In the high-performance world, Mitsubishi's reputation rests on the fabulous Evo series of sedans which don't look much but go like stink. Like the Evo, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has always been based on a sedan underbody, but has looked good enough to attract plenty of buyers.
The latest version, with 263 bhp going through the front wheels promises plenty of performance for a compact coupe. For 2007, there is also the Spyder convertible. Sounds good. The Eclipse is the first car to get Mitsubishi's new corporate front end, with a divided grille and big mouth below. The hood slopes up, the sides are contoured, and the coupe has a smart fastback tail. Then, there are wide, curved rear fenders meant to reflect the rear end of a supercar. It does not quite work, but the Eclipse does look a sporty coupe.
The Spyder looks less sporty, somehow. It has a high tail so there is room for the soft top, and so is too high. Overall it looks like a boulevard cruiser rather than a car ready to hurtle round the bends on a mountain pass.
3.8 liter V-6
If you want performance, you will opt for the 3.8 liter V-6, which churns out a healthy 263 bhp at 5,6750 rpm and 260 lb ft (350 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm, thanks to four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing – called MIVEC. The question with the Eclipse is whether the power is too much for front-wheel drive, particularly as Mitsubishi sticks with iron cylinder blocks, so both the 2.4 and 3.8 liter engines are heavy. That makes sense with the 2.4 liter, which is based on the engine used in the Evo, and can be tuned to give 400 bhp – reliably. But it does not make any sense with the larger V-6, resulting in a heavy front end and slow turn-in.
As standard the V-6 comes with a six-speed manual box , with the option of of a five- speed automatic. The automatic also has a manual shift system – Mitsubishi has been making these for years.
There is nothing new in the suspension department – standard sedan stuff with struts at the front and multi-links at the rear. To reduce roll, though, there are anti-roll bars front and rear. The handling is similar to that of a sedan.
The disc brakes come with ABS and electronic brake distribution as standard, and there is a traction control to stop too much power getting the front wheels at T-junctions, or when you drive too enthusiastically – very necessary. For sporty drivers, there is the option of 18-inch wheels, which are part of a sports pack.
Built on a sedan all-steel underbody, the Eclipse is heavy at 3,274 lb, and the Spyder is heavier – this is normal – at 3,505 lb. The fact is that the Eclipse is too big and heavy and has too much weight at the front to be a sports car, so it is more a boulevard cruiser with pretty good acceleration. Both the Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder are good value if you are looking for a sporty looking auto. Can't wait for the new Evo....
