disagree.[B]Overall, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is a good performance car at a reasonable price with good road-holding abilities.
