2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
02/01/2006
Shahed Hussain
If there is one car that represents Mitsubishi in the US, it is the Eclipse. Even longer than the high profile Lancer EVO, the Eclipse has been the sports coupe of choice for buyers looking for affordable Japanese horsepower. The 2nd generation AWD Eclipse GSX was undoubtedly the most memorable, with a combination of racy styling and a zoomy turbo engine that was unmatched in the marketplace. Fast forward past the forgettable 3rd iteration car to the new 2006 Eclipse, with styling reminiscent of the beloved 2nd generation car, in a more spacious, comfortable package.
Although the Lancer EVO supplanted the Eclipse as its performance leader, Mitsubishi expended considerable effort to reestablish styling and performance credentials for its sports coupe. As a result, the new Eclipse draws upon its predecessors for inspiration, but with ample influences from the Audi TT, most obvious in the somewhat bulbous rear view. Even the Audi's signature fuel filler door has been reproduced, although the oval Mitsubishi version has an "Eclipse" embossed on it. The front fascia is a fresh curvaceous design, and bears no resemblance to the more angular lines of the Galant or Endeavor. Sweeping headlight clusters merge into the front fenders. Below the split front grille, fog lights in silver bezels flank the trapezoidal lower air intake. Seven-spoke alloy wheels are shod with 235/45R-18 Goodyear RS-A all-season tires. A small chromed spoiler sweeps across the curved tail to connect the flashy taillights, which resemble glowing red jet exhausts at night. Below the rear bumper, a large stainless steel exhaust tip announces the throaty burble of the 3.8L V-6. To its credit, Mitsubishi retained most major design elements from the 2004 Eclipse Concept-E that made it a memorable show car.
With its curvaceous exterior covered in Sunset Pearlescent (metallic orange) paint, this Mitsubishi attracts attention from other motorists. During a photo shoot, a retiree admired the Eclipse GT as he slowly drove by in his Taurus. He returned ten minutes later for another look at its striking lines. On Interstate 96, a black Dodge Charger SRT8 quickly slowed from its 110 mph warp speed to shadow the Eclipse GT, as the driver tried to identify this relatively rare coupe.
Mitsubishi didn't forget about a stylish interior either. Enter the cockpit, and the sport seats upholstered in vanilla-colored leather catch the eye. Contrasting orange bolsters covered with a suede-like fabric add a dash of color to the dark gray interior. These stylish seats are very comfortable and offer great support. Comprehensive 6-way power seat controls, including height & lumbar adjustment, will allow most drivers to find a comfortable position. Because the door-mounted armrests slope down, it is difficult to find a spot to rest an elbow. The driver faces a fat-rimmed leather-wrapped steering wheel, flanked by a chrome-ringed speedometer and tachometer backlit in cool blue with glowing red dials. Bright orange dash padding with flowing curves is simultaneously attractive and sporty. A hooded central vehicle status display shows audio and climate control status, as well as compass directions. Round climate control knobs located below the audio system controls are also backlit in blue. The A/C knob color glows green when powered on. Instead of molded rubber pedals, the Eclipse GT substitutes aluminum with grippy rubber pads. A generously sized dead pedal sits to the left of the clutch pedal.
Genuine Allen bolts attach the glossy silver shift lever bezel onto the center console, which also has dual cup holders and a convenient CD storage bin. Inside the bin is an additional 12V power outlet. An auto dimming rear view mirror is a pleasant surprise. The side windows drop slightly before the frameless doors close, and then rise up to seal securely against the door gasket. This prevents window rattle and sealing problems.
Since the Eclipse is based on the midsize Galant platform, the additional width allows a more spacious interior that feels less claustrophobic than the any previous Eclipse. Although the interior materials are generally of high quality, some of the textured plastics used on the upper door panels and glove box area are easily scuffed.
As in every previous Eclipse, accommodations for rear passengers are an afterthought. The swoopy roofline results in marginal headroom; so despite generously sized cushions, minimal legroom ensures that the back seats are best suited for small children, or very petite adults. Unlike the front seats, the rear seats upholstery is in dark gray leather.
A roomy cargo area can hold several standard suitcases, so a weeklong trip for two is no hardship. For additional capacity, the rear seats can be folded down. Since the optional subwoofer enclosure occupies part of the cargo area, soft luggage will maximize luggage capacity. The removable hard tonneau cover (with a stylized "Eclipse" logo) flips down and hides contents when the hatch is closed. Grocery bags and other objects are secured by a handy cargo net.
Audiophiles will gravitate towards the optional Rockford Fosgate CD audio system (650-watts max.) that cranks out accurate and high volume sound. Audio controls are clearly marked and easily accessible on the upper dash. Output from the 10-inch subwoofer is especially impressive, and will attract younger buyers looking for thumping bass from a factory audio system. Although the 6-CD changer will play MP3 encoded discs, there is no auxiliary input for external MP3 players.
Mitsubishi equips the Eclipse GT with a standard 263-bhp 3.8L V-6, mated to a standard 6-speed manual. A 5-speed Sportronic® automatic is optional. The first five transmission ratios are closely spaced for maximum performance. Sixth gear is tall enough for quiet cruising at 80 mph. The transmission shifts positively, despite a slightly damped and remote feel through the shift lever. Clutch actuation is light and progressive, engaging about halfway up the somewhat long pedal travel. The handbrake lever requires minimal effort to engage.
The variable valve-timing MIVEC V-6 has a sporty rumble through the exhaust, and revs smoothly right to redline. With plentiful low RPM torque, the Eclipse GT accelerates quickly with no fuss, but the traction control activates frequently in first gear. In the lower gears, the steering wheel oscillates as the tires scrabble for grip, but torque steer is minimal. What is annoying is that moderate acceleration around wet curves causes the Eclipse to run wide of the intended line, despite the traction control's attempts to rein in understeer. This sports coupe really demands AWD to harness all the power from the engine. On the highway, a different story emerges as the objectionable understeer disappears. Flick the shifter down to fifth gear; bury the throttle, and the Eclipse surges smoothly ahead of highway traffic.
Mitsubishi tuned the suspension to deliver a firm, but comfortable ride. Even over pockmarked road surfaces, bumps and potholes never crash through. While this handling philosophy may reduce ultimate grip, the dividend of a livable ride is well worth the sacrifice. Response through the nicely weighted steering wheel is immediate, as the Eclipse will change lanes or its line around a curve with confidence. The wide track keeps the body flat and enhances driver confidence. Braking performance is excellent, with firm pedal effort and reassuring stopping performance. Normal street driving should not test the limits of the disc/disc brake system.
With the new Eclipse GT, Mitsubishi has restored the performance and striking styling that were lacking from the 3rd generation car. The 1st and 2nd generation Eclipses are especially popular with young men who want a fast sports coupe with extensive aftermarket support. This Eclipse is what Mitsubishi hopes these enthusiasts will graduate into when they get out of college. Mitsubishi has priced the Eclipse GT aggressively in a very competitive segment, and the 3.8L V-6 is the most powerful engine in its class. All it lacks is AWD to maximize its performance potential. We hope that Mitsubishi makes that happen.
