To clearly advertise the high-end status of the GT-P Coupe (and associate it with movies like The Fast and The Furious), the small spoiler adorning the tailgate of the 2008 model has been replaced with a more impressive one. The accessory arouses considerable comment, especially among the younger crowd. But on a day-to-day basis it is utterly useless. It blocks rear visibility, complicates the lifting of the tailgate with its heaviness and in no way increases rear traction – unless, perhaps, you’re screaming down an Autobahn at 200 km/h. But this isn’t Germany.
Built for Americans
We must remember that the Eclipse was invented specifically for the Americans. As such, Mitsubishi strategists are really banking on its spectacular effect, hence the addition of the over-size spoiler, but also a new, chrome twin-tipped exhaust, which is new for 2009 and “improves” the engine’s sound.
That being said, this new Eclipse is not all about show. Its high-intensity discharge headlamps, also new in 2009, undeniably improve nighttime driving.
And driving this coupe is surprising in many ways. A very stiff chassis, a well-adjusted suspension that never succumbs to rolling or bouncing, and a very precise and well-modulated power steering ensure that the moment you step out of the car, you just want to get back in and keep on going.
The six-speed manual transmission on our tester proved precise and satisfyingly well spaced, allowing us to happily make the most of the 265 ponies of the V6 (two more than in 2008). The engine produces enough low-rpm torque to set the car in motion in second gear. An easy undertaking thanks to a too-stiff clutch benefiting from just enough travel.
As for fuel consumption, the engine the Eclipse shares with the Galant mid-size sedan and Endeavor crossover is very, very thirsty. On a 250-kilometre city/highway drive, we averaged nearly 14 litres per 100 km. A far cry from the 11 L/100 km rating touted by the manufacturer.
Interestingly, according to the automaker’s numbers, the optional five-speed automatic Sportronic transmission would consume only one tiny percentage point more fuel. An interesting fact indeed, as the V6 requires premium fuel.
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| A new chrome twin-tipped exhaust, which is new for 2009 and “improves” the engine’s sound. |
Built for Americans
We must remember that the Eclipse was invented specifically for the Americans. As such, Mitsubishi strategists are really banking on its spectacular effect, hence the addition of the over-size spoiler, but also a new, chrome twin-tipped exhaust, which is new for 2009 and “improves” the engine’s sound.
That being said, this new Eclipse is not all about show. Its high-intensity discharge headlamps, also new in 2009, undeniably improve nighttime driving.
And driving this coupe is surprising in many ways. A very stiff chassis, a well-adjusted suspension that never succumbs to rolling or bouncing, and a very precise and well-modulated power steering ensure that the moment you step out of the car, you just want to get back in and keep on going.
The six-speed manual transmission on our tester proved precise and satisfyingly well spaced, allowing us to happily make the most of the 265 ponies of the V6 (two more than in 2008). The engine produces enough low-rpm torque to set the car in motion in second gear. An easy undertaking thanks to a too-stiff clutch benefiting from just enough travel.
As for fuel consumption, the engine the Eclipse shares with the Galant mid-size sedan and Endeavor crossover is very, very thirsty. On a 250-kilometre city/highway drive, we averaged nearly 14 litres per 100 km. A far cry from the 11 L/100 km rating touted by the manufacturer.
Interestingly, according to the automaker’s numbers, the optional five-speed automatic Sportronic transmission would consume only one tiny percentage point more fuel. An interesting fact indeed, as the V6 requires premium fuel.
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| The V6 powering this front-wheel-drive model is particularly potent. |