2006 Eclipse Options

[Mike]

Here is what Motor Trend said about the 2006 Eclipse at the detroit auto show:

2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Eclipse coupe has been a franchise player for Mitsubishi since the model's introduction 15 years ago. But the previous-generation "geo mechanical" styling hasn't always rung the sales bell, so Mitsu is rolling out an all-new one for '06 that it believes will recapture the magic of the previous, turbocharged sportster. The fourth-gen Eclipse is based on a coupified version of the current Galant chassis platform. It will be available in two trim levels, and with two new powertrain offerings. The look is aggressive and ultra-modern, recalling some elements of the second-generation Eclipse, a bit of Audi TT, and a lot that's new and fresh. A 162-horse I-4 is standard; performance types will head directly for the 3.8L/260-hp V-6. This powerplant represents the company's first use of variable valve timing on a V-6, and it is backed with a new six-speed manual transmission. Serious drivers will also want the Sport Package, which includes sportier suspension tuning and 18-inch rolling stock. The new Eclipse's interior goes way up market, with serious Rockford Fosgate audio offerings, optional leather trim, and an avant garde look courtesy of Mitsu's California design studio. The 2006 Eclipse goes on sale late this spring, with pricing to be announced. If the car drives as good as it looks, we expect the Eclipse to reclaim its leadership position in the performance coupe marketplace.

Still think that they need to bring back the 4g63 AWD eclipse again!

[favre95]

I can tell you right now this car is not made for the "tuner". How many 3 gen Eclipses do you see out there being modified. Almost none. How many times do you see a 3rd gen in a magazine article. Again, almost never. This new Eclipse is following the same model build as the 3rd gen. Cheap 4 cyl model, more powerful and more expensive 6cyl. If you looked at the demographics on sales on the Eclipse 2nd gen on up. It for the most part has been a womans car. It isn't going to change. Mitsubishi uses the Evo to appeal to the "Tuner" market, not the eclipse. Oh and by the way, I can foresee alot of women driving around in a 160hp 4cyl 2006 Eclipses, not "the 260hp version." The 4cyl(gs) 3rd gen Eclipse sales greatly outweighs the 6cyl (gt,gts). It will be the same here. The thing most buyers will go for is a Sun, sound, and leather package 4 cyl eclipse. That way they get the Fosgate system, along with a sunroof and leather, but not have to pay the price of the 6cyl.

Along with awdnot2gsx said. I love how all the "tuner" fanatics think that the industry should make everything appeal to them, and them only. The "tuner" market is actually a very small section of the industry. These car manufacturers would go bankrupt if that is all they did. Some people do want a 260hp car that looks good but know they are not going to ever once open that hood. There are more people like that in the world, than people like us, by far.

That is fine that Mitsu owned the "tuner" market, but it still didn't generate the sales needed. Mitsu is actually turning away from the "bobbin your head to trance music" advertising. They are actually saying the benefits to owning a Mitsubishi in their advertising now. You can thank Finbar for that. The marketing to just the youth kicked mitus ass, cause it didn't work worth a crap. It was a huge mistake. Too many youthful people don't have the money to buy a 20,000 car.

Mitsu needs the car to sell a ton. To save their company. It is going to have to be their Altima. The Altima saved Nissans ass...bigtime. The same is going to have to happen here. Mitsu is in big time money troubles, I am sure you have heard. They need some really good product to get them out of that hole, and back into the black. It is put up or shut-......down time.