Up Close: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse demonstrates how one small change can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of a car. Here, that change is a new front grille, which takes on the trapezoidal design of the grille on the automaker's Lancer Evolution sport sedan. The new grille gives the Eclipse a much more menacing shape, and it's a look that seems likely to appeal to sports car enthusiasts.

V-6 GT models now have twin tailpipes, and their appearance brings to mind the pipes on the Nissan 350Z. The big rear wing is also new.

For the money, the Eclipse is a pretty stylish front-wheel-drive sports car. Even though the exterior changes are few for 2009, they do make an impact, which is more than can be said for many mid-cycle product updates.

More info and photos of the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Comments

[Adrock]

I guess you could say it looks better, but until Mitsu returns to the days of the turbo 4 in the Eclipse, I have no sympathy for them.

[Jason]

I still think the back end is too long, but it works just fine with the convertible. Though, I would like to see the top up, just as a comparison.

As for the hardtop, without the spoiler, my complaint still stands--too long. But with the spoiler, it looks good.

[ninevah keith]

i dont see how this car is attractive it looks like its cross-eyed

[J]

Overweight, underpower, underdog that looks pathetic is my comment to this thing.