MMSA Unveils
2000 ECLIPSE Sports Coupe
At
1999 New York International Auto Show

Like its predecessor, the 2000 ECLIPSE has been developed primarily to match the needs of the North American compact sports coupe segment, and will be produced at Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America, Inc. plant in Normal, Illinois. It will be available at Mitsubishi Motors dealerships throughout the United States late this summer. The company is looking to sell around 55,000 units from the year 2000 onwards.

2000 ECLIPSE Profile

The exciting all-new 2000 ECLIPSE sports coupe teams all-new styling with a refined and functional interior and harnesses a V6 power unit to a new Sportronic^TM transmission (the INVECS-II with Sport Mode automatic transmission in Japan) to deliver Mitsubishi's trademark fun-to-drive performance.

1. Sporty, sophisticated design
Conceived at Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America, Inc., the 2000 ECLIPSE continues the "Geo-mechanical " design theme first seen in Mitsubishi's SST concept car. Within compact dimensions, the design marries a cabin-forward layout with distinctive front and rear views to achieve sports coupe lines that are at the same time both bold and sophisticated.

2. Fun-to-drive powertrain
The all-new 2000 ECLIPSE offers a choice of powerplants: A new 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder 154 PS^*2 engine that delivers improved bottom-end and mid-range torque; and, a 3.0-liter V6 205 PS^*2 unit that generates relaxed torque across the whole range and delivers class-topping dynamic performance. These powerplants are mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or to Mitsubishi's INVECS-II 4-speed smart automatic transmission. This advanced transmission incorporates Optimal Shift Control, which uses the latest logic circuit technology to provide optimal shift scheduling for different road conditions, and Adaptive Shift Control, which tailors shift scheduling to the preferences and driving patterns of individual drivers. And for the first time on a Mitsubishi model in the United States, luxury trim levels powered by the 2.4-liter engine, and 3.0-liter V6 models are offered with Mitsubishi's Sportronic? automatic transmission that can be shifted as a clutchless manual or used as a conventional automatic to further enhance 2000 ECLIPSE's fun-to-drive qualities.

3. Stylish, functional interior
The all-new 2000 ECLIPSE rides on a 50 mm longer wheelbase, is 80 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 15 mm taller than its predecessor. This makes for a roomier, more comfortable interior, as well as more luggage space.

The 2000 ECLIPSE will be the first vehicle in its segment to offer an in-dash CD changer. Other trim and equipment supporting the new model's fun-to-drive qualities and standard on all models include the audio display located separately from the radio, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, alloy wheels and an immobilizer system. An improved climate control system and solar control glass provide enhanced occupant comfort.

4. Safety
Features contributing to improved occupant protection in the new 2000 ECLIPSE include: Advanced safety chassis and body, driver and front passenger air bags with side air bags available, and the use of energy absorbing material in the interior trim.