MITSUBISHI MOTORS INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2000 ECLIPSE
New "Geo-Mechanical" Exterior Design Highlights the Redesigned Sports Coupe

NEW YORK - The all-new 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse, which made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show, is a bold, aggressively styled sports coupe that builds on its own heritage of affordable high performance while adding a new level of sophistication. Designed at the Mitsubishi Motors' R&D of America, Inc. (MRDA) design studio, Eclipse's sleek new look is teamed with a refined interior and new engine options to create a car that is both practical and functional and offers outstanding fun-to-drive performance.

"As the hottest selling international brand sports coupe, it was important that the redesign of the all-new Eclipse embody the spirited brand position of Mitsubishi Motors," said Pierre Gagnon, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA). "To exceed this goal, Mitsubishi Motors' California-based design studio has produced a vehicle that is both sporty and sophisticated, while delivering outstanding performance at an unbelievable value."

The all-new Eclipse, which is assembled at the Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America, Inc. (MMMA) plant in Normal, Ill., will go on sale this summer.

Sporty, Sophisticated Design

Redesigned from the ground up, Eclipse's most striking feature is its bold, new exterior. Longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, the aggressively styled sports coupe is sure to not only turn heads, but to draw comparisons with expensive European sports coupes.

The all-new Eclipse features styling cues taken directly from Mitsubishi Motors' SST concept car, continuing the trademark "geo-mechanical design theme of Mitsubishi Motors' design center in southern California. The "geo-mechanical" look combines basic shapes and forms with taut surfaces to appear as if they were machined from metal. Even the Eclipse's fuel filler has a riveted, metallic-like appearance.

Designed to suggest "metal in motion,n the 2000 Eclipse's door strakes make the new sports coupe appear to be moving even when standing still. From its graceful hood lines and chiseled taillights to its artful roof design and aggressive stance, Eclipse appears to be sculpted from a single piece of metal.

Fun-to-drive Performance

The all-new Eclipse offers a choice of powerplants - including two versions of a powerful 4-cylinder engine and its first-ever V6 - to provide the performance to back up its sleek appearance.

Eclipse's new 2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine produces 155-horsepower*, and offers smooth, efficient operation through the use of balance shafts. When equipped with a 5-speed transmission, Eclipse's 4-cylinder has a high-speed camshaft.

Continuing its heritage of fun-to-drive performance, the 2000 Eclipse offers a 3.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 engine. Expected to produce 205-horsepower*, Eclipse's V6 engine replaces the turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the previous generation, providing similar power with a broader torque range.

Furthering the enjoyment of Eclipse's outstanding performance, both engines come with either a 5-speed manual or Mitsubishi Motors' new SportronicTm automatic transmission, which can be shifted as a clutchless manual or used like a conventional automatic.

* with 5-speed transmission; final power ratings will be released in June, 1999. CA/NLEV ratings may differ from Federal ratings.