Quick Test: 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
Though the current generation Mitsubishi Eclipse bowed back in 2006, the Eclipse's spaceship styling has aged well. Our test Eclipse has been Botoxed with a body kit that makes it appear lower and wider, but even without the add-ons the Eclipse has an aggressive look, its gaping maw offset by fluid curves and a backside rounder than the Death Star.
Inside is less cohesive, but still offers some sporting appeal. "Certainly imparts a sports-car feel, at least with regard to the sense from behind the wheel -- the roof, dash, and door panels seem shrink-wrapped around you," says senior editor Ron Kiino.
Too bad the Eclipse can't back up this sporty image. Despite having a large, torquey V-6 (3.8 liters) and optional summer sport tires, (Yokohama AVS ES100), the Eclipse doesn't deliver at the track.
That it posts a 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds is nothing to be proud of, though it does stop in an impressive 118 ft given its weight and performs respectably in the figure eight, but most of the credit must go to the Eclipse's wide and sticky rubber.
News from our canyon racers is worse.
"To complain about its steering feel would be to imply that any feel exists," groans editor-at-large Arthur St. Antoine. "At max lateral g in a tight corner, the steering feels the same as when you're pointed straight down the highway. No cornering info, almost no feedback to speak of."
"It does turn in, but only thanks to the summer tires," he continues. "The chassis is relatively compliant, so it does stay where you put it. That said, unexpected wheel movements-such as when sharply steering away from a rock and back-upset the chassis badly."
Given its numerous contradictions -- small dimensions/heavy weight, large engine/low power, best tires/bad handling -- Kiino concludes that as a modern sport coupe, it's not quite there yet: "Compared to the competition, such as the Honda Accord Coupe, the Eclipse is crude; engine is thrashy, there's lots of wind and road noise, and the body doesn't feel solid. Despite its weight, the Eclipse is like a go-kart -- noisy, rough, with heavy steering."
The good news is there's a ray of hope on the horizon. Make that a RA of hope. At the 2008 Detroit auto show, Mitsubishi unveiled the RA concept, which sources indicate will be the next Eclipse, possibly equipped with many fancy goodies cribbed from the all-new Evo X sport sedan. |
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