For those of us who, due to the fact that we just can’t stand the looks of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, nor can we understand why it’s so powerful, the Eclipse GT could just do the trick for us.
Chicago Auto Show will be the scene for the unveiling of this 265 bhp/198kW, 3.8-litre V6, 262 pound-feet of torque coupe, now offered standard with dual exhaust pipes. You’ll need them, just in case those cocky Evo X boys attempt to test you. Which they will, and probably win. But it will be fun showing them up anyway.
Larger ventilated discs, ABS and EBD, along with HID headlights and stability control system come with the car from the factory. Two gearboxes, one 6-speed manual, the other a 5-speed Sportronic, can be fitted.
An all-new Eclipse is expected in 2010 when this updated version goes to bed. Perhaps then Mitsu will opt for a smaller engine with a turbo. Can’t wait.
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe and Spider Break Cover for Chicago Debut
Spot the Differences?
By Thami Masemola
February 3, 2008 11:20 PM
Filed Under: Chicago Auto Show, Japanese, Mitsubishi
Comments
joelynn
February 3, 2008 11:30 PM
I wish we got this in the UK- was there some talk that we might?
Blaconque
February 4, 2008 12:33 AM
if u want the truth its not more special than the old ECLIPSE ...realy ... the only problem is its personality and the EVIL side in its design
Joe_Limon
February 4, 2008 1:06 AM
:( I wish this car was awd and had 320 hp... oh wait nvm what I want is the 3000gt back.
Ferrariguy
February 4, 2008 10:52 AM
Actually, the lancer/evo copied the GTR's front end. The GTR's proto type goes back to 2001 and that was way before the evo's. People assume that it was nissan that did the copying because the lancer came out first, but this is not the case.
NICKKOP
February 4, 2008 4:52 AM
blah... looks just as lame as a farenheit vw gti... which is lamest gti ever made...
NICKKOP
February 4, 2008 4:55 AM
the evo is ugly in comparison with its predecessor yet still has loosly stuck to its roots as far as turbo, awd, and available full manual trans. but unfortunately the new 4b11T turbo inline 4 has substantially less potential than the "legendary" 4G63T turbo inline 4 that it replaced, and evo 10 has gained too much weight as well. Lack of tuning potential with more weigh = bad equation
NICKKOP
February 4, 2008 4:58 AM
now this upcoming lancer ralliart also with a turbo inline-4 (but 60 less factory horsepower) and all wheel drive, for a price of probably around U.S. $25,000... this could really be something nice, although may need some subtle styling tweaks..
ck314
February 4, 2008 10:23 PM
The new Evo with optional 19" wheels looks as it should be, splendid, but 18" (not to mention 17" in some markets) just ruins the car's design. So yeah, wheels make up half of a car's design, and not always bigger is better. It's just a matter of balance.
foose1397
February 4, 2008 5:43 AM
Fights much better with Mitsubishi's design theme...plus looks more agressive and not so bland.
foose1397
February 4, 2008 5:43 AM
Fits much better with Mitsubishi's design theme...plus looks more agressive and not so bland.
NICKKOP
February 4, 2008 8:10 PM
Because 1. Mitsubishi doesnt make a V8 ; 2. It probably would not fit ; and 3. It is front wheel drive!! that would be lame!
NICKKOP
February 4, 2008 8:22 PM
Styling of this car is not too bad, but I think this car in its next generation, coming soon, needs a very strict diet (much less weight), rwd or AWD, and a smaller motor with a turbo or much more aggressive Mivec (VVTL) to be truly attractive and enjoyable. How about everyone else?
Lekz
February 4, 2008 9:31 PM
Mitsubishi's never had the prettiest designs, but they all have something that make 'em Mitsu... I just wish Eclipse stuck with its roots like the Evo... and perhaps a revival of the 3000gt?
Or maybe something out of the box... competing with audi on clean diesels maybe?
german-cars-lover
February 5, 2008 12:02 AM
O.K. what if they give it a V8 and AWD ?? Iam sure it will be a strong enemy for germans stars such as RS from Audi , M from BMW and AMG from Mercedes . Right ??
ck314
February 5, 2008 12:28 AM
dude you are so clueless and immature, dont you understand big engines means heavy weight which means lots of inertia and lack of agility aka sucky handling? if you want raw power on a straight line go get a dragster or a jet turbine powered tractor
NICKKOP
February 5, 2008 12:41 AM
think about it logically.. A V8 (engineered properly powertrain-wise and chassis-wise) would push the cost of this car up by $10,000 to 15,000, it would no longer be the same car by any means, and most of the the german/japanse car buyers in this higher price point would prefer those respective makes because of their reputations, unless this had something extraordinary to offer, and even then still would not be probably... so... no.. not realistic, and thats not even touching on fuel-efficiency, and other subjects....
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