Description
The second generation of the Eclipse was a joint project developed together by Mitsubishi and Chrysler, and it was a win-win situation.
The Eclipse starred in the first franchise movie, “The Fast and the Furious,” and it was a highly tuned car, but even the standard model was no joke in the sport-compact market. It was the only turbocharged all-wheel-drive coupe on the American market. Its drivetrain was developed by Mitsubishi, who had vast experience in rallying. The Japanese carmaker sold the car in four trim levels, depending on the options and performances. While Dodge Neon engines powered the base models, the turbocharged versions were powered by the renowned 4G63 unit used on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
In 1995, the bio-design trend was at its highest levels, and the Eclipse was one of the finest examples of it. The narrow but rounded headlights, which replaced the pop-up ones used on its predecessor, the flowing lines of the bodywork, and the sloped tailgate fit into that trend. It announced the next design trend, the new edge, with its sharp angles on the rear side windows and on the taillights.
Inside, the carmaker installed sport bucket seats for the entire range. Its rounded dashboard featured a center stack slightly tilted toward the driver. The instrument cluster was very clear, with big dials for the speedometer and tachometer and smaller gauges for the fuel level and the coolant temperature. Even though Mitsubishi installed rear seats, those were fit only for small dogs and child-seats without a child inside.
Chrysler produced the base, 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engines. They offered decent performances, but the star was the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive version, which could complete the 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) run in less than seven seconds, while the turbocharged front-wheel-drive was even quicker.
