As one of the most popular sports coupes in America,
the Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX can drive with the best of them. With
it's 210 hp turbo charged DOHC 16 valve engine it can accelerate from 0-60
in about 6.8 seconds.
At first glance that may not seem great, considering
cars like the Camero SS can 0-60 in about 5.6, but once you feel the power
of 210 horses forcing their power on all four 17-inch alloy wheels you'll
know why this car is so popular. Especially since driving conditions
are, more often than not, less than optimum. This is where the GSX
really excells. The all wheel drive 3270 lb (MT) Mitsu is at home
in road conditions that would make most sports car owners cringe in fear.
The 1999 model will be the last to carry
the turbocharged 4-cylender powerplant. For the Y2K model they are
equiping the Eclipse with a naturally asperated V-6, the same engine to
be used with the Mitsubishi Gallant. The plus of this is the lack
of turbo lag, though the Eclipse has very little it is still present.
But you also won't get that cool WOOSH! that only a turbocharged car can
give. Also once that turbo gets going it will be tough luck for the
Y2K Eclipse owners. They would never be able to keep up in the higher
gears with this pocket rocket.
Another
reason this car gained poopularityover they years is that you can make
some pretty impressive upgrades. Everythiing from turbo upgrades
to larger intercoolers and horsepower boosting exhaust kits. With
these and similar upgrades a 300 hp Eclipse is fairly easy to build.
But even if you choose to keep it stock, it can hold its' own on the street.
Its quicker sister, the GS-T, has a 0-60 in the low
to mid 6 range. The only difference being the lack of all wheel drive
and several hundred pounds. The Eclipse is a force to be reconed
with, and not one to be brushed off by a Camero or Mustang.