Something funny happens when we drive this car. Over the course of this week, we’re adding up the plusses and minuses and trying to figure out why we like this car, despite scribbling down an admittedly long list of shortcomings.
Well, some cars have a character that grows on us even though some things irritate us. Not many cars can achieve this, but the Eclipse can.
Concept-car styling
The first thing we say to ourselves is that a ragtop doesn’t cut it anymore, since more and more manufacturers are opting for practical, better insulated and more durable clamshell, power-folding metal tops. But then we realize that even the 2010 Ford Mustang has a cloth top, and so does the base 2009 Mazda MX-5.
Yet this Mitsubishi’s convertible top, which can be lowered in about 20 seconds, spoils the look of the Eclipse’s concept-car silhouette. Okay, it’s still pretty and still turns heads, but the company will have to think about a folding tin can top next time it redesigns the Eclipse.
For 2009, you will notice new front fascia, rear bumper and alloy wheels, although the Spyder doesn’t get the bigger wing that you’ll see on the coupe. Also new are HID headlights on GT-P models and new paint colors, including yellow.
Power through the wrong wheels
Getting a high level of horsepower through the front wheels without feeling torque steer through the steering wheel is a challenge that few manufacturers have mastered so far. In the Eclipse, well, there’s still some work to do. With 265 horses on tap (up 2 ponies from 2008), compliments of the roaring 24-valve, 3.8-litre V6, you’ll need both hands on the wheel when launching the car in full-throttle fashion.
And although electronic stability control was added for 2009, as previous models made do with a simpler traction control system, the car is still up for an arm wrestling match when turning street corners too briskly. If you’re in a hurry, get ready for some tire chirping.
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| Mitsubishi will have to think about a folding tin can top next time it redesigns the Eclipse. |
Well, some cars have a character that grows on us even though some things irritate us. Not many cars can achieve this, but the Eclipse can.
Concept-car styling
The first thing we say to ourselves is that a ragtop doesn’t cut it anymore, since more and more manufacturers are opting for practical, better insulated and more durable clamshell, power-folding metal tops. But then we realize that even the 2010 Ford Mustang has a cloth top, and so does the base 2009 Mazda MX-5.
Yet this Mitsubishi’s convertible top, which can be lowered in about 20 seconds, spoils the look of the Eclipse’s concept-car silhouette. Okay, it’s still pretty and still turns heads, but the company will have to think about a folding tin can top next time it redesigns the Eclipse.
For 2009, you will notice new front fascia, rear bumper and alloy wheels, although the Spyder doesn’t get the bigger wing that you’ll see on the coupe. Also new are HID headlights on GT-P models and new paint colors, including yellow.
Power through the wrong wheels
Getting a high level of horsepower through the front wheels without feeling torque steer through the steering wheel is a challenge that few manufacturers have mastered so far. In the Eclipse, well, there’s still some work to do. With 265 horses on tap (up 2 ponies from 2008), compliments of the roaring 24-valve, 3.8-litre V6, you’ll need both hands on the wheel when launching the car in full-throttle fashion.
And although electronic stability control was added for 2009, as previous models made do with a simpler traction control system, the car is still up for an arm wrestling match when turning street corners too briskly. If you’re in a hurry, get ready for some tire chirping.
 |
| With 265 horses on tap, you’ll need both hands on the wheel when launching the car in full-throttle fashion. |