Autoblog

click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder

Mitsubishi rolled out its updated 2009 Eclipse Coupe and Spyder today in Chicago, with revised fascias that complement and simultaneously update the swoopy flanks. The nose in particular brings the Eclipse in line with the design theme spreading across the rest of Mitsubishi's model line. If you happen to have a slight sense of deja vu while looking at it, more than one of us has also noticed that the new schnoz bears more than a passing resemblance to the Nissan GT-R, as well. And lest you think the changes are all skin deep, there are several non-cosmetic updates to augment the rhinoplasty. The GT models sport a newly tuned dual exhaust that promises to not only sound better, but boost horsepower by a deuce as well, bringing the total from 263 to 265. On the inside, power comes via a new 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system as part of the optional Sun & Sound Package on GS and GT models, as well. You can read more details in Mitsubishi's press release after the jump or check our lives pics in the galleries below.

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]

This is not just rumormill, this is rumors of hints and suggestions made by anonymous people. Just last week we wondered whether Mitsubishi's Concept-RA would lead to a new -- and proper -- Eclipse. What Car? went further, and although citing nothing more than "insiders," said that the red zinger "could be a forerunner for a new Eclipse coupe, which could go on sale in Europe."

True, that's a lot of coulds. But it wasn't so long ago that the Eclipse was an object of desire, and there can't be any doubt that Mitsubishi would love to see those days return -- especially after watching rival Nissan revive brand lust by slowly reinjecting its products with feeling.

Mitsubishi's attempt to mainstream the Eclipse robbed it of the fan base it had and yet didn't grow a new one. We suppose the questions, as always, would be money and the business case, but we for one would love to see Mitsu do that car, right there, in the picture above, as the new Eclipse. If they could get enough other people behind it, we wouldn't be surprised if they did. (Hint: that means it's time to tell them what you think. The comments box is waiting. Europeans are welcome.)

[Source: What Car?]

The small Mexican village of Cancun is a well-known party destination for young adults on spring break, offering a multitude of things most excellent. Eye candy in bikinis and surfer shorts (take your pick) sip on margaritas made with hand-squeezed lime juice and 100 percent agave tequila at a fraction of the price of the libations they choke down up North. In Cancun, sunny, 85-degree days on the beach end -- or start, depending on your perspective -- with never-ending dance parties so crowded you're not sure who you're dancing with. Sprawling hotels offer deals on everything from deep sea fishing to golf, and ancient ruins are just a day trip away for the brainiacs and history buffs in the group. Paradise on Earth.

After a week of excessive partying and far too little rehydration, however, realization dawns for all but a select few who were truly meant to reside in the beautiful but energy-sapping locale: Cancun is a fabulous place to visit, but most people wouldn't want to live there.

So goes our story of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT. For those who were truly meant for this car and vice-versa, it is a dream come true. "Attainable exotic" is more than a buzz phrase pushed by Mitsubishi's marketing guys. For the rest of us, however, we're thrilled to have had the opportunity to visit and would certainly like to go back one day, but it's just too much of a good thing for our modest lives.