Mitsubishi Motors Introduces All-New 2000 Eclipse
31 March 1999
Mitsubishi Motors Introduces All-New 2000 Eclipse; New 'Geo-Mechanical' Exterior Design Highlights the Redesigned Sports Coupe MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA, INC. Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. Designed by Mitsubishi Motors' design center in Cypress, Calif., the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse features "geo-mechanical" styling cues taken directly from the automaker's exotic SST concept car. This all-new, U.S.-assembled sports coupe is longer and wider than its predecessor, accounting for more rear leg and headroom as well as more cargo space. For 2000, Eclipse continues its heritage of offering stylish, fun-to-drive performance with a choice of new powerplants that include a 2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, producing 155-horsepower*, or a 3.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 that produces 205-horsepower*. The all-new Eclipse will be available at Mitsubishi Motors' dealerships this summer. The modified show version features Enkei Milano 18-inch wheels, Eibach springs and 225/40R18 Z-rated Bridgestone Potenza S-02 tires. * final power ratings to be released in June, 1999. (PR NewsFoto) [ES] .... NEW YORK, March 31 -- The all-new 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse,
which makes its world debut at the New York International Auto Show, is a
bold, aggressively styled sports coupe that builds on its own heritage of
affordable high performance while adding a new level of sophistication.
Designed at Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America, Inc. (MRDA) design studio,
Eclipse's sleek new look is teamed with a refined interior and new engine
options to create a car that is both practical and functional and offers
outstanding fun-to-drive performance. The all-new Eclipse is assembled at the
Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America, Inc. (MMMA) plant in Normal, Ill.,
and will go on sale this summer.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990331/LAW011 )
Sporty, Sophisticated Design
Redesigned from the ground up, Eclipse's most striking feature is its
bold, new exterior, which is sure to not only turn heads, but to draw
comparisons with expensive European sports coupes.
The all-new Eclipse features styling cues taken directly from Mitsubishi
Motors' SST concept car, continuing the trademark "geo-mechanical" design
theme of Mitsubishi Motors' design center in southern California. The
"geo-mechanical" look combines basic shapes and forms with taut surfaces to
appear as if they were machined from metal. Even the Eclipse's fuel filler
has a riveted, metallic-like appearance.
Designed to suggest "metal in motion," the 2000 Eclipse's door strakes
make the new sports coupe appear to be moving even when standing still. From
its graceful hood lines and chiseled taillights to its artful roof design and
aggressive stance, Eclipse appears to be sculpted from a single piece of
metal.
Fun-to-drive Performance
The all-new Eclipse offers a choice of powerplants -- including two
versions of a powerful 4-cylinder engine and its first-ever V6 -- to provide
the performance to back up its sleek appearance.
Eclipse's new 2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine produces
155-horsepower*, and offers smooth, efficient operation through the use of
balance shafts. When equipped with a 5-speed transmission, Eclipse's
4-cylinder has a high-speed camshaft.
Continuing its heritage of fun-to-drive performance, the 2000 Eclipse
offers a 3.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 engine. Expected to produce
205-horsepower*, Eclipse's V6 engine replaces the turbocharged four-cylinder
engine of the previous generation, providing similar power with a broader
torque range.
Furthering the enjoyment of Eclipse's outstanding performance, both
engines come with either a 5-speed manual or Mitsubishi Motors' new
Sportronic(TM) automatic transmission, which can be shifted as a clutchless
manual or used like a conventional automatic.
Stylish, Functional Interior
The interior of the all-new Eclipse continues the sophisticated look of
its exterior. The instrument panel has a symmetric configuration, creating a
"dual cockpit" for the driver and front passenger. Titanium-like accents on
the instrument panel, doors, gauges and the "Eclipse" logo on the door sill
continue the "geo-mechanical" design theme.
Eclipse's interior is also spacious and comfortable, and packed with
convenient features which aid its fun-to-drive performance. The all-new
Eclipse rides on a 2-inch longer wheelbase and is 3-inches longer than its
predecessor. This gives Eclipse customers more rear leg, shoulder and
headroom, as well as more cargo space.
The 2000 Eclipse will be the first vehicle in its segment to offer an
in-dash CD changer and an AM/FM/CD tuner is standard equipment. Although
Eclipse's radio is mounted in the conventional location, the actual audio
display is located high on the instrument panel to reduce eye strain and allow
the driver an easy reference while keeping his or her eyes on the road.
Improved Vehicle Safety
In addition to its sleek exterior, numerous safety features were included
in the new Eclipse, providing an added level of safety to help protect its
occupants. Coupled with an advanced chassis design for enhanced front off-set
crash protection, the 2000 Eclipse features driver and front passenger air
bags, as well as available front side air bags, which are mounted in the front
seats to keep them in the proper position relative to the passenger.
Reinforced A-pillars improve roof crush and front impact deformation,
while side impact door beams increase survival space and improve occupant
protection in the event of a crash. The all-new Eclipse has energy absorbing
material mounted in the door and interior trim to improve head and side impact
protection in a collision.
Popular Features, High Value
More refined and sophisticated, the 2000 Eclipse is an aggressively
styled, yet functional sports coupe with dynamic performance. Although
pricing has not been announced, the all-new Eclipse is expected to remain
consistent with existing price points for the current model, maintaining
Eclipse's reputation as both affordable and fun-to-drive.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles,
including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles.
* with 5-speed transmission; final power ratings will be released in
June, 1999. CA/NLEV ratings may differ from Federal ratings.
