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December 07, 2008

Mitsubishi Eclipse First Generation

1990–1994 (1G) Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and Plymouth Laser

Also called Plymouth Laser
Eagle Talon
Production 1990–1994
Body style(s) 3-door hatchback
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Platform Chrysler D platform
Engine(s) 1.8 L 92 hp (69 kW) I4
2.0 L 135 hp (101 kW) I4
2.0 L 195 hp (145 kW) I4
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 97.2 in (2470 mm)
Length 172.8 in (4390 mm)
Width 66.7 in (1695 mm)
Height 51.4 in (1305 mm)
GSX: 52 in (1320 mm)
Fuel capacity 15.9 US gal (60 L/13 imp gal)
Related Mitsubishi Galant

Overview

The first generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was sold as an entry to mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe. Four trim levels were available: the bottom three were front wheel drive and the very top was all wheel drive. The top FWD and the AWD model were equipped with turbocharged engines.

The car underwent minor changes throughout its production; 1992–1994 models (1Gb) have updated sheetmetal and are easily distinguishable from previous vehicles (1Ga). The most notable of these changes is that the 1Ga models have pop-up headlights. The Eclipse was revised into a new vehicle for 1995 (described below in the 2G section).

Trim levels

The Eclipse was available in four trim levels during its first-generation production run. AWD models were not available until halfway through the first model year.

* 1990 manual transmission turbocharged models were rated at 190 hp, whereas 1991 and later manual transmission turbo models were rated for 195 hp (145 kW). The automatic models were rated at 180 hp (130 kW) due to smaller fuel-injectors and turbocharger.

** 1990 1994 DSMs did not come with the 420A engine, which was not added until the second generation.

These models varied significantly in drive trains, available options, and—to an extent—appearance. The Eclipse GSX, for example, was sold with different plastic body cladding than the base Eclipse.

Drivetrain

The basic driveline layout of the Eclipse is a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder Mitsubishi 4G37 or 4G63 engine situated on the left-hand side of the car driving an automatic or manual transmission on the right-hand side. AWD models have a different transmission which includes a limited-slip center differential and output shaft for a transfer case, which drives the rear differential (also available as limited-slip) and half-shafts.

The 4G37 and 4G63 engines are both I4 gasoline engines. The 4G63 is composed of an iron engine block and aluminum cylinder head and is equipped with balance shafts for smooth operation. The turbocharged version of the 4G63 (sometimes referred to as the 4G63T) is equipped with a lower compression ratio (7.8 vs. 9.0 in the naturally aspirated version) and oil squirters under the pistons in order to better cope with the stress and extra heat caused by forced induction.

There is also a difference between rear axle/rear ends on all wheel drive models. 1990-early 1992 cars have 3 bolts attaching the axle to the wheel hub. Late 1992–1999 have larger diameter axles and attach to the hub with bigger, 4 bolt axle cups.

Awards

The Eclipse Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1989 through 1992.

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