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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Spyder Eclipse
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| A Lone List of Features Makes This Sports Coupe and Convertible a Great Performance Value |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:13:46 |
| Rating |
 213 ( -30 -14.08% ) |
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Description:
Since its introduction as one of the first new cars of the 1990's, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has consistently put other sports coupes in its shadow. Athletic good looks and available turbocharged power allow Eclipse to outshine its competitors not only at stoplights, but as the hottest-selling international nameplate in its class. And for 1998, the Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder convertible will undoubtedly overshadow them again.
Eclipse's phenomenal success is partly due to an exterior design that could easily double as an auto show concept car. Introduced in 1995 and extensively updated last year by its designers in Southern California, the current generation Eclipse is a real head-turner. From the aggressive front fascia with large air intakes, flowing side panels and roofline, to its trademark full-width taillamps, Eclipse is as functional as it is fashionable. In fact, Eclipse coupes have a very low 0.30 drag coefficient, allowing them to easily slip through the air.
The Eclipse's popularity is also due to a wide model range that fits a variety of buyers. Four Eclipse coupe and two Eclipse Spyder convertible models allow choices -- from normally aspirated or turbocharged engines, two- or all-wheel drive, to coupe and convertible configurations -- that Celica, 240SX, Prelude or Mustang can't. Yet no matter what the combination, the U.S.-assembled Eclipse has the styling, performance and handling that make it a great form of rapid transit.
Where Eclipse really surpasses others in its class is an unsurpassed combination of performance and value. Its available turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive is unusual for any sports coupe, let alone in this price range; and every Eclipse model has a sophisticated four-wheel independent, multi-link suspension system, providing a balance of sporty handling plus a smooth ride.
Eclipse isn't all about fun -- it offers practicality, too. There's a long list of safety equipment, including dual front air bags, 3-point safety belts for all passengers and safety-cage body construction with side-guard door beams. Additionally, its 2+2 seating configuration and conveniently shaped cargo areas allow it to "haul" in more ways than one.
Every Eclipse model offers a long list of standard features that allow it to be just as value-oriented as it is sporty.
Eclipse RS and Eclipse GS
Even the least expensive models in the line, the Eclipse RS and GS, are far from being "base." A gutsy 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine that produces 140 horsepower, with a choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission powers both.
Where many sports coupes in its price range might be considered somewhat austere, the entry level Eclipse RS has body color bumpers, full wheel covers you'd swear were alloys, dual sideview mirrors and a rear window defroster. Inside, there are woven cloth bucket seats, a full console with dual cupholders, even an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player and six speakers. And through two different option packages, RS buyers can add everything from air conditioning, alloy wheels, a cargo cover and rear spoiler, to power windows, power door locks and cruise control.
Eclipse GS Can be identified by its 16-inch tires, four-wheel disc brakes, rear stabilizer bar, low-profile rear spoiler, side cladding, fog lights and 50/50 split rear seat. There's even a 3-channel Mitsubishi HomeLink Universal Transmitter built into the driver's sun visor.
Selecting one of three option packages adds a variety of equipment from air conditioning, alloy wheels, power window and locks, cruise control and power sunroof, to leather front seating surfaces, a Mitsubishi/Infinity premium audio system with eight speakers, a remote keyless entry/security system and anti-lock brakes.
Eclipse GS-T and Eclipse GSX
At the upper end of the line are the Eclipse GS-T and GSX. Producing up to 210-horsepower from a turbocharged and intercooled, 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine, this dynamic duo put their high profile rear spoilers way out in front of Celica, 240SX or Prelude. And, the Eclipse GSX all-wheel drive system has the all-weather ability to get that power to its huge, 17-inch alloy wheels in the most efficient, effective manner possible.
Eclipse 6S-T is identified by its chrome-plated 16-inch alloy wheels, sport seats with stylish patterned cloth and standard equipment such as cruise control and power windows and door locks. There's even a Mitsubishi/Infinity. Premium AM/FM eight-speaker stereo with separate amplifier and both cassette and compact disc players. Meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive GSX adds several GS-T options -- leather seat trim, power up-and-over glass sunroof, and remote, keyless entry security system -- as standard equipment.
Eclipse GS and Eclipse GS-T
For some, the most exciting of all Eclipses are those of the solar kind. For fun-in-the-sun adventures, the Eclipse Spyder GS and GS-T offer a very desirable combination of performance and equipment. Designed specifically from the ground up as a convertible and built on the assembly line in Illinois alongside their coupe siblings, both Spyders have a power operated cloth top and glass rear window with electric defroster, rare features even on the most expensive drop-tops. In addition, all Eclipse Spyders have 2+2 seating and a conveniently shaped trunk.
Eclipse Spyder GS has a 2.4-liter, SOHC 16-valve engine that produces 141-horsepower and can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. With sport cloth or available leather sport seat trim, standard air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with compact disc player and alloy wheels with locks, the Spyder GS is extremely well equipped, especially considering its price. And, by adding a couple of option packages, buyers can have everything from a security system with keyless entry, cruise control and Mitsubishi HomeLink Universal Transmitter to a rear spoiler, bodyside cladding, fog lamps, and 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
The fiercest of the Spyders is perhaps the GS-T. Powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine of the GS-T and GSX coupes, Eclipse Spyder GS-T turns its chrome-plated 16-inch alloys into a blur and leaves its prey well behind its rear spoiler. Inside, the GS-T has leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and shift knob, a Mitsubishi/Infinity. Premium AM/FM stereo with eight speakers with separate amplifier and both cassette and compact disc players, and a security system with remote entry.
The popularity of the Mitsubishi Eclipse is found in its extraordinary style, several layers of available performance and class-leading value. And, for 1998, Eclipse's virtues are sure to continue.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles. |
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