Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sport coupe produced from 1989 to 2012 across four generations. The Eclipse was developed as a collaboration between Mitsubishi and Chrysler under the Diamond-Star Motors (DSM) joint venture. The first and second generations (1989-1999) were sold in North America as Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and Plymouth Laser; the latter two are essentially the same car with different badges. The first-generation Eclipse (1989-1994) and second-generation Eclipse (1995-1999) used the 4G63T turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in performance variants. The Eclipse GSX (AWD turbo) and Eclipse GS-T (FWD turbo) were the high-performance trims. The 4G63T engine became one of the most respected Japanese tuner engines, capable of supporting significant power on stock internals. The first-generation Eclipse GSX is particularly desirable. Light weight (around 3,000 pounds), AWD, turbocharged 4G63T making 195 horsepower factory rating. Modified Eclipse GSX cars have produced 600-800+ horsepower on stock internals. The platform became a foundation for affordable AWD performance modification. The third-generation (2000-2005) and fourth-generation (2006-2012) Eclipse abandoned the AWD turbo formula and were positioned as more luxury-focused sport coupes with V6 engines and FWD layout. These generations are less respected by enthusiasts; the Eclipse name was eventually reused on the Eclipse Cross compact crossover (2017+, unrelated to the original Eclipse coupe). On WhipJury, Eclipse submissions are common, particularly GSX and GS-T variants from the 1989-1999 era. Modified examples with engine swaps and chassis upgrades are typical.