click either image for more shots of the updated 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi has seen fit to bestow upon us a whole slew of new high-res images showing the updated 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Eclipse Spyder doing their groove thing on the road. As we mentioned last week when we previewed the vehicle, the styling changes are evolutionary and include a new front end housing a blacked-out trapezoidal grille that mimics the maw of the Lancer Evolution, as well as a blacked out rear apron where a new dual exhaust system peeks out that provides the car's V6 with another 2 horsepower and 2 ft-lbs. of torque for a grand total of 265 and 262, respectively. We actually dig the new grille and think it works well with the already established body style of the Eclipse, and more power is more power (i.e. a good thing). But it's tough to overlook the fundamental flaws of the Eclipse, which include being a heavy front-wheel-drive coupe that shares a lineage with a certain much-missed all-wheel-drive, turbo-four pocket rocket. [Source: Mitsubishi]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Zane @ Feb 4th 2008 4:26PM
Everyone, say hello to Godzilla's FWD cousin!
Chaz @ Feb 4th 2008 4:26PM
They've successfully improved the Sebring convertible here. Like the author, I'd also like to see a harder edged FTO/DSM Eclipse-like car come out of Mitsubishi.
That and why did they take the Pajero out of the US?
Big J @ Feb 4th 2008 4:31PM
I know it has been said already but what a blatant rip of the GTR front fascia. I would rather applaud an auto maker for being less attractive and original than complete thievery. I can't get over it.
h8rain @ Feb 4th 2008 4:32PM
Looks kinda like a Supra knock-off.......
Ford Prefect @ Feb 4th 2008 4:33PM
This Eclipse is the best-looking Japanese FWD anything I've ever seen. What's the price tag? And more importantly, where's the line so I can join it?
youknowit @ Feb 4th 2008 4:34PM
It seems, with the new grill and competition from the celica gt - getting subaru's awd and boxer engine, that the eclipse is in a great position to be an EVO.
MemphisNET @ Feb 4th 2008 4:37PM
Chaz : Suggesting that this should be the Sebring convertible? Otherwise - they are different platforms.
Great car. Mass-torque steer sucks, and it should have AWD availability, but still a great car. I hear/read the quality is excellent.
Dtowndog420 @ Feb 4th 2008 4:43PM
As the saying qoes, "You can't polish a turd"
L.WOOD @ Feb 4th 2008 4:45PM
Big maws have become all the rage since Audi first foisted this abomination upon auto enthusiasts. Here a maw, there a maw, everywhere a maw, maw. Driving around makes me feel like I am on the verge of being swallowed up by one of these maw monsters.
Richard @ Feb 4th 2008 7:14PM
Well,
Thank them thar Europeens and their laws about how high you got to hit a pedestrian on the hip if you gonna hit them for real.
Then think about Jaguire and their explodin' hood bolts that pop the hood up to legal hip-check height. So you ain't got you have that maw, maw!
Thank God that someone still makes a car that looks like a car (Jaguire).
Maw. Maw.
Justin @ Feb 4th 2008 4:45PM
I must not get it. What's so great about the grey plastic look on the front end? It reminds of the base trim silverado's/tacoma's/etc that have the grey plastic-looking grilles and bumpers. Suddenly on the GT-R and Eclipse, it's more upscale? Body color or chrome would look so better imo.
Talisman @ Feb 4th 2008 4:46PM
This is really a great looking car now. If you can stand the FWD, I see no reason not to like this car. In fact even though im not a big FWD fan, I think I am going to go test drive one when they come out.
David(Postal) @ Feb 4th 2008 4:47PM
Remember when the eclipse was lightweight?
Tyo @ Feb 4th 2008 4:50PM
I just dont get the V6. Now that there will be a detuned ralliart version of the evo, the eclipse should get fwd turbo4 power like the 90-91 Laser, FWD Only.
John @ Feb 4th 2008 4:51PM
I see something bigger happening here. There is minimal changes to the new Eclipse and the new Galant. I think the Endeavor is going to be killed. But yet the Lancer and Outlander (both made in Japan) got total overhalls in their redesign.
The common thread? It's been rumored the US Mitsubishi plant has been on the chopping block for a while now. I would think if its true than they want to spend minimum to no money there. Oh wait, thats where the Galant, Eclipse, and Endeavor are built. I think the writing is on the wall.
Jon @ Feb 4th 2008 4:58PM
Any chance of it coming in RHD for ireland and england?
LostAngelino @ Feb 4th 2008 5:01PM
I wish the headlights would have the sharp angled look like the Lancer,and have the black out looking headlights like the 97-99 eclipse. it would make it easier on the eyes.
In the end though its really too bad this thing never stayed a four cylinder pocket rocket.
Drew @ Feb 4th 2008 5:01PM
now it really does look like a Pokeymon!
Thedevil @ Feb 4th 2008 5:11PM
Are those eyes looking down on the road or looking at its nose?...i think it just winked at me!
Hike15 @ Feb 4th 2008 5:13PM
They Didn't try copying the GT-R. This was supposed to be like the grille on the Lancer Ralliart or the EVO X