Mitsubishi Eclipse Third Generation

2000–2005 (3G) Mitsubishi Eclipse

Production	2000–2005
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 3-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler ST-22 platform
Engine(s)	2.4 L 140 hp (100 kW) I4 2.4L 147 hp (110 kW) I4 3.0 L 200 hp (150 kW) V6 3.0 L 210 hp (160 kW) V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	100.8 in (2560 mm)
Length	2004-05: 176.8 in (4491 mm) 2000-03: 175.4 in (4455 mm)
Width	68.9 in (1750 mm)
Height	2001-05 Coupe: 51.6 in (1311 mm) Spyder: 52.8 in (1341 mm) 2000: 51.8 in (1316 mm)
Curb weight	2,822 lb (1,280 kg)
Fuel capacity	16.4 US gal (62 L/14 imp gal)
Related	Chrysler Sebring coupe Dodge Stratus coupe Mitsubishi Galant

Third generation (3G): The Eclipse underwent a change into its third generation in 1999, closely aping the Mitsubishi SST design study which debuted at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. It was the first concept vehicle exhibited by Mitsubishi at an auto show in the United States.

The 4G63 was replaced by two powertrain options, a 1

50 hp 2.4 L 16 valve SOHC 4-cylinder 4G64 and a 205 hp 24v SOHC 3.0 L V6 (6G72). AWD was no longer an option. The suspension setup was adjusted to provide a softer and more compliant ride quality.

No longer considered to be a DSM, it shared its platform and powertrain with the 8th generation Galant. Weight was also up slightly from the previous year's model. In late 2001 power was lowered to 200 hp (150 kW) as a result of tightened emission standards forcing MMNA to adopt the California standards for all variants of the car.

In mid-2002, the GTS trim was introduced for the 2003 model year. This vehicle included an engine with a 10:1 compression ratio and an improved Mitsubishi Variable Induction Management (MVIM) air intake system that gave the car an extra 10 hp (7.5 kW) and a slightly improved power curve. The 2003-2005 GTS and GT/GTS Spyder shared the new engine while GT models retained the 200 hp (150 kW) powertrain. From 2003-2005, the Eclipse Spyder V6 was sold in a left-hand drive version in Japan.

Trim levels

The Eclipse was available in 7 trim levels: RS, GS, GS Spyder, GT, GT Spyder, GTS, and GTS Spyder. All models were FWD. The GTS trims were introduced in 2003, and the RS trim was dropped in 2005.

Third Generations (3G)(2000–2005):

• Eclipse RS & GS: Base model equipped with a 165 hp 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G64 engine

• Eclipse GS Spyder: Convertible FWD model equipped with a 152 hp 2.4 L 16-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 4G64 engine

• Eclipse GT: Hardtop FWD model equipped with a 200 hp (205 hp federal spec 2000-2001 only) 3.0 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G72 engine

• Eclipse GT Spyder: convertible FWD model equipped with a 20 0 hp (205 hp federal spec 2000-2001 only) 3.0 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G72 engine

• Eclipse GTS: Hardtop FWD model equipped with a 210 hp 3.0 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G72 engine with Mitsubishi Variable Induction Management (MVIM)

• Eclipse GTS Spyder: convertible FWD model equipped with a 205 lbs of torque/ ft 210 hp 3.0 L 24-valve SOHC Mitsubishi 6G72 engine with MVIM

ECU trims for V6 models

• Fed Spec: Fed Specs only affect 2000 and some 2001 models, Manufactured from August 1999 to late October of 2000, these GTs came with 205 hp (153 kW) and 205 ft·lbf (278 N·m). The Fed Spec GT is most recognizable for having one catalytic converter (cat) and two O₂ sensors, with one sensor before the cat and the other after.

• Cali Spec: Cali Specs in 2000 were primarily shipped to California because of the more stringent emission laws; although other areas of North America received them as well. The Eclipse GT line was switched over for cost reasons to the Cali Spec, so only one version of the GT would be manufactured. Cali Specs came with 5 hp (3.7 kW) less and 5 ft·lbf (6.8 N·m) less. Cali Spec emissions control are three catalytic converters and four O₂ sensors. After each exhaust header is a sensor followed by a pre-cat then the main cat after y-pipe then two more O₂ Sensor s.

2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse EV

The Mitsubishi Eclipse EV is a prototype electric vehicle with a lightweight electric motor and lithium-ion batteries in the chassis of a third generation Eclipse. It is powered by manganese lithium-ion batteries made by Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. which have 65-percent reduced charging time over nickel-hydrogen batteries.

It participated in the 2001 Shikoku EV Rally, a 780 km circuit around the perimeter of Shikoku, Japan, where it drove in excess of 400 km on a single battery charge.

Issues with clearcoat and paint

Many owners of the 2000-2004 models have experienced issues with the clearcoat separating from the paint. This is especially prevalent on cars with black paint. To date Mitsubishi has not acknowledged this as a problem.