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TEST DRIVE
Eclipse well-armed for liftoff
OK, so you’ve always wanted to pilot a jet fighter, but never got the opportunity. Maybe you could try getting behind the wheel of the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
The sensation might be quite similar.
The newest version of Mitsubishi’s sport coupe will wow you with its ability to take off.
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2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
(click on photo to enlarge)
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The top-trim GT model boasts a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that kicks out 263 horsepower and 260 poundsfeet of torque, which will induce a nice little neck snap upon acceleration.
Shifting the sixspeed manual transmission is pretty easy, and, when combined with the jetlike ride, feels more like ascending a few thousand feet in elevation.
Automatic transmission also is available.
The chassis capably handles twists, turns and dips in the road without too much shake or bounce, but with enough excitement to keep you interested.
The fully independent suspension, traction control and 18inch lowprofile tires help maintain a steady presence on the road.
This coupe steers nicely as well, and for those times when sadly you must use them, the antilock brakes are strong and assuring.
From a design standpoint, this year’s Eclipse is attractive, with gently flowing curves and lines that accentuate its attractive exterior features, such as the taillights, wheel arches and front grille.
This design isn’t so much revolutionary as it is a favorable interpretation of today’s styling trends.
But even with that being the case, there don’t appear to be any design flares that will fall victim to the changing fads of sports car looks that make something cool one moment and obsolete the next.
The interior is handsome, too, with an instrument panel that conveys a hightech sense of neatness.
It’s also a little more comfortable inside than one might expect. The interior is 1.9 inches taller than last year’s model, 3.3 inches wider and 2.9 inches longer.
But the rear seat is still not much to speak of when it comes to roominess.
The storage area under the hatchback has decent space, though. You won’t be hauling any furniture back there, but you should do fine with, say, groceries or a modest amount of luggage.
In addition to the GT, the Eclipse has a base GS model that comes with a 2.4liter engine that has 162 horsepower and comes with a fivespeed manual transmission or an automatic.
The GT’s gas mileage is 18 mpgcity, 27 highway.
The test model had a base price of $ 23,699, with options that included a sunroof, leather interior and heated front seats and side view mirrors that took the price up to $ 27,834.
If you’re ready for takeoff, the Eclipse is all revved up on the runway.
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