Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport compact car that was produced by Mitsubishi in four generations from 1989 until 2011. A convertible body style was added during the 1996 model year.

The first two generations share the automobile platform and parts with the rebadged Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser captive imports. They were built during Mitsubishi Motors. Their partnership was known as Diamond-Star Motors (DSM). In Japan, the first two generations were sold at a specific Japanese retail chain called '' Mitsubishi Car Plaza''. The third, 2000-2005 generation shared a redesigned platform with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus. In May 2005, the fourth, and final generation Eclipse was introduced, replacing the Chrysler platform used for the third generation with the PS platform.

According to Mitsubishi Motors, the Eclipse was named after an unbeaten 18th-century English racehorse that had won 26 races.

The Eclipse was officially sold in Japan, North America, the Middle East, South Korea, the Philippines, Brazil, and China. At the end of August 2011, the final Eclipse was manufactured and subsequently auctioned for charity.

In 2017, Mitsubishi resurrected the Eclipse name on a compact crossover vehicle, titled the Eclipse Cross.

First generation (D21A/D22A/D27A; 1989)

Overview

The first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was marketed as an entry to mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe segment. Five trim levels were available; all were front-wheel drive except the GSX which was all-wheel drive. The GS Turbo and GSX were equipped with turbocharged engines.

The first-generation Eclipse underwent minor styling changes during its production; 1992–1994 models have updated sheet metal and are easily distinguishable from earlier model years. The most notable is that the 1990-1991 models have pop-up headlights, whereas 1992-1994 models have exposed aerodynamic headlights. The Eclipse was revised for the 1995 model year as the second generation.

Trim levels

The Eclipse was available in five trim levels during its first-generation production run. AWD models were not available until halfway through the first model year.

*Eclipse: Base model equipped with a naturally-aspirated 1.8 L 8-valve SOHC 4G37 4-cylinder engine
*Eclipse GS: Upgraded model with slightly more equipment
*Eclipse GS DOHC: Upgraded model equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi Sirius engine; a naturally aspirated variant of the 4G63T 4-cylinder engine1990–1994 model years Eclipse, Talon and Laser did not come with the 420a engine. The 420a was not available until the second generation.
*Eclipse GS DOHC AWD: Equipped with a 4G63 16-valve naturally-aspirated engine (AWD N/A only available in Europe) All were only available with 5-speed manual transmission and without rear limited-slip differential. Sunroof, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, central locking, and air conditioning were included.
*Eclipse GS Turbo: Upgraded model equipped with a * turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T 4-cylinder engine
*Eclipse GSX: AWD model equipped with a * turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC 4G63T 4-cylinder engine

''The 1990 GS Turbo with a manual transmission was rated at 190 hp, whereas the 1990 GSX with a manual transmission was rated at . This was for the purpose of offsetting the additional weight of the AWD mechanism (approximately 2,930 lbs Vs 2,570 lbs GVW). However, 1991 and later years of both turbo models standardized on the 195 hp version 4G63T. The automatic models were rated at due to smaller fuel-injectors and turbocharger.''

These models varied significantly in drivetrains and available options, and included some variance in appearance, as higher trim lines added different front and rear fascia panels and surrounding trim, with the GSX model getting a notably different styling package from the others.

Powertrain

The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder Mitsubishi 4G37 or 4G63 engine situated on the left-hand side of the car driving an automatic or manual transmission on the right-hand side. AWD models have a different transmission which includes a limited-slip center differential and output shaft for a transfer case, which drives the rear differential (also available as limited-slip) and half-shafts.

Engines

The 4G37 and 4G63 engines are gasoline inline-fours. The 4G63 has an iron engine block with an aluminum cylinder head and is equipped with two balance shafts. The turbocharged version of the 4G63 (sometimes referred to as the 4G63T) has a lower compression ratio of 7.8:1 and oil squirters under the pistons for better cooling from extra heat created by forced induction. The turbocharged 4G63 engine received an internal update during the 1992 model year. The engines built from 1989 through April 1992 have 6-bolt motors. Beginning in May 1992, Mitsubishi revised the engine to a 7-bolt design. The bolts refer to the number of bolts on the flywheel that connects to the crankshaft.

Problems and issues

In March 1998, Mitsubishi issued a recall (bulletin 98V069001) for all 1990-1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSXsThe recall would also apply to AWD variants of the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser. citing, "Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication. The condition can cause a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash." The dealers would inspect the vehicles for the adequacy of the transfer case oil volume, transfer case oil leakage, and operational degradation of the transfer case mechanism. The transfer case itself did not leak but rather the brass plug in the center of the transfer case yoke would leak. Mitsubishi estimated 24,275 vehicles were affected.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined crash test ratings of the 1G Eclipse:

Awards

The Eclipse ''Turbo'' was on '' Car and Driver'' magazine's Ten Best list for 1989–1992.

Second generation (D31A/D32A/D38A/D39A; 1994)

Overview

The Eclipse was redesigned in 1994 (for the 1995 model year) and included standard dual airbags, more rounded styling, a larger interior, and a new engine made by Chrysler for the base model. The second-generation car maintained the market focus of the first generation car but had numerous changes to appeal to a broader market. A convertible model, named the Eclipse Spyder, was introduced in 1996 offered in two trim levels; the GS and the GS-T. The Spyder GS was powered by a 2.4 L 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated 4G64 engine. The Spyder GS-T was fitted with Mitsubishi's turbocharged 4G63 engine. The GSX model was also powered by this engine but with the addition of a high performance all-wheel-drive system. No convertible model was powered by the Chrysler's 420a engine, nor was there a convertible with all-wheel-drive.

The turbocharged engine option continued as the 4G63. It was updated for more power as compared to the previous generation ( vs ). The naturally aspirated cars had two different 4-cylinder engines depending on the market. The US version engines produced 140 hp, found only in the RS and GS trims, and were a modified version of the Chrysler Neon engine, the 420A, manufactured by Chrysler and delivered to and installed at the Diamond Star Motors facility. The European market engines were a naturally aspirated 4G63 with . International market Eclipses made less horsepower than their Japanese domestic market relatives when equipped with the 4G63 (, ), due to emissions regulations.

This model exceeded Japanese government's compact car regulations regarding exterior dimensions (maximum width of ), therefore incurred a more expensive annual road tax obligation.

A special version of the Eclipse, called the "10th Anniversary OZ Rally", was sold at the end of the 1999 model run with unique 16-inch Enkei wheels with the OZ Racing logo. It also included the leather interior package, accented exhaust exit, “silver” gauges, mud flaps, and hoop-style spoiler that were available as standard equipment on GS-T and GSX models. The special edition package was only offered with the 420A engine.

A unique version of the 2G Eclipse was sold in some European countries. It used a naturally aspirated Mitsubishi 4G63 motor, similar to what was available in the 1G, unique side-view mirrors, and amber rear turn signals.

A minor style revision was applied for the 1997 model year. The front grille opening was given a more aggressive profile. The headlights were given a sharper slant on the inner edges, and the previous all-chrome fixture interior changed to a black interior with chrome reflector inserts. The driving lights were revised from a reflector type to a smaller projection type. The rear bumper cap was altered and had the reverse lights restyled and moved out into the bumper fascia, away from their original central position by the license plate bracket. The GS-T coupe and GSX received a large rear spoiler. The interior color choices also changed from blue and grey in 1995–1996 model years to black/grey, tan/black, and grey in the 1997–1999 model years. A black leather interior option was only available in 1999; the package included all seats (with the 'Mitsubishi' logo embroidered on both of the fronts), door inserts, and a center console armrest.

Trim levels

The Eclipse was available in seven trim levels: Base nly available in 1996.5 (mid-model year) RS (Rally Sport), GS (Grand Sport), GS Spyder, GS-T (Grand Sport Turbo), GS-T Spyder, and GSX (Grand Sport X=AWD).

*Eclipse RS: Base model equipped with a and of torque 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420a 4-cylinder engine
*Eclipse GS: Equipment upgraded model equipped with a and of torque 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Chrysler 420A engine. The European variant of the GS had a naturally-aspirated, DOHC 16-valve 4G63 4-cylinder engine producing 150 HP
*Eclipse Spyder GS: Convertible model equipped with a 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G64 4-cylinder engine
*Eclipse GS-T: Upgraded model equipped with a and of torque turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 4-cylinder engine
*Eclipse Spyder GS-T: Convertible model equipped with a and of torque turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 4-cylinder engine
*Eclipse GSX: AWD model equipped with a and of torque turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC Mitsubishi 4G63 4-cylinder engine

Standard equipment

*RS: 2.0 L DOHC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, driver and passenger airbags, power steering, cloth reclining front bucket seats, 5-way adjustable driver's seat with memory recliner, center storage console, folding rear seat, map lights, remote fuel door and rear hatch releases, tachometer, trip odometer, low fluid warning lights, AM/FM radio, digital clock, tinted glass, rear defogger, dual remote mirrors, color-keyed bumpers and front air dam, 14-inch wheels with full wheel covers (195/70/HR14 tires.)
*GS adds: 4-wheel disc brakes, 6-way (7-way in 1995) adjustable driver's seat, split-folding rear seat, tilt steering column, cassette player, Power antenna (96-99), cruise control, body-colored power mirrors, door handles and rear spoiler, fog lights, a cargo cover and net, 16-inch wheels with 205/55/HR16 tires (96-99 models), lower bodyside cladding, rear windshield washer/wiper.
*GS-T adds: turbocharged and intercooled engine, engine oil cooler, air conditioning, cruise control, turbo boost, and oil pressure gauges, Infinity 8-speaker AM/FM cassette/CD player with separate amplifier, anti-theft system, CD changer controls, power windows/door locks, sport-tuned shock absorbers, 16-inch alloy 5-spoke wheels, bright dual exhaust outlets.
*GSX adds: Permanent all-wheel drive, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/50/VR17 tires (97-99), 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/55/VR16 tires with a manual transmission 205/55/VR16 tires for automatic transmission (95-96), limited-slip rear differential (optional 97–98), power driver's seat (96-99), anti-lock brakes (optional 95–99), leather-wrapped steering wheel and manual transmission knob, leather package, 10.8-inch vented front rotors with dual-piston calipers and vented rear rotors (rear vented only early 95).

Powertrain

The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder Chrysler 420A, Mitsubishi 4G64, or 4G63 engine. The Mitsubishi motors are mounted in the same orientation as the first generation cars. The 420A-powered cars had the engine mounted on the right side of the car, and further back in the chassis. AWD models had a similar transmission to the first generation car. The second-generation GSX also had a stronger carrier/differential when equipped with the limited-slip option.

Engines

All motors are four-cylinder gasoline engines. All have cast iron blocks with aluminum cylinder heads. The 4G63/4G64 engines retain the balance shafts for smoother operation, while the 420a does not. The 1995–1999 turbo engines were given an increased compression ratio of 8.5:1, up from 7.8:1, and a smaller turbo, a Garrett T25 set to in place of the previous Mitsubishi TD04-13G turbocharger (automatic cars) and TD05-14B turbocharger (manual cars). This was done to minimize turbo lag, which was an undesirable trait for mass-market appeal in the U.S. These changes led to increased horsepower and torque vs. the previous 1G turbos. The 2G turbo cars produced at 6,000 rpm ( at 6,000 rpm with automatic transmission) and at 3,000 rpm ( at 3,000 rpm with automatic transmission.)

The 4G63T engines found in 1990–1994 models have a throttle body compared to the 1995–1999 MY's . The intake ports on the head and runners of the intake manifold are also larger on the 1G. They also have larger crankshaft bearing journals to allow better lubrication. Because they look similar, it is important to note that the 1990-1994 cylinder head is more on the side of high air volume, while the 1995-1999 cylinder head is more on the side of high air velocity.

Mitsubishi Motors

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