Life-size Hot Wheels
With the looks of a Hot Wheels car, the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-P is quite the head-turner: sexy, curvy lines that exude power, a very low stance and outrageous tires. Now that's a proud sports car.
That being said, the Eclipse remains somewhat of a "halo" vehicle in Canada due to limited sales volumes. In fact, since coming to market in 2006, it primarily aims to attract people into showrooms and make newly-established Mitsubishi more popular with consumers. When you come across an Eclipse, it's impossible not to spot the massive triple-diamond logo on the front grille.
But like any sports car, the Eclipse's popularity is quickly fading. This type of vehicle usually has a very short lifecycle. Before the next generation is introduced (based on the concept shown at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit), the Japanese automaker has decided to stay put for the 2008 model year.
Powerful!
The GT-P is the higher-end, more powerful model in the Eclipse lineup. With a strong V6, it delivers exhilarating accelerations (0-100 kph in about 7 seconds) and convincing passing maneuvers.
However, being a front-wheel drive car, this Eclipse's 263-hp engine produces significant torque steer every time you try to push it. Furthermore, at high speeds, the car has a clear tendency to understeer.
But once you're able to control these annoying reactions, the driving experience can be quite fun. The fully independent suspension does a good job of soaking up road anomalies without necessarily compromising the sporty character you rightfully expect. Thanks to a well-calibrated power steering, the Eclipse is pleasant to handle on winding roads. Also, with four powerful discs (including larger ones in the back), braking maneuvers are up to the GT-P's overall performance.
With the looks of a Hot Wheels car, the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-P is quite the head-turner: sexy, curvy lines that exude power, a very low stance and outrageous tires. Now that's a proud sports car.
That being said, the Eclipse remains somewhat of a "halo" vehicle in Canada due to limited sales volumes. In fact, since coming to market in 2006, it primarily aims to attract people into showrooms and make newly-established Mitsubishi more popular with consumers. When you come across an Eclipse, it's impossible not to spot the massive triple-diamond logo on the front grille.
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| No changes this year, but the next generation is looming on the horizon. |
But like any sports car, the Eclipse's popularity is quickly fading. This type of vehicle usually has a very short lifecycle. Before the next generation is introduced (based on the concept shown at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit), the Japanese automaker has decided to stay put for the 2008 model year.
Powerful!
The GT-P is the higher-end, more powerful model in the Eclipse lineup. With a strong V6, it delivers exhilarating accelerations (0-100 kph in about 7 seconds) and convincing passing maneuvers.
However, being a front-wheel drive car, this Eclipse's 263-hp engine produces significant torque steer every time you try to push it. Furthermore, at high speeds, the car has a clear tendency to understeer.
But once you're able to control these annoying reactions, the driving experience can be quite fun. The fully independent suspension does a good job of soaking up road anomalies without necessarily compromising the sporty character you rightfully expect. Thanks to a well-calibrated power steering, the Eclipse is pleasant to handle on winding roads. Also, with four powerful discs (including larger ones in the back), braking maneuvers are up to the GT-P's overall performance.
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| The V6 engine of the Eclipse GT-P delivers strong performances... to the detriment of fuel economy. |