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Wow! What a car! The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is excitement at a bargain price. Just look at those lines. Long sexy hood up front with bulbous power rear quarters gives this new Eclipse an exciting profile. Large light units and a diminutive spoiler shout sophistication. My test vehicle was cloaked in the extra charge Sunset Pearlescent paint giving an orange glow to the new lines. Contrasting colors in a free flowing soft dash was unique and artistic. Inside, the two-tone Terra Cotta suede and smooth leather interior made this the most striking sport coupe I have driven in a long time. Even with the GT Premium Sport Package, Premium Paint charge and Accessory Package, the full MSRP still did not reach $28,000. I call that a bargain for a 263 horsepower bundle of joy. So what's the deal? Why such an outstanding remake? It is no secret that Mitsubishi has been in severe financial peril. Plagued by recall scandals, slumping sales and a record worldwide financial loss in the billons, has some experts predicting the ultimate demise of Mitsubishi Motors. Dealers have been especially nervous since DaimlerChrysler refused to infuse additional cash into the company last year. But Mitsubishi Motors is part of an enormous group and a rich tradition. While distribution structures may change it is not an overstatement to say that hopes hang on this redesigned Eclipse and the new 2006 Mitsubishi Rader midsize pickup. The 2006 Mitsubishi model lineup includes three sport utility vehicles: Montero, Endeavor and Outlander. The midsize Galant and smaller Lancer make up the sedan offerings. A variant of the Lancer known as the Evolution has been a compact four-wheel drive staple of the "tuner" generation for years. Producing close to 300 horsepower it provides a popular platform for radical customization. With the redesigned Eclipse and a new pickup, Mitsubishi now has an excellent lineup. In an effort to inspire confidence, the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse carries a 10-year/100 mile powertrain warranty on top of the standard 5-year/60,000 mile warranty and 5-year unlimited Roadside Assistance Plan. Assembled in Normal Illinois by UAW workers, this car surprised me in almost every aspect. The design is stunning and execution is flawless. Standard safety features include dual side curtain airbags, seat mounted side torso airbags and advanced dual stage front air bags. Of course the best safety feature is to avoid an accident before you deploy the airbags. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes helps you control the vehicle in panic stops. Four-wheel independent suspension combined with front and rear stabilizer bars provides excellent handling. Driving performance is much improved over the 2005 model. I put the new 2006 Eclipse GT through the paces this weekend. In addition to daily city driving, I took it on a road trip to Manhattan, Kansas just to have lunch with my daughter at Kansas State. While surprising quiet and comfortable on I-70, it was the back roads where the Eclipse really shined. Downshifting the six speed transmission through the turns gave this 3.8 Liter V6 plenty of opportunity to work. While adequate, I do wish the exhaust note sounded a little deeper and richer. Supportive heated leather sport seats cuddled me as the big P235/45 R18 tires hugged the curves. Cranking up the optional 650 watt Rockford Fosgate stereo, I let the 9 speakers and 10-inch subwoofer rock the countryside with a little Grateful Dead and Hank Williams style country. I understand that it will also play more current tunes as well, but I'll never know. Because when you are cruising in a car this good looking, you can play anything you bloody well want and still feel cool. This is a tough market. There are many great sport coupes on the market today but buyers in this segment are demanding. This redesigned 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT will compete with the best in style, performance and value.
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
3.8 L SOHC V6 MIVEC
MSRP as tested $27,964 Estimated MPG 18 City/27 Highway
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©2006 - Stan Risener