Mitsubishi Eclipse
Say hello to the new Mitsubishi Eclipse, an American coup� aiming for a bigger slice of the sports car sector. Launched this week in the States, it is powered by a 3.8-litre V6 offering 263bhp. With swooping bodywork and front-wheel drive, it is Japan's answer to the Audi TT.
Mitsubishi's 3.8-litre V6 is fitted with MIVEC variable valve timing, which offers smooth power and plenty of torque.
Say hello to the new Mitsubishi Eclipse, an American coup� aiming for a bigger slice of the sports car sector. Launched this week in the States, it is powered by a 3.8-litre V6 offering 263bhp. With swooping bodywork and front-wheel drive, it is Japan's answer to the Audi TT.
Available in the UK as an import, the name is likely to be new to many British car fans - but when the Eclipse first appeared the US in 1990, it shook the coup� segment to the core.
Petite proportions, a capable four-wheel-drive chassis and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine made it an instant hit. Now powered by a big V6, the new car is longer, lower and wider, yet is still a sensational-looking machine.
Inside, the interior is more daring than past Mitsubishi offerings. The dash curves across the cabin, while the layout is clear and easy to use. Some of the plastics are of a poor quality, though.
Cabin space is tight, despite the car's larger dimensions. The front seats are claustrophobic and you will also need to think twice about taking back seat passengers. As with the TT, the rears are more a goodwill gesture than functioning chairs.
Their small size does at least mean there is a generous boot, which can be extended by folding the rear bench flat. When it comes to road manners, the Eclipse feels bigger and heavier than the original car. It is based on the same platform as the Outlander SUV, and while the suspension offers reasonable control, the front-wheel-drive chassis and heavy V6 engine mean the car understeers through tight corners.
However, with 263bhp and a six-speed manual or five-speed auto gearbox, the Eclipse is certainly quick, with the sprint from 0-60mph taking only seven seconds. So perhaps it is no surprise that the coup� is a success. With 40,000 orders already taken, it is sure to become a familiar sight on US roads.
With a convertible Spyder coming, things can only get better. So could the car do well in the UK? It has the looks, yet without official support, it is unlikely.
