What is it?
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
What's special about it?
Mitsubishi is updating its Eclipse sport coupe and convertible for the 2003 model year. On the outside, both cars feature a restyled front fascia with a new grille, altered headlight and new foglights. In back, the taillights have been changed to incorporate trendy jewel-style lamps.
The interior also sees change. Two new "themes" are available: Midnight and Sand Blast. The Midnight theme combines a black interior with dark blue accents on the instrument panel, seats, door panel inserts and center console. The Sand Blast does the same, but with a taupe color. All Eclipses get a new gauge cluster as well as an available premium sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
But wait, there's more! For '03, there will be an additional Eclipse trim: GTS. This top-of-the-line model starts with the standard equipment found on the GT and adds the aforementioned premium audio system, new 17-inch wheels (also on the GT), side airbags, ABS and foglights. Under the hood is the GT's 3.0-liter V6, but it's been tweaked for more power. A two-stage intake manifold and a bump in compression allow the GTS to make 210 hp, 10 more than in the GT. Torque remains the same at 205 lb-ft, but the GTS does have a shorter final drive (both in the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic) to improve acceleration.
Why should you care?
As Japanese sport coupes go, we've found that the Eclipse is more suited for boulevard cruising than slashing down canyon roads. We've never liked the low-rent interior, either. Not that this has any bearing whatsoever — the Eclipse is one of the most popular sport coupes sold. With the car's 2003 changes, the Eclipse should improve in our eyes, and sales will likely continue to be strong. — Brent Romans
2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
What's special about it?
Mitsubishi is updating its Eclipse sport coupe and convertible for the 2003 model year. On the outside, both cars feature a restyled front fascia with a new grille, altered headlight and new foglights. In back, the taillights have been changed to incorporate trendy jewel-style lamps.
The interior also sees change. Two new "themes" are available: Midnight and Sand Blast. The Midnight theme combines a black interior with dark blue accents on the instrument panel, seats, door panel inserts and center console. The Sand Blast does the same, but with a taupe color. All Eclipses get a new gauge cluster as well as an available premium sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
But wait, there's more! For '03, there will be an additional Eclipse trim: GTS. This top-of-the-line model starts with the standard equipment found on the GT and adds the aforementioned premium audio system, new 17-inch wheels (also on the GT), side airbags, ABS and foglights. Under the hood is the GT's 3.0-liter V6, but it's been tweaked for more power. A two-stage intake manifold and a bump in compression allow the GTS to make 210 hp, 10 more than in the GT. Torque remains the same at 205 lb-ft, but the GTS does have a shorter final drive (both in the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic) to improve acceleration.
Why should you care?
As Japanese sport coupes go, we've found that the Eclipse is more suited for boulevard cruising than slashing down canyon roads. We've never liked the low-rent interior, either. Not that this has any bearing whatsoever — the Eclipse is one of the most popular sport coupes sold. With the car's 2003 changes, the Eclipse should improve in our eyes, and sales will likely continue to be strong. — Brent Romans
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