Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is introducing its revised 2010
Eclipse, which arrives in dealerships this summer. Restyled front and rear
bumper fascias helped distinguish the Eclipse models for 2009, with the GT also
sporting a new large rear spoiler. The GT model also gained standard high
intensity discharge (HID) head lamps for 2009, further sharpening front styling
while aiding visibility for nighttime driving. For the 2010 model year, the
Eclipse adds the GS Sport trim that combines the aggressive exterior appearance
of the GT with the fuel economy of the four cylinder GS model.
The 2010 Eclipse GT announces its presence a bit more strongly, thanks to a new
dual exhaust system introduced in 2009 that yields a more powerful sound while
also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263). Already equipped with a full
array of proven safety technology, the Eclipse GT gained Active Stability
Control (ASC) as standard equipment in 2009. Additional features include the
availability of Bluetooth connectivity in addition to rearview camera with
screen in rear view mirror.
Newly styled single-color front and rear bumper fascias lend a more defined
appearance to the Eclipse GS, while the new two-tone bumper fascias for the GT
model further emphasizes its road-hungry stance. The "attainable exotic" design
of the fourth-generation Eclipse is further underscored for 2010 by the
availability of a moody new exterior hue, Carbon metallic and Solar, a vibrant
new yellow. Models with the standard cloth interior feature upgraded fabrics.
Audio Superpower
The Rockford-Fosgate 650-watt (max.)audio system that is part of the optional
Sun & Sound Package available for the GS and GT models is among the most
powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems in the market today. The option
features a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer that can play MP3 CDs, and also includes
SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a 3-month pre-paid subscription. SIRIUS Satellite
Radio provides digital sound quality, seamless coast-to-coast coverage, and
nearly 200 channels of programming, many of them commercial-free.
The Rockford-Fosgate system plays through nine speakers, including a 10-inch
subwoofer. The PUNCH® control and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) give the user
total control over the subwoofer's "punch" level and provide custom music-genre
equalization as well as sound field image settings, including: Normal, Stage,
Live and Hall. A DSP sound setting memory function allows users to configure all
eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for favorite CDs,
artists, or music genres.
The Sun & Sound Package, as its name might suggest, also adds a power sunroof
with sunshade. In addition, the package includes an array of comfort and
convenience features, including steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming
rear-view mirror. On the GS, the package also adds a glove box with damper,
illuminated ignition key cylinder and a windshield shade band, all of which are
already standard on the GT model.
The optional Premium Sport Package for the Eclipse GT combines all the features
of the Sun & Sound Package with automatic climate control, leather seating, a
power driver's seat, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. Also with
this package, the GT's 18-inch alloy wheels feature a distinctive machine finish
with argent background.
Eclipsing the Competition
Eclipse is offered in two trim and performance levels. The GS model is powered
by a
162-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. With a 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter
V-6 engine, the Eclipse GT plays in a serious league of performance cars. Both
Eclipse engines employ the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control
(MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad
engine speed range. The GT's 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm provides
forceful off-the-line thrust. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the
Eclipse GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about six seconds.
The Eclipse GS features a standard 5-speed manual transmission and offers an
optional 4-speed automatic. The GT offers an optional 5-speed automatic. In both
Eclipse models, Sportronic™ console shifters allow manual gearshift control.
Curve-Taming Chassis Tuning
A rigid platform enables the 4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse
sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride. The front suspension uses
a proven MacPherson strut design with a 22-mm stabilizer bar.
On the Eclipse GT, a strut tower bar supplements chassis rigidity. The
low-mounted multi-link rear suspension is equipped with either a 20-mm (GS) or
21-mm (GT) rear stabilizer bar. All Eclipse models come equipped with standard
4-wheel disc brakes with 11.6-inch ventilated front discs, anti-lock (ABS) and
electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Rear brakes are 10.3-inch solid discs
on the GS, and 11.2-inch ventilated discs on GT.
The Eclipse GS rolls on standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R17
V-rated tires (18-in. with SE). The GT features standard 18-inch alloy wheels
with 235/45R18 V-rated tires. A standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
on all models can alert the driver to the potentially hazardous condition of
having too-low air pressure in one or more tires.
Comprehensive Safety
All Eclipse coupe models are equipped with advanced dual front airbags, front
seat mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The front seat belts
integrate pre-tensioners with force limiters. Energy absorbing materials cover
the inside of the front, center and C-pillars to help reduce the possibility of
injury during a collision.
The Eclipse unibody structure features extensive reinforcement, including front
and rear crumple zones, for passenger protection in the event of a collision.
Robust front subframe members are connected with a dash panel crossmember and
strong, front steel crossmember to help create a rigid boxed section front
subframe area. Reinforced side sill members also help disperse collision energy,
and high-strength steel cross members across the floor help absorb side impact
energy.
Exotic Style with Everyday Comfort
Eclipse combines exotic-inspired interior design with long-distance comfort. The
dash and door panels are covered in upscale, modern, padded and textured
materials that match the seat coverings. The center dash features a prominent
climate and audio control stack with large control knobs and fin-shut vents.
Atop the center panel, a signature Mitsubishi LCD screen provides radio and
clock displays plus compass and ambient temperature indicators in certain
models. At night, the gauges, interior control knobs, and switches are
illuminated by striking ice-blue LED lamps.
Eclipse's high-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints
for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. A large-capacity glove box and
numerous cubbies and storage compartments highlight everyday usability. With
both the 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks lowered, the Eclipse provides a
generous 15.7 cu. ft. of carrying capacity, and the hatch features a wide
opening and a low lift-over.
Mitsubishi Value
On all Eclipse models, the long list of standard equipment includes air
conditioning, auto-off head lamps, cruise control, engine immobilizer, keyless
entry and power windows, locks and mirrors. In addition to GS-level equipment,
the GT adds Active Stability Control (ASC), HID head lamps, electronic traction
control, fog lamps and a standard outside temperature and compass display (the
last item included in the optional GS Sun & Sound Package, as well).
The Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder sports models, along with the Galant
midsize sedans and the Endeavor crossover SUV, are all built in the Mitsubishi
manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill. One of the industry's most flexible assembly
plants, the Mitsubishi manufacturing facility is proudly celebrating its 20th
anniversary of vehicle production in 2008.