2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review

Getting Back to Its AWD Performance Roots

There was a time that Mitsubishis Eclipse, along with its Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser Diamondstar relatives, was considered to be one of the best performing entry-level sports GTs on the planet, especially in all-wheel drive guise. The fact that a strong contingent of first- and second-generation cars is still popular among rally racers and import tuners alike is testament to the cars capabilities.

The current Eclipse is stunning to look at and fun to drive, but doesnt offer as much pure driving passion for those with a need for speed, focusing more on comfort and luxury. Will Mitsubishi continue this trend from performance car to sport luxury or will it get back to its enthusiast roots? That is the question on a lot of peoples minds now that a completely revised Eclipse on the horizon.

If the Japanese brands latest Eclipse Concept, the car being touted as the Concept E over the last month or so, is to be taken seriously, it looks as if the former will be more likely. Just from appearances alone, its taut sheetmetal looking as if stretched over a rally-spec carcass, performance seems to be the order of the day. Its overhangs are extremely short, with wheels pulled out to the concepts corners as far as feasibly possible.

But its the prototypes familiar C-pillars that hint at its performance-orientation more than anything else. From rear view its easy to see their resemblance to the second-generation Eclipse, a theme that in context at least continues throughout the design. The Es profile is wedge-like, more cab-forward than the current model with a liftgate at the rear.

The fact that the hatch and
hood open from passenger to drivers side, rather than the traditional end to end configuration is where the prototype Eclipse shows its concept car leanings. If the production car retains the overall design, and Im almost certain it will arrive with most of the concepts bends and curves intact, then both the hood and hatch will most likely be conventionally hinged. Just the same the side-mounted hinges allow for increased rear headroom of up to 1.6 inches, a benefit that might just be worth bringing to market despite ruffling the collective feathers of the conservative set.

Another unique design detail that I hope makes production is one of the sweetest hood, fender, headlight cluster arrangements Ive ever seen. While the outermost edge of the headlamp follows the fender line in a fairly conventional manner, the inside line of the lens angles rearward in the exact trajectory as the unique hood cutout, which itself chops both rear corners off at the 45-degree angle. The panels are painted while the headlights and cutouts are clear-silver and gray respectively, creating a rigid X in a design that otherwise celebrates softer curves.

When I say softer curves, dont get me wrong. The Eclipse Concept is as edgy as sports coupes come, but rather than follow the current trend of new models bent on radical angles seemingly for the sake of the straight line, Im impressed Mitsubishi chose to allow a little sensual style back into modern automotive design.

But by sensual I dont mean feminine. The Eclipse Concept mixes slight proportions with muscular brawn, especially apparent from the front quarter view where its rear fenders extend outward not dissimilar to Porsches much loved previous-generation Turbo. That said these are integrated more cohesively into the overall design rather than looking like a purpose-built afterthought, mirroring the fenders in front perfectly. Its pug nose is aggressive too, not designed to be particularly pretty but more like the proud appendage of a prize fighter.

Thats what I like best about the Eclipse Concept. It comes across less flashy, more honest. It looks like a car that has a purpose, and wont stop at anything before it delivers it. That same straight forward approach makes the cabin quite inviting. Its not especially warm or clubby, that is unless its prospective owner belongs to the Modern Art Society. It is contemporary though, wonderfully clean and once again purposeful.

A glass roof sheds light on titanium and copper toned metals that accent an earth-tone cockpit, highlighted by what look like metal racing-style seats, complete with cutouts for a four-point harness, and just in front of the drivers metalized leather unit, a brown leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a unique pod-style “wave” design floating instrument cluster. The gearshift lever looks more like a video game joystick than more conventional shifters, duplicated in style with each door panel grab handle. Just above, where a center stack would normally be, Mitsubishi shows off the future of infotainment systems shrouded with a flush transparent cover and integrated trackball-style actuator. The Deep Video Imaging system features Multi-Layer Displays (MLD).

While high-tech its nothing compared to this prototypes powertrain. All four wheels receive power, nothing new for old Eclipse fans here, but thats where the similarity takes a detour. Mitsubishi adds a hybrid gasoline-electric system dubbed E-Boost, which links up a sophisticated 3.8-L V6 with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) up front and a 201-hp electric motor in the rear, for a symbiotic 450+ total horsepower. Connected to such a power source its automatic gearbox with Sportronic manual-mode seems anticlimactic.

Its 20-inch alloy rims dont though. No less than nine spokes appear as dramatic as they no doubt perform. Behind the spokes are massive Brembo disc brakes, looking up to the task of bringing the cars rapid acceleration quickly under control.

A few layout features are unique to the sports coupe segment, including side exhaust pipes that reportedly allow for the large centrally-mounted battery needed for powering the electric motor. The rear wing spoiler is also a distinctive design, integrated into the rear decklid and plasma taillights. Plasma what? You heard it right. Just like the worlds most expensive television monitors, Mitsubishi adorns its new concept with plasma headlights and taillights, plus neon crackle tube turn signals and brake lights - whatever that means.

I think its safe to say that some of the Eclipse Concepts features wont make it to market when produced. The basic design integrity though, should be allowed to arrive on the street unmolested. Its a stunning sports coupe that speaks volumes about the Japanese brands motorsport heritage. The next-generation Eclipse needs to be an EVO VIII with supercar styling, not a luxury tourer with sporting pretensions. Heres to hoping the new models driving experience lives up to this concepts sensational sheetmetal.