Image credits: © Mitsubishi.

MSRP: $19,995-29,600
Invoice: $18,910-28,015

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse news, pictures, and information

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse At-A-Glance

The new-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe combines thrilling design and performance with outstanding value to offer the sport coupe customer an attainable exotic. New for 2008, limited-production Special Edition models will be available with either the V-6 or 4-cylinder engine. The SE models combine an exclusive aerodynamic body package, a unique exterior graphic treatment and interior enhancements.

The Eclipse GT gains standard 18-inch alloy wheels for 2008, and the SE V-6 includes Active Stability Control (ASC). SIRIUS® Satellite Radio is now added with the available Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, including a 6-month pre-paid subscription. All models for 2008 gain a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Eclipse is offered as the GS and the high-performance GT. The GS model's 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT's 3.8-liter V-6 produces 263 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. Both engines employ Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) to help optimize efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.

Both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

A rigid platform enables the 4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models, with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), plus larger, ventilated rear discs on the GT.

Eclipse combines exotic-looking interior design with comfort and safety, including standard advanced dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and front seat curtain side air bags. Eclipse's high-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. The 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks provide cargo versatility.

The available 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system combines AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, PUNCH® control, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer and a 10-in. subwoofer. It is one of the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems available and plays all types of music with stunning clarity and impact.

Source - Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Offers 'Factory Custom' Eclipse For 2008; Satellite Radio Now Included With Audio System Upgrade

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is offering customers the opportunity to buy a 'factory custom' version of its popular Eclipse Coupe models for 2008. The Eclipse Special Edition, available as a limited-production option for both the 4-cylinder and the V-6 engines, combines a specially developed aerodynamic body package with a unique exterior graphic treatment and additional handling-enhancement features.

All Eclipse models for 2008 gain a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that can alert the driver to the potentially hazardous condition of having too-low air pressure in one or more tires. The SE models also have Active Stability Control (ASC).

The 2008 Eclipse SE has an aggressive street rally appearance with its chin spoiler, large bold rear wing, alloy fuel door and eye-catching graphics. Inside, the SE models have an unique interior color combination and aluminum scuff plates. The 4-cylinder SE gain 18-inch alloy wheels, which are also newly standard on all GT models for 2008 (Sword Silver finish on SE). The SE model also adds a number of other accessories, including a rear cargo net, cargo cover and wheel locks.

'The automotive landscape is littered with the names of sport coupes that have passed quietly into history,' said Dan Kuhnert, vice president for marketing and sales, Mitsubishi Motors North America. 'The Mitsubishi Eclipse, in contrast, with its ‘attainable exotic' styling, exciting performance and undeniable value, continues in its fourth generation to appeal to a very broad range of driving enthusiasts. Eclipse is truly an iconic model for the brand.'

Satellite Radio Included with Rockford-Fosgate Audio
SIRIUS® Satellite Radio is now included with the available Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, including a 6-month pre-paid subscription. SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides digital sound quality, seamless coast-to-coast coverage, and about 120 channels of programming, many of them commercial-free.

The Rockford-Fosgate 650-watt (max.) audio system is among the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems in the market today. The option features a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer that can play MP3 CDs.

The system plays through nine speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer. The PUNCH® control and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) give the user total control over the subwoofer's 'punch' level and provide custom music-genre equalization as well as sound field image settings, including: Normal, Stage, Live and Hall. A DSP sound setting memory function allows users to configure all eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for favorite CDs, artists, or music genres.

The Rockford-Fosgate audio system is part of the optional Sun & Sound Package available for the GS and GT models. This package adds a power sunroof with sunshade, plus an array of comfort and convenience features, including steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, glove box with damper, illuminated ignition key cylinder and a windshield shade band.
The optional Premium Sport Package for the Eclipse GT includes those features, plus automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver's seat, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. Also with this package, the GT's 18-inch alloy wheels feature a distinctive Sword Silver finish.

Two Levels of Eclipse Performance
Eclipse is offered in two trim and performance levels. The GS model is powered by a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, and the GT challenges more expensive sports cars with a 263-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine. Both Eclipse engines employ the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.

The GT's 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm provides forceful off-the-line thrust. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Eclipse GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds*.

The Eclipse GS features a standard 5-speed manual transmission and offers an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT offers an optional 5-speed automatic. Both Eclipse automatics feature Sportronic™ shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

Curve-Taming Chassis Tuning
A rigid platform enables the 4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride. The front suspension uses a proven MacPherson strut design with a 22-mm stabilizer bar. On the Eclipse GT, a strut tower bar supplements chassis rigidity. The low-mounted multi-link rear suspension is equipped with either a 20-mm (GS) or 21-mm (GT) rear stabilizer bar.

All Eclipse models come equipped with standard 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). All models use 11.6-inch ventilated front discs. Rear brakes are 10.3-inch solid discs on the GS, and 11.2-inch ventilated discs on GT.

The Eclipse GS rolls on standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R17 V-rated tires. New for 2008, the GT gains standard 18-inch alloy wheels (Sword Silver finish on SEmodels) with 235/45R18 V-rated tires. (The SE model upgrades the 4-cyl wheels to 18-inch alloy wheels with Sword Silver finish.)
* Source: Road & Track magazine

Comprehensive Safety
All Eclipse coupe models are equipped with advanced front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The front seat belts integrate pre-tensioners with force limiters. Energy absorbing materials cover the inside of the front, center and C-pillars to help reduce the possibility of injury during a collision. The Eclipse unibody structure features extensive reinforcement, including front and rear crumple zones, for passenger protection in the event of a collision. Robust front subframe members are connected with a dash panel crossmember and strong, front steel crossmember to help create a rigid boxed section front subframe area. Reinforced side sill members also help disperse collision energy, and high-strength steel cross members across the floor help absorb side impact energy.

Exotic Style with Everyday Comfort
Eclipse combines exotic-inspired interior design with long-distance comfort. The dash and door panels are covered in upscale, modern, padded and textured materials that match the seat coverings. The center dash features a prominent climate and audio control stack with large control knobs and fin-shut vents. Atop the center panel, a signature Mitsubishi LCD display provides radio, clock and directional indicators. At night, the gauges, interior control knobs, and switches are illuminated by striking ice-blue LED lamps.

Eclipse's high-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. A large-capacity glove box and numerous cubbies and storage compartments highlight everyday usability. With both the 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks lowered, the Eclipse provides a generous 15.7 cu. ft. of carrying capacity, and the hatch features a wide opening and a low lift-over.

Mitsubishi Value
On all Eclipse models, the long list of standard equipment includes air conditioning, auto-off head lamps, cruise control, engine immobilizer, keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors.

In addition to GS-level equipment, the GT adds electronic traction control, fog lamps and a standard outside temperature and compass display – the last item included in the optional GS Sun & Sound Package, as well.

All Eclipse models are built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., one of the industry's most flexible assembly plants. This facility produces four different models: Eclipse coupe and Spyder, the Galant mid-size sedan and the Endeavor SUV.

Premium Warranty
Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer, Galant, Endeavor and Outlander vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The high-performance Lancer Evolution is covered by a 5-year, 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components.

All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.

Source - Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was introduced in 1989 and has remained in production in the modern era. The name 'Eclipse' came from a eighteenth century English racing horse which won 26 races. Since its inception, it has been redesigned on a number of occasions, and there has been four distinct generations. The first two generations were very similar and shared many mechanical components and design features. The third generation was a redesigned vehicle sitting a top a new platform.

There were four trim levels available for the first generation Mitsubishi Eclipse. The top-of-the line trim level was an all wheel drive version; the others were front-wheel drive. Both were available with the optional turbocharged engine. The trim levels included the base, GS, GS-T, and GSX. The base engine was a 1.8-liter 8-valve SOHC engine that produced just under 100 horsepower. The GS with DOHC was a 2-liter engine that raised horsepower to 136. The turbocharged version had over 180 horsepower.

Attached to the engine were a five-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment. A four-speed automatic was available for an additional cost. The AWD models included a limited-slip center differential and output shaft for a transfer case that was different than the FWD versions.

The second generation of the Eclipse began production in 1995 and continued into 1999. A Spyder version was now available, which offered convertible driving. Horsepower on all engines improved; the base 2.0-liter engine produced 140 horsepower. The 2.4-liter engine produced 141 and the 2.0-liter engine with turbocharger produced 210 horsepower.

There were now seven trim levels available including the RS, GS, GS Spyder, GS-T, GS-T Spyder and GSX.
In 1997 the model was giving aesthetic improvements. The front grille was updated, the headlights reshaped, and the driving lights became smaller and round. The reverse lights were moved away from their central position.

Built along side of the Eclipse was the Eagle Talon which was produced until 1989 when Eagle went out of business. The Talon was available in Base, ESi, TSi, and TSi AWD. Minor styling changes between the Talon and the Eclipse segregated these two vehicles.

The third generation of the eclipse appeared in 2000 and remained in production until 2005. It was a drastic styling change from its pior-self, with styling cues borrowed from the Mitsubishi SST design study which had debuted at the 1998 North American International Auto Show.

The Eclipse now shared a platform with the 8th generation Galant. Weight and size increased, and so did the engines displacement size. The base engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 140 horsepower. The 3.0-liter V6 engine raised horsepower to the tune of 200 horsepower.

The GTS trim was introduced in 2003. It had a 10:1 compression ratio and an improved Variable Induction Management air intake system that raised horsepower by 10.

The fourth generation of the Eclipse was shown at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. The big news was the 3.8-liter V6 engine that raised horsepower to 263. The base 2.4-liter engine is rated at 165 horsepower. There is only one drive type available - front wheel drive. The Spyder version was released for 2007 at the North American International Auto Show.

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Vehicle Spotlight

2008 Mitsubishi models
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mitsubishi Galant
Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Mitsubishi Outlander

2008 Mitsubishi Concepts
Mitsubishi Concept-RA
Mitsubishi Concept-ZT
Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport
Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S

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