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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. The package also adds a glove box with damper, illuminated
ignition key cylinder and a windshield shade band. All these features come as
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
With a 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the
Eclipse GT plays in a serious league of performance cars. The engine employs 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 GT offers an optional
5-speed automatic. Sportronic console shifters allow manual gearshift control.
Curve-Taming Chassis Tuning
A rigid platform enables the
4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse GT 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 a 21-mm rear stabilizer bar. The Eclipse GT model comes 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
11.2-inch ventilated discs.
The GT features standard 18-inch alloy wheels
with 235/45 R18 V-rated tires. A standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
can alert the driver to the potentially hazardous condition of having too-low
air pressure in one or more tires.
Comprehensive Safety
The
Eclipse GT coupe is 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 GT 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 GT 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 GT'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.
Mitsubishi Eclipse GT: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications