Available in three distinct trim levels – the GS, GS Sport and the more powerful GT model,- as well as a special edition SE model for the 2012 model year before production ceases on this truly iconic Japanese sports car. With its signature exterior styling and robust performance, the Eclipse has long held a special place in the heart of automotive enthusiasts who appreciated its reputation as an “attainable exotic.”
The curvaceously styled Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe features a precision-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension, a chassis with excellent structural rigidity and the convenience of a 2+2 seating arrangement with 50:50 split-folding rear seat backs for enhanced cargo capability, making it an ideal sports car for everyday use in the real world.
Both the GS (starting MSRP $19,499) and the GS Sport (starting MSRP $24,699) models are powered by the 2.4-liter SOHC MIVEC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine that produces a very eager 162 horsepower. The base GS model is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission with an optional 4-speed automatic ($1000) while the GS Sport comes exclusively with the 4-speed automatic unit. The richly-appointed and more powerful Eclipse GT (starting MSRP $29,089) features a potent 265 horsepower, 3.8-liter SOHC MIVEC 24-valve V-6 that is paired with a silky smooth 5-speed automatic transmission that features Mitsubishi’s Sportronic® transmission technology, allowing the driver the thrill of manual gearshift control when desired.
The base model GS includes a number of plentiful array of standard accessories including a 6 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD player with MP3 playing capability and auxiliary audio input jack; air conditioning; automatic shut off headlamps; 18-inch alloy wheels; power windows/locks/mirrors; leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control; anti-theft system; keyless entry with remote tailgate and panic alarm feature and dual exhaust outlets with exhaust finishers.
Additional major standard features included on the GS Sport version are high-tech HID headlamps; leather seating surfaces; handy steering wheel-mounted audio controls; heated front seats and side mirrors; a power driver’s seat; power sliding glass sunroof with sunshade; a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system; rearview camera and a powerful 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate® premium audio system with 9 speakers (including a 10-in. subwoofer) and a 3-month pre-paid subscription to SIRIUS® satellite radio.
Based on the GS Sport, the new SE special edition model displays extraordinary styling with eye-catching 18-inch alloy wheels with dark argent finish, black side view mirrors, and an exclusive SE exterior side decal.
The top-of-the-line Eclipse GT model includes all of the key features from the GS Sport (dual heated power side view mirrors, a front strut tower bar, aluminum scuff plates and a 6-way heated power driver’s seat with a single height and lumber support adjuster) but also adds automatic climate control.
Standard safety features included in all Mitsubishi Eclipse models are 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL); and an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS), side air bags and side curtain air bags.
Compelling Pricing
The 2012 Eclipse Coupe comes in four distinct models and price ranges to suit a variety of new car buyer budgets:
Eclipse GS……………………….(starting MSRP $19,499)
Eclipse GS Sport………………. (starting MSRP $24,928)
Eclipse SE……………………… (starting MSRP $24,928)
Eclipse GT……………………… (starting MSRP $29,089)
After thrilling automotive enthusiasts for more than two decades and four generations of vehicles, the legendary Mitsubishi Eclipse sports coupe will cease production after the 2012 model year. And while this two-door Japanese classic car (manufactured with pride at Mitsubishi’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in America’s Heartland in Normal, Illinois) will soon fade off into the sunset, the swan song Eclipse Coupe will depart with a memorable, aesthetically pleasing final version that captures the sporting essence of what owning a cool sports car is all about.
Eclipse SE: A Styling Excercise
When you look at the special edition 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE model, you see a truly inspired sports car. Its aggressive trademark dynamic body is very unique, with its convex streaming roofline sloping all the way down to its protruding, athletic flared fenders. There is a reason that, aesthetically-speaking, the Eclipse long overshadowed its competition. The front fascia of the 2012 Eclipse SE showcases blacked-out upper and lower grille sections that match the ominously dark blacked-out roofline. The rear dual exhaust outlets let others know that underneath the stylish body, the Eclipse is hiding a powertrain built to go fast. Unique “SE” side decaling, blacked-out side view mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark argent finish round out this model’s eye-catching exterior.
Engineering
Underneath the hood of every 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe GS, GS-Sport and SE series vehicle lies and intensely beating heart in the form of a 2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with a cast-iron engine block that makes use of Mitsubishi Intelligent Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) to maximize power production, fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions. This engine cranks out 162 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at an even 4,000 rpm, with redline occurring further across the tachometer at 6,500 rpm.
The GS is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission, the latter unit allowing the driver to quickly ratchet up and down through the gears to their heart’s content – an especially desirable feature when an enthusiast driver encounters a winding ribbon of road. The GS-Sport and SE come equipped with a 4-speed version of the Sportronic® automatic gearbox.
Mitsubishi engineers understand the need for speed. That’s why they cranked up the power by nearly 40% in the Eclipse GT with the inclusion of a 265 horsepower 3.8-liter MIVEC-equipped V-6 engine for performance-minded drivers. This engine reaches its horsepower apogee at 5,750 rpm and produces its peak torque figure of 262 at 4,500 rpm.
To complete the sporting enthusiast driving experience, the Eclipse GT comes with an exclusive 5-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission that adds an additional cog, allowing the driver to maximize driving performance.
At 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway (GS-Sport model), an Eclipse driver can enjoy both sports car performance and fuel efficiency.
Mitsubishi stays ahead of the competition by offering its owners more bang-for-the-buck with major standard features included on every entry-level Eclipse GS model: attractive 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels; two-color tone exotic styling with black grille and bumper; dual exhaust with polished exhaust tips; unique integrated clear and chrome rear spoiler; and exquisite sounding 140-watt AM/FM/CD sound system with auxiliary audio input jack and 6 speakers; air conditioning; power windows/door locks/side mirrors; remote keyless entry system; and distinctive ice-blue LED illumination of instruments and control.
Also standard on 2012 Eclipse coupe is the special black painted roof that is a throwback to the first-generation Eclipse.
Standard safety systems on all 2012 Eclipse coupe models include 4-wheel disc anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, front seat mounted side-impact air bags and front seat side curtain air bags.
What’s more, 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe buyers have six different colors to choose from: Northstar White, Quick Silver, Sunset Pearlescent, Rave Red, Carbon Grey and Kalapana Black.
Eclipse GS Sport
We all want to indulge in the finer things in life. That’s why Mitsubishi has added welcome deluxe features to the 2012 Eclipse GS Sport model. Open up the one-touch power glass sunroof with vent feature on sunny days or moonlit nights. Crank up the sensuous sounding 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate® premium audio system with 9 speakers (including a 10-inch subwoofer), 6-disc in-dash CD player and a pre-paid 3-month subscription to SIRIUS® satellite radio. Cut through the darkness with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) projector-type headlights with fog lamps. Stay warm and comfortable with leather-covered seats (front seats heated) and a 6-way power driver’s seat. Chat away on a call without a problem with the Bluetooth® hands-free phone system. And enjoy an added dimension of safety when backing up thanks to the rearview back-up camera.
Eclipse GT
The ultimate edition of the Japanese auto manufacturer’s sports coupe for the 2012 model year is the Eclipse GT. This premium-grade rendition includes the aforementioned 265 horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to the flexible and enthusiast driver-oriented Sportronic® 5-speed automatic transmission, automatic climate control and larger ventilated rear disc brakes.
Warranty
Mitsubishi Motors stands behind the Eclipse by guaranteeing it with one of the best Powertrain Limited Warranties in the business: 10-years or 100,000 miles. Also included are a 5-year/60,000 mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, a 7-year/100,000 mile Anti-Corrosion/Perforation Limited Warranty and 5-year/unlimited mile Roadside Assistance, assuring Eclipse coupe buyers the confidence and security that their vehicle is built for the long term.
Key Specifications
Wheelbase:………..104.1 in.
Length:…………….180.4 in.
Height:……………..53.8 in.
Width:……………..72.2 in.
Curb weight:………3,272 lbs.
– (GS, 5-speed manual)
Curb weight:………3,609 lbs.
– (GT, 5-speed auto)
Major Standard Features
•Black painted roof
•140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and six speakers
•18-in. alloy wheels
•50:50 split fold-down rear seat backs
•Air conditioning
•Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors
•Front seat mounted side-impact air bags
•Front seat side curtain air bags
•Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
•Active Stability Control (ASC)
•Cruise control
•Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
•Keyless entry
•Power windows, locks and mirrors
•Tilt steering wheel
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
•18-in. alloy wheels with 235/45R18 tires
•Front strut tower bar
•Dual exhaust system
•Electronic traction control
Eclipse GS Sport adds:
•Leather seating surfaces
•Rockford-Fosgate® premium audio
•SIRIUS® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription
•HID projector-type headlamps
•Bluetooth® hands-free system
•Power glass sunroof
•Rearview camera
•Heated front seats and side view mirrors
•Power driver’s seat
•Steering wheel audio controls
•Aluminum pedals
•Fog lights
•Clear lip spoiler
•Center display with outside temperature and compass
•High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
•Fog lamps
Eclipse SE adds:
•18″ alloy wheels w/ dark argent finish
•Black side view mirrors
•SE side decal (exterior)
Eclipse GT adds:
•265 bhp 3.8-liter V-6 engine
•5-speed Sportronic automatic transmission
•Automatic climate control
•Dual exhaust system
•Larger ventilated rear disc brakes