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2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review , Specification , Prices and Pictures

MSRP from $20,699

What's New for 2010

For 2010, the Mitsubishi Eclipse features an auxiliary audio jack and stability control as standard equipment. Optional add-ons have been expanded to include Bluetooth and a rearview camera. A new GS Sport model combines the style of the range-topping GT with the affordability and fuel efficiency of the GS line.

Introduction

Good looks will only get you so far in this world. This adage seems well-suited to the modernly attractive 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse. From outward appearances, the Eclipse looks to be a sporty, sprightly performer that can provide plenty of behind-the-wheel entertainment. But the reality is that this Mitsubishi is going to be a little disappointing for folks expecting high levels of performance.

The Eclipse isn't a complete impostor. In GT trim, it's got a throaty V6 that cranks out 265 horsepower -- a healthy number for this type of car. And its handling is sportier than that of most other midsize coupes. But the Eclipse is still mostly a sleek ride for those who appreciate style more than performance. And that's what the current Eclipse has been serving up since it took to the stage in 2006.

For the 2010 Eclipse, there are just a few feature and cosmetic changes. The biggest news is the addition of some desirable new features (an auxiliary audio jack being the most notable) and adjustments to the available trim levels. The addition of a midrange model -- the GS Sport -- embellishes the base four-cylinder GS model with styling and convenience features found on the top-of-the-line GT. The GT has more standard features (last year's Premium Sport Package option is essentially now standard) but the sticker price has gone up correspondingly.

Mitsubishi's 2010 Eclipse essentially serves as a middle ground between small and nimble coupes like the Honda Civic Si and bigger midsize coupes like the Nissan Altima coupe. Unfortunately, we just don't see this middle ground as all that appealing. The aforementioned Civic Si as well as cars like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Mazdaspeed 3 and Volkswagen GTI all provide more performance with comparable features and price tags. Midsize coupes like the Altima and Honda Accord coupe, meanwhile, are more comfortable, spacious and luxurious. For these reasons, we suggest that prospective Eclipse buyers weigh their appearance vs. performance priorities and carefully shop the competition.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse hatchback sport coupe is offered in three trim levels. The base GS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, an integrated rear spoiler, keyless entry, cruise control, 50/50-split-folding rear seats and full power accessories. The standard six-speaker audio system includes a CD player with MP3 playback capability and an auxiliary audio jack. Options for the GS include a remote engine starter, an iPod adapter, various aerodynamic enhancements and a metallic fuel door.

New for 2010, the GS Sport trim level bridges the gap between the GS and GT models. The GS Sport features the four-cylinder drivetrain from the GS, wrapped up in the GT's exterior styling. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system (with satellite radio), Bluetooth and a reverse camera with rearview-mirror-mounted display.

The V6-powered GT model includes the GS Sport's equipment as well as upgrades like foglamps, larger rear brakes, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, a self-dimming rearview mirror, a compass, an outside temperature display and aluminum scuff plates and pedals.

Powertrains and Performance

The Eclipse GS models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 162 hp and 162 pound-feet of torque. The base GS has a five-speed manual transmission as standard or a four-speed automatic as an option. The GS Sport has the automatic as standard. The GT's 3.8-liter V6 produces 265 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque and comes paired to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic.

Across the Eclipse range, fuel economy is just about average compared to other sporty coupes. The manual-equipped GS gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined; highway mileage drops to 27 with the automatic. The more powerful V6 checks in lower with 16/25/19 mpg for the manual and 16/24/19 for the automatic.

Safety

The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes standard with antilock brakes, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. For 2010, stability control is standard for all Eclipse models. Open head restraints protect front occupants, but are absent in the rear. The Eclipse coupe has not been crash tested as of this writing, but the related Eclipse Spyder convertible received a top rating of "Good" for its performance in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Eclipse's cabin is both stylish and simple, thanks to a sweeping dash and attractive chrome-rimmed gauges with cool blue backlighting. Unfortunately, this pleasingly modern design is tempered by the use of some low-quality plastic materials. The front seats are well contoured and supportive, but the rear seats fail to provide much headroom due to the sloping rear hatchback. That hatchback design does provide some extra utility, however, as do the 50/50-split-folding rear seats.

Driving Impressions

For many drivers, the 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse's driving dynamics may be a bit of a disappointment. The GT's V6 produces plenty of power, but getting all those horses to the pavement can often result in a large dose of wheelspin and torque steer. In contrast to the V6, the four-cylinder struggles with the Eclipse's heavy curb weight -- acceleration with the smaller engine could best be described as anemic.

Another item of contention would be the large turning circle, which necessitates many more multiple-point turns than with other vehicles. Overall handling should satisfy most drivers, but those with an appetite for performance would likely find inspiration in more nimble choices like the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

2010 Dodge Charger SRT8 Review

News About the 2012 Dodge Caliber

August 24th, 2010 by Derek

DodgeNuevoLogo

A redesigned Dodge Caliber compact car is near the top of the to-do list for the new Chrysler Group LLC and its Italian partner, Fiat Auto. The replacement, which may get a new name, is expected to start sale in calendar 2011 as an early 2012 model, timing that would make it the American automaker’s first post-bankruptcy product to reach consumers.

Various sources indicate the 2012 Dodge Caliber will be built on Fiat’s C-Evo platform, a new architecture that can be varied to host a variety of “C-segment” vehicles. This means the new Caliber will compare to compact cars and crossover SUVs of the same general size as the Ford Focus and new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Aimed to compete with the new Audi A1 and BMW 1 Series, the platform uses 84 percent high and ultrahigh strength steel, a McPherson front and a dual-link rear suspension, both of which will use aluminum components (front and rear arms, along with the crossmember). The platform comes in around 10 percent lighter than its predecessor thanks to the use of aluminum and magnesium, and is designed to fit a transverse engine and can be adapted for either front- or all-wheel drive applications.


Fiat_Linea_08

The 2012 Dodge Caliber may be a restyled version of corporate partner Fiat's Linea compact car

Designed for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, C-Evo gets its first outing with the 2011 Alfa Romeo Milano, a sporty 4-door hatchback from the Fiat-owned upscale brand famous for sports cars. The all-new Caliber will reportedly be sold only as a 4-door sedan similar in design to the Fiat Linea, unlike today’s Caliber, but we think a hatchback might be reinstated at some point to attract younger “active lifestyle” buyers that covet the likes of the Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and Scion xB. Whatever the body style is produced, all models should be front-wheel drive.

Styling for the 2012 Dodge Caliber will be fashioned by Chrysler designers in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with possibly some input from Fiat’s team in Turin. Interior design should also be unique despite using a number of Fiat-designed parts, and we’d guess materials quality will go up another notch from the upgraded 2010 Caliber cabin.

fiat_Linea_01

The 2012 Dodge Caliber will be powered by a Fiat-designed 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with the Italian company’s advanced MultiAir valve-control system. This powerplant debuts in the BMW Mini-fighting Alfa Romeo MiTo 2-door hatchback that’s due to start U.S. sale for model-year 2011. MultiAir is the big deal here. Basically, it uses valve lifters operated by an electrohydraulic mechanism that can adjust valve timing and valve lift through virtually infinite steps for each cylinder and at each stage of the four-stroke combustion cycle. This contrasts with electromechanical systems like Honda’s VTEC that vary timing and/or lift for all valves through only two or three fixed modes. Fiat claims MultiAir improves fuel economy by 10-15 percent over a conventional engine of comparable size while increasing power by a like amount. The company also touts a 15-25 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and a 60-percent drop in levels of hydrocarbons and NOx (oxides of nitrogen).

According to Britain’s Autocar magazine, the 1.4 turbo engine will initially be available in various markets with rated horsepower of 105, 135, and 170. The North American 2012 Dodge Caliber will probably get only the last two versions, with the 170-horse engine possibly reserved for a sporty R/T model. Transmission choices are unclear, but Autocar says the engine is compatible with Fiat’s existing 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes. It is a fair guess that the options list will show a 6-speed automated manual, something Chrysler had planned to offer before production was stalled by its government-ordered bankruptcy and a supplier dispute.
Fiat_Linea_16

The 2012 Caliber's interior will likely use many Fiat-designed parts, yielding higher interior materials quality. The 2009 Fiat Linea is shown here as an example.

The current generation Caliber has been a distant competitor in the compact-car sales race, hampered by unrefined powertrains, choppy ride quality, excessive noise, and visibly cut-rate interiors. Being a Chrysler product hasn’t helped either, what with the company’s reputation for mediocre workmanship and dealer service now further tainted by a well-publicized slide into bankruptcy. While the 2012 Dodge Caliber promises to be far better than the car it replaces, it must overcome some huge hurdles to improve Chrysler’s image and thus public confidence in the automaker’s future. Which means that it will have to be nothing short of brilliant, a tall order even for vaunted Chrysler-Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and his teams on both sides of the Atlantic.

2010 Dodge Charger SRT8

2010 Dodge Charger SRT8

2010 Dodge Charger SRT8

2010 Dodge Charger SRT8

2010 Dodge Charger SRT8