2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse Preview

While the RSX will continue to offer sporty imported competition to the Eclipse, the import coupe that could spoil Mitsubishi's

Mitsubishi is legendary for performance cars, and the Eclipse is one of the most highly respected nameplates in the business. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

sales plans is the next generation Tiburon. It is expected to grow in size over the current model, and top-range power will probably come from Hyundai's new 230-horsepower 3.3-litre V6. While this doesn't match the Eclipse, pricing could be more aggressive and Hyundai does have an enviable reliability record. While Ford's reliability rating is nowhere near as strong as Hyundai's, the Mustang will continue to be a threat in this market segment, especially considering its ultra-cheap base price point. Word on the street has GM coming back with a retro-styled Camaro, and Chrysler Group adding a sporty two-door coupe and convertible based on the 300C's rear-drive XL architecture, possibly dubbed the HEMI 'Cuda or Challenger.

Still, the Eclipse will beat these to market by a long shot, and remain as one of the only import alternatives in the two-door segment. What's more, Mitsubishi is legendary for performance cars, and the Eclipse is one of the most highly respected nameplates in the business. Add to that the best warranty in the Canadian auto industry, which lasts five years or 100,000 kilometres bumper-to-bumper, and 10 years or 160,000 kilometres powertrain, and choosing an Eclipse should be a no-brainer for sports coupe fans.

Preliminary Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $24,000 - $35,000
• Body Type: 2-door coupe
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Base Engine: 165-hp, 162 lb-ft of torque, 2.4L, 16-valve, SOHC I-4
• Optional Engine: 260-hp, 260 lb-ft of torque, 3.8L, 24-valve, SOHC V6
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 4-spd auto with manual mode, 6-spd manual, 5-spd auto with manual mode)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Curb Weight: 1,485 - 1,575 kg (3,274 - 3,472 lbs)
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H (17 - 18-in wheels)/WB): 4565 / 1835 / 1358 - 1366 / 2,575 mm (179.7 / 72.2 / 53.5 - 53.8 / 101.4 in)
• Cargo Volume: 455 L (15.7 cu ft)
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
• Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive - 120/160,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda Accord Coupe, Hyundai Tiburon, Nissan 350Z, Pontiac G6 Coupe, Toyota Camry Solara Coupe, Volkswagen GTI
• Web Site: www.mitsubishicars.ca