Mitsubishi EclipseThe Mitsubishi Eclipse is a two-door, four seat sports coupe/convertible that has been in production since 1989 and sold as 1990–2006 models. The Eclipse is produced solely for the United States market, where it has also been built as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser through Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's close relationship with the Chrysler Corporation (now DaimlerChrysler). Eclipses are popular among racers, ricers, and other automotive enthusiasts in part because of the car's low price and wealth of aftermarket parts. BackgroundMitsubishi's experience with sports cars starts in the early 1980s with the development and sale of the Mitsubishi Starion. Up until this point, Mitsubishi Motors had sold smaller keicars for the Japanese and American markets—although many were rebadged as American makes (such as the Dodge Colt). The Starion, similarly sold as the Chrysler Conquest, offered performance and features on-par with sports cars offered by Japanese makers with more experience in performance motoring. The Starion's main competitors were among the largest of the Japanese sports cars: the Toyota Supra Mk2 and the Nissan 300ZX. During the Starion's production run (1982-1990), Mitsubishi had no other true sports car offerings for the American market. At the same time (specifically in 1986), Chrysler was discontinuing their Laser sports coupe, which was a rebadged Dodge Daytona. Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler founded a new production division, Diamond Star Motors (DSM) in October 1985. The DSM plant was situated in Normal, Illinois and eventually produced cars bound primarily for the American market. The first cars to roll off the lines at this facility were the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and the Plymouth Laser. ModelsThe Eclipse has undergone four distinct generations: the first two (1G and 2G) are closely related and share many parts, whereas the third (3G) is based on a new platform and most parts are incompatible with 1G and 2G Eclipses. The fourth generation (4G) Eclipse was made available in June 2005. 1990–1994 (1G) Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and Plymouth LaserOverviewThe first generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was sold as an entry to mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe. Four trim levels were available: the bottom three were front wheel drive and the very top was all wheel drive. The top FWD and the AWD model were equipped with turbocharged engines. Although the car underwent minor changes throughout its production, 1993-and-later models have updated sheetmetal and are easily distinguishable from previous vehicles. The Eclipse was revised into a new vehicle for 1995 (described below in the 2G section). Trim levelsThe Eclipse was available in four trim levels during its first-generation production run. AWD models were not available until halfway through the first model year.
* 1990 manual transmission turbocharged models were rated at 190 hp, whereas 1991 and later manual transmission turbo models were rated for 195hp. Turbo models with automatic transmissions were equipped with smaller turbochargers and fuel injectors, and were rated for 180 hp for all years. These models varied significantly in drive trains, available options, and—to an extent—appearance. The Eclipse GSX, for example, was sold with different plastic body cladding than the base Eclipse. DrivetrainThe basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder Mitsubishi 4G37 or 4G63 engine situated on the left-hand side of the car driving an automatic or manual transmission on the right-hand side. AWD models have a different transmission which includes a limited-slip center differential and output shaft for a transfer case, which drives the rear differential (also available as limited-slip) and half-shafts. The 4G37 and 4G63 engines are both in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The 4G63 is composed of an iron engine block and aluminum cylinder head and is equipped with balance shafts for smooth operation. The turbocharged version of the 4G63 (sometimes referred to as the 4G63T) is equipped with a lower compression ratio (7.8 vs. 9.0 in the naturally aspirated version) and oil squirters under the pistons in order to better cope with the stress and extra heat caused by forced induction. AwardsThe Eclipse Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1989 through 1992. Timeline1995–1999 (2G) Mitsubishi Eclipse, (1995–1998) Eagle TalonOverviewThe second generation car maintained the market focus of the 1G car, but had a major update in styling and had different engines between trim levels. New to the line was a convertible model, the Spyder. The turbocharged motor was a more powerful version of the previous one (210 hp vs 195 hp). The non-turbo motor was a version of the Chrysler Neon engine, manufactured by Chrysler and delivered to and installed at the Diamond Star Motors facility. The Talon was dropped in 1998. Trim levelsThe Eclipse was available in seven trim levels: Base(Only available in 1996.5 {mid-model year}), RS, GS, GS Spyder, GS-T, GS-T Spyder, and GSX. 2nd Gen (95-99) cars:
The models had different trim accoutrements:
There was a freshening of the style for the 1997 model year. The front grille opening was made less 'classic' and more 'aggressive' with regards to the radiator opening. The slightly reshaped headlights acquired black areas internally. The driving lights became smaller and round. The rear bumper cap was altered and had the reverse lights moved away from their original central position, presumably to reduce the 'ponderous-ness' or the rear view of the car. The Talon was available in four trim levels, Base, ESi, TSi and TSi AWD. The Eagle Talon saw its production end in 1998 when Eagle went out of business.
There were similar alterations to the styling of the Talon as there was for the Eclipse. There was a unique version of the 2G Eclipse sold in some European countries. It used a normally-aspirated Mitsubishi 4G63 motor, similar to what was available in the 1G. DrivetrainThe basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder Chrysler 420A, Mitsubishi 4G64 or 4G63 engine. The Mitsubishi motors are mounted in the same orientation as for the 1G cars. The 420A-powered cars had the engine mounted on the right side of the car, and further back in the chassis. AWD models had a similar transmission to the 1G car. All motors are in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engines. All have iron blocks with aluminum cylinder heads. The 4G63/4G64 motors retain the balance shafts for smoother operation, while the 420A does not use them. The turbo motors had an increase in compression ratio to 8.5:1 (from 7.8:1). BrakesThe AWD turbo versions came with a brake upgrade to dual piston calipers and thicker rotors. ABS was also available on the non-turbo models. 2000–2005 (3G) Mitsubishi Eclipse3rd generation: The Eclipse underwent a change into its current generation in 1999. The 4G63 was replaced by the less powerful and less durable (This is misleading. The 4G64 is very similar to the 4G63 sharing many of the same low end components. It’s displacement is more by .4L which makes it more powerful in NA form and has proven to be quite durable)4G64 in some versions and a V6 6G72 in others. Turbo modifications are offered by many aftermarket companies, such as Tearstone Performance Solutions *Tearstone. The AWD transmission available in prior versions was discontinued, ostensibly due to high cost and poor sales. This time, the Chrysler version is the Chrysler Sebring coupe, and the Dodge version is the Dodge Stratus SE/RT coupe. 2006–Current (4G) Mitsubishi EclipseDetails of the fourth generation Eclipse were revealed during late 2003 and 2004, and the car was shown at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. Features of the new model include a 263 hp (193.9 kW) 3.8 L MIVEC V6 and a 165 hp (123 kW) 2.4 L I4, both derived from the 2004+ Mitsubishi PS platform family, with which the Eclipse shares many mechanical components. Like the 2004 Galant, the new Eclipse is FWD only. The V6 produces 263 hp and 260 ft.lbf. The fourth-generation Spyder (convertible) Eclipse will be released for the 2006 model year at the North American International Auto Show. Trim levelsThe Eclipse was available in seven trim levels: GS, GS Spyder, GT, GT Spyder, and SE. 4th Gen (2006-present) cars:
The models and standard / optional equipment:
Options Include- Sun & Sound package with a power sunroof is paired with a 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate® audio system. Boasting nine speakers including a 10-inch trunk-mounted subwoofer, a 6-CD in-dash changer, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, the package also includes a center display with outside temperature and compass readings and an electrochromic rear-view mirror, and a five piece body kit.
Options Include - GS Deluxe Leather Package: Leather front seating surfaces. Heated front seats. Heated side mirrors. Outside temperature indicator and compass in center dash display.
Options Include- Premium Sport Package with 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, leather front seating surfaces, a power sunroof, an eight-way-adjustable (six power) driver's seat, alloy pedals, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, air-conditioning and a 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate® audio system with nine speakers, including a ten-inch trunk-mounted subwoofer, a 6-CD/MP3-compatible in-dash changer, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a five piece body kit.
Options Include - GT Premium Sport Package: 18" Alloy wheels. Leather front seating surfaces. 6-way power driver's seat. Heated front seats. Heated side mirrors. Aluminum pedals. Automatic climate control. Wind Deflector
FilmsMitsubishi Eclipses were featured prominently in the films Some (1995 Coupe), The Fast and the Furious (1999 Coupe), its sequel 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003 Spyder), and The Last Ride (2005 Coupe). This page about Mitsubishi Eclipse includes information from a Wikipedia article. Additional articles about Mitsubishi Eclipse News stories about Mitsubishi Eclipse External links for Mitsubishi Eclipse Videos for Mitsubishi Eclipse Wikis about Mitsubishi Eclipse Discussion Groups about Mitsubishi Eclipse Blogs about Mitsubishi Eclipse Images of Mitsubishi Eclipse |
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Mitsubishi Eclipses were featured prominently in the films Some (1995 Coupe), The Fast and the Furious (1999 Coupe), its sequel 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003 Spyder), and The Last Ride (2005 Coupe). This use can be questioned, as many freely growing plants are poisonous, for example. Wind Deflector. Natural is often used meaning "good", "healthy", or "belonging to human nature". Automatic climate control. Natural is defined as "of or relating to nature"; this applies to both definitions of 'nature': 'essence' ("one's true nature") and 'the untouched world' ("force of nature"). Aluminum pedals. United States Natural Law Party, a political arm of the Transcendental Meditation movement. Heated side mirrors. Naturalism (philosophy), stances deriving from materialism and pragmatism. Heated front seats. Natural units, in physics, a set of measurement units, originally proposed by Max Planck. 6-way power driver's seat. Natural transformation, in mathematics, a means of transforming functors in category theory. Leather front seating surfaces. Natural theology, theology based on reason and experience. Options Include - GT Premium Sport Package: 18" Alloy wheels. Natural semantic metalanguage, in linguistics, an approach to semantic analysis. Options Include- Premium Sport Package with 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, leather front seating surfaces, a power sunroof, an eight-way-adjustable (six power) driver's seat, alloy pedals, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, air-conditioning and a 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate® audio system with nine speakers, including a ten-inch trunk-mounted subwoofer, a 6-CD/MP3-compatible in-dash changer, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a five piece body kit. Natural selection, alteration of biological populations over time (one of the foundations of the theory of evolution). Outside temperature indicator and compass in center dash display. Natural science, study of the non-human aspects of the world. Heated side mirrors. Natural satellite, a moon or similar naturally occurring planetary satellite. Heated front seats. Natural resource, naturally occurring commodities valued in their (relatively) unprocessed form. Options Include - GS Deluxe Leather Package: Leather front seating surfaces. Natural programming language. Boasting nine speakers including a 10-inch trunk-mounted subwoofer, a 6-CD in-dash changer, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, the package also includes a center display with outside temperature and compass readings and an electrochromic rear-view mirror, and a five piece body kit. natural number, in mathematics, numbers 1,2,3,... Options Include- Sun & Sound package with a power sunroof is paired with a 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate® audio system. Natural monopoly, in economics, a monopoly persisting for fundamental economic reasons. The models and standard / optional equipment:. Natural logarithm, in mathematics, logarithm to base e. 4th Gen (2006-present) cars:. Natural Law Party, the political arm of the Transcendental Meditation movement. The Eclipse was available in seven trim levels: GS, GS Spyder, GT, GT Spyder, and SE. Natural law, in law or morals, system of justice conceived as independent of current political order. The fourth-generation Spyder (convertible) Eclipse will be released for the 2006 model year at the North American International Auto Show. Natural language processing, in computer science, computer comprehension of human language. The V6 produces 263 hp and 260 ft.lbf. Natural language, human language spoken natively, as opposed to purely constructed languages. Like the 2004 Galant, the new Eclipse is FWD only. Natural History (disambiguation), for various works titled Natural History. Features of the new model include a 263 hp (193.9 kW) 3.8 L MIVEC V6 and a 165 hp (123 kW) 2.4 L I4, both derived from the 2004+ Mitsubishi PS platform family, with which the Eclipse shares many mechanical components. Natural history, a broad term for the study of living things. Details of the fourth generation Eclipse were revealed during late 2003 and 2004, and the car was shown at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. Natural footed, in surfing, left foot forward. This time, the Chrysler version is the Chrysler Sebring coupe, and the Dodge version is the Dodge Stratus SE/RT coupe. Natural food movement, a diet emphasizing unprocessed food. The AWD transmission available in prior versions was discontinued, ostensibly due to high cost and poor sales. Natural family planning, contraceptive methods permitted by the Catholic Church. Turbo modifications are offered by many aftermarket companies, such as Tearstone Performance Solutions *Tearstone. Natural environment, an environment on earth or elsewhere not primarily of human creation. It’s displacement is more by .4L which makes it more powerful in NA form and has proven to be quite durable)4G64 in some versions and a V6 6G72 in others. Natural disaster, such as earthquakes, huricanes, etc. The 4G64 is very similar to the 4G63 sharing many of the same low end components. Natural deduction, in mathematics, a class of foundational approaches to proofs. The 4G63 was replaced by the less powerful and less durable (This is misleading. Natural childbirth, childbirth with minimal medical intervention. 3rd generation: The Eclipse underwent a change into its current generation in 1999. Natural capitalism, a set of economic reforms to reward efficiency. ABS was also available on the non-turbo models. Natural capital, in economics, the naturally occurring resources in the earth's biosphere. The AWD turbo versions came with a brake upgrade to dual piston calipers and thicker rotors. Natural arch, naturally occurring rock formation. The turbo motors had an increase in compression ratio to 8.5:1 (from 7.8:1). Natural abundance, in physics, the relative quantities of isotopes found in nature. The 4G63/4G64 motors retain the balance shafts for smoother operation, while the 420A does not use them. Иatural, an album by Japanese alternative rock group Orange Range. All have iron blocks with aluminum cylinder heads. Natural (♮), in music, are the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, as opposed to the sharps/flats. All motors are in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engines. AWD models had a similar transmission to the 1G car. The 420A-powered cars had the engine mounted on the right side of the car, and further back in the chassis. The Mitsubishi motors are mounted in the same orientation as for the 1G cars. The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder Chrysler 420A, Mitsubishi 4G64 or 4G63 engine. It used a normally-aspirated Mitsubishi 4G63 motor, similar to what was available in the 1G. There was a unique version of the 2G Eclipse sold in some European countries. There were similar alterations to the styling of the Talon as there was for the Eclipse. The Eagle Talon saw its production end in 1998 when Eagle went out of business. The Talon was available in four trim levels, Base, ESi, TSi and TSi AWD. The rear bumper cap was altered and had the reverse lights moved away from their original central position, presumably to reduce the 'ponderous-ness' or the rear view of the car. The driving lights became smaller and round. The slightly reshaped headlights acquired black areas internally. The front grille opening was made less 'classic' and more 'aggressive' with regards to the radiator opening. There was a freshening of the style for the 1997 model year. The models had different trim accoutrements:. 2nd Gen (95-99) cars:. The Eclipse was available in seven trim levels: Base(Only available in 1996.5 {mid-model year}), RS, GS, GS Spyder, GS-T, GS-T Spyder, and GSX. The Talon was dropped in 1998. The non-turbo motor was a version of the Chrysler Neon engine, manufactured by Chrysler and delivered to and installed at the Diamond Star Motors facility. The turbocharged motor was a more powerful version of the previous one (210 hp vs 195 hp). New to the line was a convertible model, the Spyder. The second generation car maintained the market focus of the 1G car, but had a major update in styling and had different engines between trim levels. The Eclipse Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1989 through 1992. 9.0 in the naturally aspirated version) and oil squirters under the pistons in order to better cope with the stress and extra heat caused by forced induction. The turbocharged version of the 4G63 (sometimes referred to as the 4G63T) is equipped with a lower compression ratio (7.8 vs. The 4G63 is composed of an iron engine block and aluminum cylinder head and is equipped with balance shafts for smooth operation. The 4G37 and 4G63 engines are both in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engines. AWD models have a different transmission which includes a limited-slip center differential and output shaft for a transfer case, which drives the rear differential (also available as limited-slip) and half-shafts. The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder Mitsubishi 4G37 or 4G63 engine situated on the left-hand side of the car driving an automatic or manual transmission on the right-hand side. The Eclipse GSX, for example, was sold with different plastic body cladding than the base Eclipse. These models varied significantly in drive trains, available options, and—to an extent—appearance. Turbo models with automatic transmissions were equipped with smaller turbochargers and fuel injectors, and were rated for 180 hp for all years.. * 1990 manual transmission turbocharged models were rated at 190 hp, whereas 1991 and later manual transmission turbo models were rated for 195hp. AWD models were not available until halfway through the first model year. The Eclipse was available in four trim levels during its first-generation production run. The Eclipse was revised into a new vehicle for 1995 (described below in the 2G section). Although the car underwent minor changes throughout its production, 1993-and-later models have updated sheetmetal and are easily distinguishable from previous vehicles. The top FWD and the AWD model were equipped with turbocharged engines. Four trim levels were available: the bottom three were front wheel drive and the very top was all wheel drive. The first generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was sold as an entry to mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe. The fourth generation (4G) Eclipse was made available in June 2005. The Eclipse has undergone four distinct generations: the first two (1G and 2G) are closely related and share many parts, whereas the third (3G) is based on a new platform and most parts are incompatible with 1G and 2G Eclipses. The first cars to roll off the lines at this facility were the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and the Plymouth Laser. The DSM plant was situated in Normal, Illinois and eventually produced cars bound primarily for the American market. Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler founded a new production division, Diamond Star Motors (DSM) in October 1985. At the same time (specifically in 1986), Chrysler was discontinuing their Laser sports coupe, which was a rebadged Dodge Daytona. During the Starion's production run (1982-1990), Mitsubishi had no other true sports car offerings for the American market. The Starion's main competitors were among the largest of the Japanese sports cars: the Toyota Supra Mk2 and the Nissan 300ZX. The Starion, similarly sold as the Chrysler Conquest, offered performance and features on-par with sports cars offered by Japanese makers with more experience in performance motoring. Up until this point, Mitsubishi Motors had sold smaller keicars for the Japanese and American markets—although many were rebadged as American makes (such as the Dodge Colt). Mitsubishi's experience with sports cars starts in the early 1980s with the development and sale of the Mitsubishi Starion. . Eclipses are popular among racers, ricers, and other automotive enthusiasts in part because of the car's low price and wealth of aftermarket parts. The Eclipse is produced solely for the United States market, where it has also been built as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser through Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's close relationship with the Chrysler Corporation (now DaimlerChrysler). The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a two-door, four seat sports coupe/convertible that has been in production since 1989 and sold as 1990–2006 models. SE - The SE starts with all of the features of a fully loaded GT and adds 18-inch, Sword Silver-finish, seven-spoke alloy wheels with a five-piece aerodynamic body kit. GT Spyder -info not available at this time. GT Standard- Choice of six-speed manual or a five-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission, a 140-watt (max.) Mitsubishi CD/MP3-compatible audio system with six speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, an anti-theft immobilizer, auto-off halogen headlamps, power windows/locks/mirrors, air-conditioning, a split fold-down rear seat, two 12-volt accessory outlets, anti-lock brakes, a rear spoiler, six air bag safety system, traction control, a front strut tower bar, fog lights and a center display with outside temperature and compass readings. GS Spyder -info not available at this time. GS Standard- Choice of five-speed manual or Sportronic® automatic transmission, a 140-watt (max.) Mitsubishi CD/MP3-compatible audio system with six speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, an anti-theft immobilizer, auto-off halogen headlamps, power windows/locks/mirrors, air-conditioning, a split fold-down rear seat, two 12-volt accessory outlets, anti-lock brakes, a rear spoiler, and a six air bag safety system. Eclipse SE: Equipment Upgraded Hardtop FWD model equipped with a 263 hp 3.8 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G75 engine. Eclipse GT Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a 260 hp 3.8 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G75 engine. Eclipse GT: Hardtop FWD model equipped with a 263 hp 3.8 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G75 engine. Eclipse GS Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a 162 hp 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G69 engine. Eclipse GS: Base FWD model equipped with a 162 hp 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G69 engine. Talon TSi AWD: Equivalent to Eclipse GSX. Talon TSi: Equivalent to Eclipse GS-T. Talon ESi: Equivalent to Eclipse RS & GS. Talon Base: Equivalent to Eclipse Base. GSX - 17" wheels, larger spoiler. GS-T / GS-T Spyder - 16" Alloy 5 spoke wheels, larger spoiler (ONLY on 97-99). GS / GS Spyder - Power antenna, driving lights, cruise control, body coloured door handles, 16" alloy wheels, lower body cladding, spoiler, rear windshield washer (except Spyder). RS - Tachometer, 14" alloy wheels, optional spoiler. Base - No tachometer, standard antenna, no driving lights, 14" steel wheels with covers. Eclipse GSX: AWD model equipped with a 210 hp turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 engine. Eclipse GS-T Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a 210 hp turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 engine. Eclipse GS-T: Hardtop FWD model equipped with a 210 hp turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 engine. Eclipse GS Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a 141 hp 2.4l 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G64 engine. Eclipse GS: Equipment upgraded FWD model equipped with a 140 hp 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420A engine. Eclipse RS: Equipment Upgraded FWD model equipped with a 140 hp 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420A engine. Eclipse: Base FWD model equipped with a 140 hp 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420A engine. Eclipse GSX: AWD model equipped with a 180-195 hp* turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T engine. Eclipse GS-T: Top FWD model equipped with a 180-195 hp* turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T engine. Eclipse GS DOHC: Upgraded FWD model equipped with a 135 hp naturally-aspirated 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63 engine. Eclipse GS: Upgraded FWD model with slightly more equipment. Eclipse: Base FWD model equipped with a 92hp naturally-aspirated engine 1.8 L 8-valve SOHC 4G37 engine. |