New 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse combines brute power with exotic design, giving sports car enthusiasts the best of both worlds—at a worldly price.

Mitsubishi scaled down the number of trims from four to two leaving the standard GS and the powerful GT.  The front has a blacked-out center where the bumper and grille meet and the new-look rear fascia is less bulky.  The GT comes equipped with a new rear spoiler and dual exhausts.  Stiffer design means better handling, while the four-wheel independent suspension will ensure a more comfortable ride.  One great feature is Sportronic® mode, which is available on both GS and GT automatic transmissions.  Sportronic® allows the driver to shift gears manually with just the push of a lever. 

Starting at $20,749, the GS comes equipped with a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter MIVEC engine and is available in both manual and automatic transmissions.  Other standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, six-airbag safety system and 140-watt CD/MP3 sound system.  Fuel economy for the GS is average at 20 MPG city and 28 MPG highway for the manual transmission.  The automatic gets 20/26 city/highway.

The GT starts at $24,649 and boasts a 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter MIVEC V6 engine and is also available in both manual and automatic transmissions.  18-inch alloy wheels, HID headlamps, rear spoiler, anti-lock brakes, active stability control (SAC), six-airbag safety system and a 140-watt CD/MP3 sound system with six months of pre-paid SIRIUS Satellite Radio are all standard features.  Where the GS gets good fuel economy, the GT struggles with 16/25 MPG city/highway for the manual and 16/25 city/highway for the automatic.

If you want more—you got it.  Optional features include a sunroof, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate® sound system with a 6-CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, alloy pedals and heated seats. 

While other 2009 sports coupes rest on their 2008 laurels, the new Mitsubishi Eclipse has eclipsed the competition with its improved look, feel and price.