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The Sun & Sound Package, as its name might suggest, also adds a power sunroof with sunshade. In addition, the package includes an array of comfort and convenience features, including steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The package also adds a glove box with damper, illuminated ignition key cylinder and a windshield shade band. All these features come as standard on the GT model.

The optional Premium Sport Package for the Eclipse GT combines all the features of the Sun & Sound Package with 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 machine finish with argent background.

Eclipsing the Competition

With a 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the Eclipse GT plays in a serious league of performance cars. The engine employs 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 262 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 about six seconds.

The GT offers an optional 5-speed automatic. Sportronic console shifters allow manual gearshift control.

Curve-Taming Chassis Tuning

A rigid platform enables the 4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse GT 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 a 21-mm rear stabilizer bar. The Eclipse GT model comes equipped with standard 4-wheel disc brakes with 11.6-inch ventilated front discs, anti-lock (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Rear brakes are 11.2-inch ventilated discs.

The GT features standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 V-rated tires. A standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can alert the driver to the potentially hazardous condition of having too-low air pressure in one or more tires.

Comprehensive Safety

The Eclipse GT coupe is equipped with advanced dual 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 GT 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 GT 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 screen provides radio and clock displays plus compass and ambient temperature indicators in certain models. At night, the gauges, interior control knobs, and switches are illuminated by striking ice-blue LED lamps.

Eclipse GT'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 Active Stability Control (ASC), HID head lamps, 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).

The Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder sports models, along with the Galant midsize sedans and the Endeavor crossover SUV, are all built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill. One of the industry's most flexible assembly plants, the Mitsubishi manufacturing facility is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary of vehicle production in 2008.

Mitsubishi Eclipse GT: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications