2005 NAIAS: Mitsubishi Introduces 2006 Eclipse

Detroit January 10, 2005; Bringing a futuristic concept to life in a powerful way, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today introduced its next-generation Eclipse sporty coupe at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The 2006 Eclipse shocks the senses, featuring an eye-catching bold design and dynamic performance enhancements that take the nameplate's legendary status among import sport enthusiasts to new heights. Mitsubishi has integrated refined power, futuristic styling and dynamic handling in the fourth-generation Eclipse to appeal to both upscale, affluent consumers and younger drivers who exhibit a passion for driving and life every day.

THE LEGEND LIVES ON

" Since its introduction in 1990, the Eclipse has captured the minds and hearts of countless import sport coupe buyers yearning for a fun vehicle to drive, without compromising style or sophistication," said Rich Gilligan, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America.

The fourth-generation model promises to do the same. Its energy is fueled by a muscular disposition and design cues coupled with more power, superb handling prowess and smooth ride characteristics. Drivers are wrapped in a sleek, revolutionary cockpit that personifies Mitsubishi's commitment to innovation and functional design. The vehicle is expected to be available in showrooms by mid-2005.

BREAKTHROUGH EXTERIOR STYLING

Eclipse design engineers were charged with creating a vehicle with a smooth, organic feel, but with aggressive design cues that clearly identified it as a Mitsubishi product. The result is a muscular look that is sure to turn heads, exuding both attitude and sophistication. The underlying structure is shrink-wrapped with a clean tight skin, giving the Eclipse a distinctive athletic look. An arched roofline and flexed surfaces exude energy that just begs someone to drive the vehicle.

An integrated rear spoiler is standard on Eclipse GS and GT models and its wedged, teardrop shape gives the vehicle an even more aggressive look. Sporty air intakes and a single oversized, stainless steel tailpipe (GT) add more attitude. A split grille, techno head and tail lamps with chrome surfaces and clear lenses cap the vehicle's sex appeal.

The new Eclipse features an exciting, modern exterior color palette aligned with Mitsubishi's global color direction, in addition to feature colors designed to enhance the vehicle's identity. These include UV Blue and Rotor-Glow Pearl.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE

The 2006 Eclipse enjoys several power and performance enhancements designed to raise the adrenaline levels of driver and passengers alike. The Eclipse GT features the most powerful V6 engine in its class, and both Eclipse GS and GT models feature MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Variable timing and lift Electronic Control) engine technology. With the aid of variable valve timing, engine performance is optimized throughout the power band with improved low-speed torque and high-rev power. Emissions also were reduced as the Eclipse GS now is classified as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). Both powerplants provide strong off-the-line acceleration and passing power, building driver confidence and boosting the fun-to-drive quotient.

The new Eclipse features a highly rigid body that for the first time implements a flat-shape, stamped cross member structure. Combined with a wider track, the rigid construction significantly improves handling and stability without sacrificing ride comfort. A front MacPherson strut and low-mount multilink rear suspension provide a flat ride with nimble and articulate handling, while an increased suspension stroke improves traction and reduces harshness on uneven road surfaces. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard, helping keep all four corners fixed to the road and increasing feedback to the driver. Vented front and rear brakes (GT) allow for better heat dissipation. The Eclipse comes with standard 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and seven-spoke, 18-inch premium wheels are available on the GT trim line.

SPORTY YET SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR

Step into the new Eclipse and enter into the future of cockpit form and function. High back sport seats with aggressive bolsters and integrated headrests position the driver in front of a four-spoke steering wheel and stylized instrument panel akin to a floating wave. Its soft-touch feel gives the instrument panel an even more upscale appearance. Motorcycle-inspired gauges backlit in Ice Blue complement the instrument panel, providing an aggressive edge.

Three distinct interior color schemes are available to match driver tastes: a Techno-Sports (charcoal) is targeted toward the youth market and influenced by active wear products; a Hi-Q (medium gray) theme is geared toward technology-savvy consumers; and an Avant-Garde (terra cotta) theme is for sophisticated drivers with a flair for interior design.

MODELS AND EQUIPMENT

Eclipse GS

The new Mitsubishi Eclipse GS is affordably priced, but still loaded with a myriad performance, styling and technology features not found on other vehicles in its price range. Under the hood is a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve MIVEC engine that produces 162 pound-feet of torque. Drivers have a choice of either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic mode, allowing drivers to experience sporty, positive-feeling manually actuated shifts with a simple push or pull of the shift lever. Other standard performance and styling features include four-wheel disc brakes, an anti-lock braking system, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 225/50R17 all season tires.

Enter the vehicle with the keyless entry system and standard equipment inside includes air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and door locks, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, eight-way manually adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, 50/50 split fold-down rear seatback, sport fabric interior and a 140-watt AM/FM/CD player with six speakers.

Standard passenger safety features include driver and front passenger advanced airbags with passenger sensing system, front seat mounted side-impact airbags and front seat curtain airbags, front seat belt pretensioners, three-point seat belts for all occupants, height-adjustable front shoulder belts and tethers for a child safety seat.

An optional Sun & Sound Package is available for the Eclipse GS. It includes a power sliding sunroof, center display with outside temperature and compass, electrochromatic rearview mirror and a premium 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system featuring nine speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer, equalizer, steering wheel audio controls, in-dash six-disc CD changer with MP3 capability.

Eclipse GT

Mitsubishi's new Eclipse GT continues the nameplate's legacy as the epitome of performance and style in the import sport coupe segment. It features a 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter, 24-valve MIVEC engine that produces 260 pound-feet of torque. The GT trim level includes the choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic shifting.

Also available on the Eclipse GT is a premium sport fabric interior and the Premium Sport Package. It includes a power glass sliding sunroof, heated leather front seating surfaces, auto climate control, heated side view mirrors and electrochromatic rearview mirror, aluminum pedals, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires, and the Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.

Mitsubishi Motors and Rockford Fosgate have teamed up to offer a high fidelity/high output audio system for the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. A leader in aftermarket car audio systems for 25 years, Rockford Fosgate offers Eclipse buyers their aggressive "Punch" sonic signature, delivering dynamic output with high impact bass. The Eclipse's optional premium audio system features 650-watt amplification with nine-speakers including a 10-inch, long-throw subwoofer in a fiberglass reinforced, bass-reflex-enclosure. The six-disc, in-dash CD changer plays MP3 files on CD-Rs. In addition to the usual bass, midrange, treble, fader, and balance controls, the Eclipse's advanced Digital Signal Processor (DSP) gives the user total control over the subwoofer "punch" level. It offers custom music genre equalizer settings and sound field image settings including: Normal, Stage, Live, and Hall. The Rockford Fosgate system also offers an industry-first DSP sound setting memory function that allows users to configure all eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for their favorite CDs, artists, or music genres.

WARRANTY AND MANUFACTURING

As part of Mitsubishi Motors "Best-Backed Car" program, all new 2006 Eclipse models are backed by a comprehensive new vehicle limited warranty that covers the vehicle from bumper-to-bumper for five-years/60,000 miles. In addition, the powertrain is covered by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited warranty, while body panels have a seven-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. The "Best-Backed Car" program also includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty-related repairs for five years/unlimited miles.