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The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a two-door, four-seat and the Plymouth Laser Captive Import s through Mitsubishi Motors ' close relationship with the Chrysler Corporation . Their partnership was known as Diamond-Star Motors , or DSM. MODELS The Eclipse has undergone four distinct generations: the first two generations (1G and 2G) are closely related and share many parts, whereas the third generation (3G) is based on a new platform and most parts are incompatible with 1G and 2G Eclipses. The fourth generation (4G) Eclipse was made available in June 2005. Timeline 1990–1994 (1G) Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and Plymouth Laser
Overview The first generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was sold as an entry to mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe. Four trim levels were available: the bottom three were Front Wheel Drive and the very top was All Wheel Drive . The top FWD and the AWD model were equipped with turbocharged engines. The car underwent minor changes throughout its production; 1992–1994 models have updated sheetmetal and are easily distinguishable from previous vehicles. The Eclipse was revised into a new vehicle for 1995 (described below in the 2G section). Trim levels The Eclipse was available in four trim levels during its first-generation production run. AWD models were not available until halfway through the first model year.
These models varied significantly in drive trains, available options, and—to an extent—appearance. The Eclipse GSX, for example, was sold with different plastic body cladding than the base Eclipse. Drivetrain The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a Transverse -mounted 4-cylinder Mitsubishi 4G37 or 4G63 engine situated on the left-hand side of the car driving an Automatic or Manual Transmission on the right-hand side. AWD models have a different transmission which includes a Limited-slip center differential and output shaft for a transfer case, which drives the rear differential (also available as limited-slip) and half-shafts. The 4G37 and 4G63 engines are both I4 Gasoline Engine s. The 4G63 is composed of an iron engine block and aluminum Cylinder Head and is equipped with balance shafts for smooth operation. The turbocharged version of the 4G63 (sometimes referred to as the 4G63T) is equipped with a lower compression ratio (7.8 vs. 9.0 in the naturally aspirated version) and oil squirters under the pistons in order to better cope with the stress and extra heat caused by forced induction. There is also a difference between rear axle/rear ends on all wheel drive models. 1990-early 1992 cars have 3 bolts attaching the axle to the wheel hub. Late 1992–1999 have larger diameter axles and attach to the hub with bigger, 4 bolt axle cups. Awards The Eclipse ''Turbo'' was on '' Car And Driver '' magazine's Ten Best List for 1989 through 1992. 1995–1999 (2G) Mitsubishi Eclipse, (1995–1998) Eagle Talon
Overview The second generation car maintained the market focus of the 1G car, but had a major update in styling and had different engines between trim levels. New to the line was a convertible model, the Spyder. The turbocharged motor was a more powerful version of the previous one (210 hp vs 195 hp). The non-turbo motor was a version of the Chrysler Neon Engine , manufactured by Chrysler and delivered to and installed at the Diamond Star Motors facility. The Talon was discontinued in 1998. Trim levels The Eclipse was available in seven trim levels: Base(Only available in 1996.5 {mid-model year}), RS, GS, GS Spyder, GS-T, GS-T Spyder, and GSX. Second Generations (1995–99) cars:
The models had different trim accoutrements:
There was a freshening of the style for the 1997 Model Year . The front grille opening was made less 'classic' and more 'aggressive' with regards to the radiator opening. The slightly reshaped headlights acquired black areas internally. The driving lights became smaller and round. The rear bumper cap was altered and had the reverse lights moved away from their original central position, presumably to reduce the 'ponderous-ness' or the rear view of the car. The Talon was available in four trim levels, Base, ESi, TSi and TSi AWD. The Eagle Talon saw its production end in 1998 when Eagle went out of business.
There were similar alterations to the styling of the Talon as there was for the Eclipse. There was a unique version of the 2G Eclipse sold in some Europe an countries. It used a normally-aspirated Mitsubishi 4G63 motor, similar to what was available in the 1G, unique sideview mirrors, and unique amber rear turn signals. Drivetrain The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder Chrysler 420A, Mitsubishi 4G64 or 4G63 engine. The Mitsubishi motors are mounted in the same orientation as for the 1G cars. The 420A-powered cars had the engine mounted on the right side of the car, and further back in the chassis. AWD models had a similar transmission to the 1G car. All motors are 4-cylinder Gasoline engines. All have iron blocks with aluminum cylinder heads. The 4G63 / 4G64 motors retain the balance shafts for smoother operation, while the 420A does not use them. The turbo motors had an increase in compression ratio to 8.5:1 (from 7.8:1) and smaller turbos (a Garret T25 from the Mitsubishi TD05-14B). The 4G63 with the 7-bolt crankshaft are known for "crankwalk" or the excessive front to back movement of the crankshaft. 2000–2005 (3G) Mitsubishi Eclipse
Third generation (3G): The Eclipse underwent a change into its third generation in 1999, closely aping the Mitsubishi SST design study which debuted at the 1998 North American International Auto Show . It was the first concept vehicle exhibited by Mitsubishi at an auto show in the United States. {Link without Title} The 4G63 was replaced by two powertrain options, a 150 Hp 2.4 L 16 valve SOHC 4-cylinder (4G64) and a 205 hp 24v SOHC 3.0 L V6 (6G72, Mitsubishi 6G7x Engine ). AWD was no longer an option. The suspension setup was adjusted to provide a softer and more compliant ride quality. As a result, some of the previous generation's more scrappy character disappeared. No longer considered to be a DSM, it shared its platform and Powertrain with the 8th generation Galant . Weight was also up slightly from the previous year's model, but the better torque response from the V6 and additional weight in the front allowed for very similar acceleration numbers. In late 2001 power was lowered to 200 hp as a result of tightened emission standards forcing MMNA to adopt the California standards for all variants of the car. In mid-2002, the GTS trim was introduced for the 2003 model year. This vehicle included an engine with a 10:1 compression ratio and an improved Mitsubishi Variable Induction Management (MVIM) air intake system that gave the car an extra 10 hp and a slightly improved power curve. The 2003-2005 GTS and GT/GTS Spyder shared the new engine while GT models retained the 200 hp powertrain. From 2003-2005, the Eclipse Spyder V6 was sold in a left-hand drive version in Japan. Trim levels The Eclipse was available in 7 trim levels: RS, GS, GS Spyder, GT, GT Spyder, GTS, and GTS Spyder. All models were FWD . The GTS trims were introduced in 2003, and the RS trim was dropped in 2005. Third Generations (3G)(2000–2005):
ECU Trims for V6 models
2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse EV The Mitsubishi Eclipse EV is a prototype Electric Vehicle with a lightweight electric motor and Lithium-ion Batteries in the chassis of a third generation Eclipse. It is powered by manganese lithium-ion batteries made by Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. which have 65-percent reduced charging time over nickel-hydrogen batteries. It participated in the 2001 Shikoku EV Rally, a 780 km circuit around the perimeter of Shikoku , Japan, where it drove in excess of 400 km on a single battery charge. 2006–Current (4G) Mitsubishi Eclipse
Details of the fourth generation Eclipse were revealed during late 2003 and 2004, and the car was shown at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show . Features of the new model include a 263 hp (193.9 KW ) 3.8 L MIVEC V6 and a 165 hp (123 kW) 2.4 L I4 , both derived from the Mitsubishi PS Platform family, with which the Eclipse shares many mechanical components. Like the 2004 Galant, the new Eclipse is FWD only, although a concept model has been produced by Mitsubishi and Ralliart with an AWD platform, the 4G63 engine from the Lancer Evolution, and more aggressive body styling with imitation carbon fibre accents. The V6 produces 263 hp and 260 lb-ft of Torque . The fourth-generation '' Spyder '' ( Convertible ) Eclipse was released for the 2007 model year at the North American International Auto Show . Trim levels The Eclipse is available in four trim levels: GS, GS Spyder, GT, and GT Spyder. 4th Gen (2006–present) cars:
The models and standard / optional equipment:
Options Include- Sun & Sound package with a power sunroof is paired with a 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate® audio system. Boasting nine speakers including a 10-inch trunk-mounted subwoofer, a 6- CD in-dash changer, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, the package also includes a center display with outside temperature and compass readings and an electrochromic rear-view mirror. A four piece body kit comes as an optional "aero kit" package for all models.
Options Include - GS Deluxe Leather Package: Leather front seating surfaces. Heated front seats. Heated side mirrors. Outside temperature indicator and compass in center dash display.
Options Include- Premium Sport Package with 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, leather front seating surfaces, a power Sunroof , an eight-way-adjustable (six power) driver's seat, alloy pedals, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, air-conditioning and a 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate® audio system with nine speakers, including a ten-inch trunk-mounted subwoofer, a 6-CD/MP3-compatible in-dash changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Options Include - GT Premium Sport Package: 18" Alloy wheels. Leather front seating surfaces. 6-way power driver's seat. Heated front seats. Heated side mirrors. Aluminum pedals. Automatic climate control. Wind Deflector REFERENCES |
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