The Eclipse bodywork: sculpture and science

There are two visual components that give the 2000 Eclipse its unique look: the smooth, organic shape of the upper body, and the hard, mechanical profile of the lower body. Mitsubishi Motors' Cypress, Calif. design studio created the coupe's leading-edge exterior and interior, using the term "geo-mechanical" to describe its work. When the new Eclipse went public at the Chicago and New York auto shows, the styling was called everything from "international" to "avant-garde." Here's a look at the thinking behind the design.

The roof's clean, unbroken arc connects into the arches above the fenders in three interlocking radii. Gently contoured and artistically sculptured, this portion of the Eclipse body gives the coupe a sleek profile and natural form. It also provides a balanced side-view signature that's highly recognizable. With three strokes of a pencil, an artist could "describe" the car - and it would be instantly recognizable as the 2000 Eclipse.

Midway down the car's flanks, a sharp horizontal crease defines the more businesslike lower section of the body. Styled like a billet of steel that's been carved down to the wheel centers, the exterior's sharp details, horizontal contours and flat surfaces tell your eye that Eclipse has a low center of gravity. Aesthetically, the machined portion of the vehicle pulls it closer to the ground.

The Eclipse interior: 2+2 equals style, design and function

The dual cockpit design of the Eclipse interior reflects the "geo-mechanical" theme of the exterior, with a combination of natural and structured shapes setting the tone. Together they produce a functional and forward-looking 2+2 sports coupe cabin.

The primary theme of the interior revolves around soft pods in front of the driver and front passenger, and the "hard" framework that houses them. Both the drivers instrument panel and passengers air bag/glove box modules are rounded and organic, while the dashboard and center console have a more defined and technical look. This appearance is carried into the grain of the surfaces, where the structural surfaces have a stipple finish that recalls high-end office furniture, and the "organic" surfaces have a grain that approximates animal skin.

To engineer a more open atmosphere, the driver and passenger pods have been pushed away from the occupants, and the center floor console has been angled down and away from the legs. As a result, the interior presents a more open and less confining design. Even the foot wells have been opened up to increase comfort and provide a greater sense of spaciousness.

In the rear passenger compartment, additional head, leg and shoulder room make Eclipse a more functional 2+2.

Ergonomics also benefit from the new design, most notably, in the orientation of the major gauges and the location of the radio display panel. The speedometer and tachometer are now housed in their own binnacle, placed higher in the drivers sight line and isolated from the secondary gauges. As a result, they're easier to see and provide a faster "read." The dashboard structure was then lowered approximately an inch to provide a better view of the road.

By separating the audio readout from the head unit, the position of the display atop the center of the dash means the driver won't have to look away from the road while driving. Even the seats are designed to make the Eclipse easier to operate, as the side bolsters extend upward to support the shoulders, but cutouts provide space for arm and elbow movement.. In a manual transmission car, this is particularly important for the driver.

Although the Eclipse interior places its emphasis on driving dynamics, there are details throughout that will make this coupe very convenient to live with. From the big assist grips on the doors, to the expandable cup holders and two power outlets, there are plenty of thoughtful elements in the Eclipse interior.

Take the side pockets in the doors; they're big enough t6 hold a substantial map book. The audio system is now mounted above the heating and air-conditioning controls, making it easier to reach and less likely to conflict with the gear shifter. There's even a hand-pad on the doorsill scuff plates. With its non-slip surface, the pad is designed to help the driver and front passenger 'push off' from their seats when they exit the car. It's surprisingly effective, and makes getting out of the low-slung Eclipse quite a bit easier.

Even the steering wheel came in for redesign. The air bag module is smaller, the horn uses a membrane switch that covers the surface of the wheel center and there are thick handgrips at the 9- and 3-o'clock positions, with cutouts for the thumbs.

Exciting to look at, intuitive to use and easy to live with, Eclipse proves that a sports coupe interior can be dramatic and functional at the same time.

New 4-cylinder engine: the horses are stronger, smoother and quieter

In Eclipse IRS and GS, the previous model's Chrysler-built 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has been replaced with a Mitsubishi-built 2.4-liter four cylinder. Step on the accelerator, and you'll find that this 16-valve engine responds with more power and torque and dramatically less noise, vibration and harshness.

Horsepower jumps from 140 at 6000 rpm to 154* at 5500 rpm. The 15-horsepower advantage is even more noticeable because the power peak is 500 rpm lower in the rev range. In other words, maximum horsepower is more accessible for everyday driving.

More noticeable yet is the dramatic increase in torque. The outgoing engine had 130 lb.-ft. at 4800 rpm, but the new Eclipse engine generates a much greater 163* lb.-ft at 4500 rpm. Because of the 2.4-liter engine's larger size and greater torque, there's no need to "wind up' the engine for a powerful launch. Just step on the accelerator and the torque is right there, right now.