And then there's the sound system. Stock, it's a 140-watt 6-disc unit, but most customers are likely to splurge for the fantastic 650-watt Rockford Fosgate system. The hardware and software backend of the system will impress even the most demanding audiophile; it features a total of nine speakers, and one 25 cm (10-inch) diameter 'Punch' subwoofer encased in an extra-travel box for extra clear, powerful bass. Every aspect of the system is adjustable, including the sub's intensity, which allows you to not only hear the music but receive a pulsating back massage at the same time. To go with the brawn, there's plenty of brain as the Eclipse's system comes with pre-established genre settings and a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) system, allowing listeners to select from different settings
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| The optional 650-watt audio system features a total of nine speakers, and one 25 cm (10-inch) diameter'Punch' subwoofer encased in an extra-travel box for extra clear,powerful bass. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
which mimic the original recording environment. Without a doubt, it's one of the best factory-installed systems ever produced and is Rockford Fosgate's crowning achievement as far as automobile partnerships go. With bass a-thumpin' and LEDs a-glowin', the Eclipse GT is a trendy nightclub on wheels.
Whether you deck your Eclipse out with the $4,200 Premium Sport Package, like my tester, or keep it to base specifications, it is excellent value for the money. The list of standard equipment is absolutely huge, including everything from a dash-top LCD display for audio components, those body-hugging buckets in cloth, glitzy 17-inch alloy wheels, to standard-fit ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and six airbags including side and curtain bags. If Mitsubishi kept last year's MSRP on the new Eclipse, the entire package could be deemed as desirable. Add the new engine, chassis and style-defining interior and exterior, and a price drop of $1,500 for comparably equipped models and we wonder how
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| Whether you deck your Eclipse out with the $4,200 Premium Sport Package, like my tester, or keep it to base specifications, it is excellent value for the money. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Mitsubishi is actually able to turn a profit - I meant on each car as turning a profit overall will take some time yet. Top that off with a 10-year, 160,000 km "best in the world" powertrain warrantee that delivers unbeatable peace of mind, and it's not difficult to see why Mitsubishi expects big results from its big-bottomed sports car.
While most Eclipse aficionados, and there are many, wanted the 2006 version to be an all-out high-performance machine, Mitsubishi already offers one of those. It's called the Lancer Evolution IX. Instead, what we got is a gorgeous sports machine that finds the perfect ground between on the edge sports compacts or performance machines, and too-soft midsize coupes. It earns five stars when driven spiritedly, delivering driving pleasure to its well-defined limits and yet, it is comfortable to cosset you on your daily commute or on a weekend getaway. Had I the money, I'd happily put my wallet where my mouth is. Yes, it really is that good.
