Technical

The GS is powered by the same 2.4L inline 4-cylinder found in all of Mitsubishi's products save for the Endeavor. It develops 162 hp at 6 000 rpm and 162 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The GT receives a highly tuned version of the much used SOHC 3.8L V6. Its output numbers are of 263 hp at 5 750 rpm and 260 lb/ft of torque at 4 500. Both motors are equipped with Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing technology. The 4-pot has the choice between a 4-speed auto and a 5-speed manual transmission. The big six can be mated to the same gearboxes but with one extra gear each. Steering is speed-sensitive variable power-assist. The suspension is fully independent and 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. The only changes to the Eclipse's chassis are slightly larger rear discs and rear stabilizer bar when comparing the GS to the GT.

On the road

The 4-speed automatic is pleasantly responsive and permits snappy shifts. The 6-speed manual is easy to work through the gate. Selecting first, depressing the clutch and holding the engine at 5 000 rpm are the first steps to an orbital launch. Once the clutch is dropped, tire smoke rises, the car sways from one side to another and the Eclipse rockets forward. Torque-steer in omnipresent with traction control disengaged and two hands on the wheel are necessary. I am obviously talking about the GT-V6. It is impressively strong and pulls exceedingly hard. A perfect blast-off will get the GT up to 100 km/h in the low 6-second bracket. What is more is that Mitsubishi gave it a deep amusing burble to make it sound like a Japanese muscle car. The 2.4L is also gutsy however it is poorly served by the 4-speed. The last 5-speed Lancer Ralliart that I drove was rather quick on its toes so I would expect the GS to be a solid performer with the manual.

The ride of the Eclipse GS is controlled and taut. Handling is very decent as the car strongly feels as though it is in constant contact with the asphalt. Cornering is flat and grip is high. The V6 does disappoint when it comes to its dynamics; it feels more heavy-footed, less astute and not as intuitive. The GS has a 60/40 weight bias whereas the V6's extra 90 kg further penalises by negatively affecting the weight distribution to 62/38. A 2% change may not sound like much however it is immediately apparent the moment the car is driven. The GT-V6 makes for a great cruiser and less of a curve chaser like the first generation Eclipse. The heavier nose of the V6 makes it prone to under-steer.

The brakes impress by how easily they bring the big coupe down from speed. Pedal travel is short and only a small amount of pressure is required to get the pads gripping madly onto the discs. The speed-sensitive steering is firmly weighted and particularly sharp. Response from the 17" or 18" tires is immediate and confidence inspiring. The turning radius suffers especially with the larger wheels; it is simply huge.

Safety

The Eclipse coupe has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction control (V6) and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) have yet to crash test the 2006 Eclipse.