New Eclipse

[Camelspit]

now i know the new generation eclipse has been out for a while. Am i the only one wondering why mitsubishi has yet to release a gsx, or gst-like version of the new car? i think they're blowing it, focusing way more on the evo when they should be working towards bringing back the tunability of the eclipse like the 1st and 2nd gens. thoughts?

[Andydg]

I think it would be cool if they stuck the 4G63 back in the Eclipse and gave it AWD and priced it around $30k but that would pull sales away from the Evo and they don't want to do that.

[DinanM3_S2]

This is the problem with having two sports cars in your lineup so close together in price. If they built up the Eclipse with a turbo 4 and AWD, it would become direct competition for the Evo, and it would be foolish to compete with yourself. So like the previous generation, the Eclipse will be forever stuck with a FWD V6 setup for the top of the line version. Would it be cool? probably, but it would make bad business sense. We probably won't see a GSX as long as the Evo exists.

I wouldn't invest much in the Eclipse anyways, a quick look at the sale figures for the newer one show that they really arn't selling too well. The sub 2,000 cars a month is pathetic compared to the 3,000-4,000 cars per month they were getting in 2003. The Eclipse is looking pitiful compared to the 10,000+ Mustangs a month that Ford is selling.

[iPoddity]

i think they should add a low volume Ralliart edition/ MR Edition of the Eclipse with AWD, the 4G63, and a few other things to set it appart from the GT and Evo. tune for higher Gs on the skid padd, trim off some of the pounds and you could probably sell it for a good 35k for someone who will drive it like it should be driven...quickly

[BlackGT2000]

Yeah another powerful frontwheeler. Fits right in there with the new FWD V8s GM has out this year. I would say that if they has that Eclipse as a RWD car that it might have fit in the same market with the 350Z (which I think is awesome) Nope its destined for mediocrity.

[Camelspit]

Originally Posted by BlackGT2000

Nope its destined for mediocrity.

which is sad given the dsm history as a great tuning base. but alas all good things come to an end.

[DinanM3_S2]

I don't see why this is such a big suprise, there wasn't a great 3g Eclipse for tuning either.

[BlackGT2000]

Its no surprise to me at all.

[MclarenF1]

If we are ever going to get an Eclipse that is remotely similar in spirit to the first and second generation models, Mitsu. is going to have to get away from a heavy, long wheelbase Galant derived platform. Even if they went back to four wheel drive and a turbo four cylinder as the top motor, the car would end up being far heavier than anyone wants. The philosophy behind a AWD turbo version of the new Eclipse would really be more akin to the 3000GT Vr4 than the original GSX. Of course, some people might not think that's such a bad thing. Nothing wrong with a quick, comfortable GT car you can drive in foul weather. I just get the impression that this idea doesn't really appeal to fans of the original Eclipse.

[VAD0R]

Which is why it would be great if they put a turbo or supercharged 6 cylinder in with AWD like they did with that Raider Ralliart show truck.

They really need to make a FI AWD Galant, that sedan's looks beg it to have a sportier trim.

[BlackGT2000]

I agree that heavy is the way of the future. The days of light weight cars are over. Lightweight these days means 3000 pounds. I was thinking the same thing as Mclaren about a AWD turbo eclipse coming closer to the VR4s of old.

[Muscletang]

I don't think they could get it done. The thing already gets shitty gas milage. About the same as a Mustang GT if I'm not mistaken. You think it's going to get better if you strap a turbo to it or make the engine turn an extra two wheels?

[BlackGT2000]

I don't see it happening either. It was just a thought. I think it will fade into obscurity just as the last ones are doing.

[Camelspit]

since i saw it mentioned i also thought they could supercharge the v6 and give it rwd, make it compete with the 350z. that would be cool too, but like everyone else said. not gonna happen.

[G35XAndTrailBlazer]

The new eclipse just doesent look like a tuner car :/