Forget the New 2027 Eclipse EV: Mitsubishi Needs the Real Eclipse Back
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is another classic coupe that could easily be revived. Instead, Mitsubishi is currently using the Eclipse name on a Nissan Leaf clone. As well as a bunch of SUVs that have nothing to do with the original Eclipse.
The original Eclipse was a sporty, affordable coupe that gave the brand some added personality. The company desperately needs that personality again. Mitsubishi doesn’t currently have a sedan or small car that could easily be turned into an affordable coupe. But being part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance gives the company plenty of options. The Mitsubishi Outlander already shares most of its mechanical components with the Nissan Rogue, while Mitsubishi gives it completely different styling and an interior of its own.
So why not do the same thing with an Eclipse coupe?
Mitsubishi could use an existing Nissan platform and create a stylish, relatively affordable AWD coupe. It wouldn’t need to be a $50,000 sports car. A turbocharged engine, hybrid powertrain, or even a sporty AWD setup could give it enough performance to make it interesting.
The original Eclipse died in 2012 and was always front-wheel drive. A new AWD Eclipse could be something completely different while still keeping the affordable spirit of the original. However, AWD would not even have to be a requirement since the new Honda Prelude is still a FWD car.
It could also give Mitsubishi something it hasn’t really had in years: a car people actually want to talk about. The Eclipse name still has some recognition, especially among enthusiasts who remember the second- and third-generation cars. Mitsubishi wouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel, either. It could share expensive mechanical components with Nissan while putting most of the development money into the exterior, interior, suspension tuning, and overall personality. Nissan execs have already mentioned a few times that a 240SX/Silvia could actually return. Nissan’s EREV powertrain could also be shared on a Mitsubishi version. I mean, why not…
A new Eclipse could also be positioned below the more expensive Honda Prelude. Even if it wasn’t a serious performance car, a good-looking two-door car with decent power, and a reasonable price could find its own little market.
Mitsubishi already has plenty of SUVs. What it needs is something with a little bit of attitude. Bringing back the real Eclipse could be exactly that.