Mitsubishi Eclipse consistently puts other sports coupes in its shadow. With athletic good looks, available turbocharged power and all-wheel drive, Eclipse outshines its competitors not only at stoplights, but also as the hottest-selling import nameplate in its class. This unique combination of exotic performance and styling, combined with Eclipse's value-oriented pricing, will undoubtedly keep this sport coupe popular in 1999 as well.

Eclipse's phenomenal success is partly due to an exterior design that could easily double as an auto show concept car. Styled at Mitsubishi Motors' design center in Southern California, Eclipse has an aggressive front fascia with large air intakes, flowing roofline and trademark full-width tail lamps. It's a look that is as fashionable as it is unique, allowing the Eclipse to look like no other sports coupe.

Where Eclipse really surpasses others in its class is a wide combination of performance and value that fits a variety of sports coupe buyers. Its available turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive are quite unusual, let alone in this price range. Additionally, its sophisticated four-wheel independent, multi-link suspension system provides a balance of sporty handling plus a smooth ride.

In all, Eclipse has the styling, performance and handling that make it a great form of rapid transit. Yet this sports coupe isn't all about fun - it offers a considerable amount of practicality, too.

Comparing the purchase costs, insurance and maintenance of all sports coupes over a five-year period, IntelliChoice@ named Eclipse GS-T and GSX "A Best Overall Value" in 1998.

And, for 1999, each Eclipse model offers a long list of standard equipment with a competitive pricing structure - and there's even a new Sports Value Package for the popular Eclipse GS that provides a considerable amount of features at a discounted price.

Eclipse RS

Even though the Eclipse RS is the most affordable model in the line, it's far from being "base." It's powered by a gutsy 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine that produces 140 horsepower, with a choice of a 5-speed manual or available 4-speed automatic transmission.

Where many sports coupes in this price range might be considered rather basic, the entry level Eclipse RS has body color bumpers, full wheel covers you'd swear were alloys, dual sideview mirrors and a rear window defroster. Inside, there are woven cloth bucket seats, a full console with dual cupholders, even an AM/FM stereo with a CD player and four speakers.

And, through two different option packages, RS buyers can add everything from air conditioning, alloy wheels, a cargo cover and rear spoiler, to power windows, power door locks and cruise control.

Eclipse GS

Eclipse GS is the most popular model in the Eclipse line, and with good reason. Powered by the normally aspirated 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine, GS is an extraordinary blend of sportiness, style and value.

Eclipse GS begins with 16-inch wheels and tires, four-wheel disc brakes, rear stabilizer bar, low-profile rear spoiler, side cladding, fog lights and 50/50 split rear seat. There's even a 3-channel HomeLink@ Universal Transceiver built into the driver's sun visor to control garage doors, entry gates and the like.

And, Eclipse GS becomes even more distinctive with its new Sports Value Package. Adding unique 16-inch O-Z Racing alloy wheels, the high-profile spoiler and chromed exhaust from its turbocharged siblings, as well as leather front seating surfaces, special black-on-white gauges, AM/FM stereo with both cassette and compact disc players, the Sports Value package provides Eclipse GS with extra style at a discounted price.


Eclipse GS-T

This is where the real performance begins. Producing up to 210-horsepower from a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC engine, Eclipse GS-T puts its high profile rear spoiler way out in front of Cougar, Celica and Prelude. And, generally, you'll find its chrome-plated 16-inch wheels in motion as Eclipse GS-T a blast to drive. But, when it is time to stop, there are four-wheel disc brakes with available ABS.

Inside, there's a long list of standard equipment ranging from cruise control and power windows and door locks, to a power glass sunroof and Mitsubishi/Infinity@ premium AM/FM stereo with six speakers and both cassette and CD players. There's even a security system with remote, keyless entry and a panic feature. In addition, there are special black-on-white gauges (new for 1999), and GS-T's standard front sport seats are covered in stylish patterned cloth or available leather trim.

Eclipse GSX

The Eclipse GSX is quite similar to the turbocharged GS-T, with one major difference: its all-wheel drive system has the all-weather ability to get that 210-horsepower* to the ground in the most efficient, effective manner.

All-wheel drive is a rare benefit for any sports car, much less in the GSX's price range. With a normal front-to-rear torque split of 50/50, the viscous coupling center differential can infinitely apportion power to the wheels that have the most traction. There's even a rear differential that can apply power to the left or right rear wheel if one is slipping. - Autoworld.com

Back to Today's News