2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Press release

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is introducing its revised 2009 Eclipse, which arrives in dealerships this summer. Restyled front and rear bumper fascias distinguish the Eclipse models for 2009, with the GT also now sporting a new large rear spoiler. The GT model also gains standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps for 2009, further sharpening front styling while aiding visibility for nighttime driving.

The 2009 Eclipse GT will announce its presence a bit more strongly for 2009, thanks to a new dual exhaust system that yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263). Already equipped with a full array of proven safety technology, the Eclipse GT for 2009 gains Active Stability Control (ASC) as standard equipment.

Newly styled single-color front and rear bumper fascias lend a more defined appearance to the Eclipse GS, while the new two-tone bumper fascias for the GT model further emphasizes its road-hungry stance. The "attainable exotic" design of the fourth-generation Eclipse is further underscored for 2009 by the availability of three new colors, Maizen Blue pearl, Quick Silver metallic and Solar, a vibrant new yellow. Models with the standard cloth interior feature upgraded fabrics.

Audio Superpower

The Rockford-Fosgate 650-watt (max.)audio system that is part of the optional Sun & Sound Package available for the GS and GT models is among the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems in the market today. The option features a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer that can play MP3 CDs, and also includes SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription. SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides digital sound quality, seamless coast-to-coast coverage, and nearly 200 channels of programming, many of them commercial-free.

The Rockford-Fosgate system plays through nine speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer. The PUNCH® control and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) give the user total control over the subwoofer’s "punch" level and provide custom music-genre equalization as well as sound field image settings, including: Normal, Stage, Live and Hall. A DSP sound setting memory function allows users to configure all eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for favorite CDs, artists, or music genres.

The Sun & Sound Package, as its name might suggest, also adds a power sunroof with sunshade. In addition, the package includes an array of comfort and convenience features, including steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror. On the GS, the package also adds a glove box with damper, illuminated ignition key cylinder and a windshield shade band, all of which are already standard on the GT model.

The optional Premium Sport Package for the Eclipse GT combines all the features of the Sun & Sound Package with automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. Also with this package, the GT’s 18-inch alloy wheels feature a distinctive machine finish with argent background.

Eclipsing the Competition

Eclipse is offered in two trim and performance levels. The GS model is powered by a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. With a 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the Eclipse GT plays in a serious league of performance cars. Both Eclipse engines employ the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. The GT’s 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm provides forceful off-the-line thrust. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Eclipse GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about six seconds.

The Eclipse GS features a standard 5-speed manual transmission and offers an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT offers an optional 5-speed automatic. In both Eclipse models, Sportronic™ console shifters allow manual gearshift control.

Curve-Taming Chassis Tuning

A rigid platform enables the 4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride. The front suspension uses a proven MacPherson strut design with a 22-mm stabilizer bar.

On the Eclipse GT, a strut tower bar supplements chassis rigidity. The low-mounted multi-link rear suspension is equipped with either a 20-mm (GS) or 21-mm (GT) rear stabilizer bar. All Eclipse models come equipped with standard 4-wheel disc brakes with 11.6-inch ventilated front discs, anti-lock (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Rear brakes are 10.3-inch solid discs on the GS, and 11.2-inch ventilated discs on GT.

The Eclipse GS rolls on standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R17 V-rated tires (18-in. with SE). The GT features standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45R18 V-rated tires. A standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on all models can alert the driver to the potentially hazardous condition of having too-low air pressure in one or more tires.

Comprehensive Safety

All Eclipse coupe models are equipped with advanced dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The front seat belts integrate pre-tensioners with force limiters. Energy absorbing materials cover the inside of the front, center and C-pillars to help reduce the possibility of injury during a collision.

The Eclipse unibody structure features extensive reinforcement, including front and rear crumple zones, for passenger protection in the event of a collision. Robust front subframe members are connected with a dash panel crossmember and strong, front steel crossmember to help create a rigid boxed section front subframe area. Reinforced side sill members also help disperse collision energy, and high-strength steel cross members across the floor help absorb side impact energy.

Exotic Style with Everyday Comfort

Eclipse combines exotic-inspired interior design with long-distance comfort. The dash and door panels are covered in upscale, modern, padded and textured materials that match the seat coverings. The center dash features a prominent climate and audio control stack with large control knobs and fin-shut vents. Atop the center panel, a signature Mitsubishi LCD screen provides radio and clock displays plus compass and ambient temperature indicators in certain models. At night, the gauges, interior control knobs, and switches are illuminated by striking ice-blue LED lamps.

Eclipse’s high-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. A large-capacity glove box and numerous cubbies and storage compartments highlight everyday usability. With both the 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks lowered, the Eclipse provides a generous 15.7 cu. ft. of carrying capacity, and the hatch features a wide opening and a low lift-over.

Mitsubishi Value

On all Eclipse models, the long list of standard equipment includes air conditioning, auto-off head lamps, cruise control, engine immobilizer, keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors. In addition to GS-level equipment, the GT adds Active Stability Control (ASC), HID head lamps, electronic traction control, fog lamps and a standard outside temperature and compass display (the last item included in the optional GS Sun & Sound Package, as well).

The Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder sports models, along with the Galant midsize sedans and the Endeavor crossover SUV, are all built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill. One of the industry’s most flexible assembly plants, the Mitsubishi manufacturing facility is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary of vehicle production in 2008.

At a glance

The Mitsubishi Eclipse offers the sport coupe customer an "attainable exotic" with striking design, sports car handling and dazzling performance. For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the front and rear bumper fascias and gave the Eclipse GT model a large rear spoiler. The GT also gets three significant upgrades for 2009: a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety and performance.

Three new colors are available: Maizen Blue pearl, Quick Silver metallic and Solar, a vibrant new yellow. New interior cloth fabrics give all models a richer interior feel and appearance. The optional Sun & Sound package for GS model now includes aluminum pedals.

Eclipse is offered as the 4-cylinder GS and the V-6 GT. The GS model’s 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT’s 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 produces 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. In both engines, Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) helps to optimize efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. Both automatic transmissions feature Sportronicú shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

A rigid platform and 4-wheel independent suspension give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant ride. All models are equipped with standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); the GT features larger, ventilated rear discs and standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Eclipse interior combines exotic-looking design with comfort and safety, including standard advanced dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and front seat curtain side air bags. High-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. The 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks provide cargo versatility.

The available 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system includes SIRIUS¨ Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription. The system combines AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, PUNCH¨ control, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer and a 10-in. subwoofer.

Key Specifications

• Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
• Length: 180.4 in.
• Height: 53.5 in. (53.8 in. with 18-in. wheels)
• Width: 72.2 in.
• Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,263 lbs. / GT, 6-speed manual - 3,479 lbs.

Major Standard Features

• 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and six speakers
• 17-in. alloy wheels (GS)
• 50:50 split fold-down rear seat backs
• Air conditioning
• Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors
• Front seat mounted side-impact air bags
• Front seat side curtain air bags
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Cruise control
• Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
• Keyless entry
• Power windows, locks and mirrors
• Tilt steering wheel
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Eclipse GT adds:

• 265-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• 18-in. alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
• Active Stability Control
• Center display with outside temperature and compass
• Dual exhaust system
• Electronic traction control
• High-intensity discharge (HID) head lamps
• Large rear spoiler
• Larger ventilated rear disc brakes
• Fog lamps

Optional Sun and Sound Package (GS and GT):

• 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, including 6-month pre-paid subscription
• Aluminum pedals (GS)
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Center display with outside temperature and compass (standard on GT)
• Glovebox with damper (GS)
• Illuminated ignition key cylinder (GS)
• Power glass sun roof
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Rear cargo shelf (GS)
• Rear window wiper (GS)
• Windshield shade band (GS)

Optional GT Premium Sport Package (GT Only):

• 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, including 6-month pre-paid service subscription
• Aluminum pedals
• Aluminum scuff plates
• Automatic climate control system
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Heated front seats
• Heated mirrors
• Leather front seating surfaces
• Power drivers seat
• Power glass sun roof
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Machine finish 18-in. alloy wheels