The Mitsubishi Eclipse Gen 4 represents the pinnacle of the fourth-generation Eclipse lineup, offering a blend of sporty aesthetics, refined performance, and modern technology that appealed to driving enthusiasts. Introduced for the 2006 model year, this generation marked a significant shift, sharing its platform and many core components with the beloved Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. While production concluded in 2011, the Gen 4 Eclipse, particularly the high-performance Ralliart variant, has maintained a strong following and retains a respected status in the used sports car market.
Design and Aerodynamics: Evolution-Derived Stance
Visually, the Gen 4 Eclipse commands attention with a stance directly inherited from its Lancer Evolution sibling. The broad shoulders, muscular wheel arches, and a slightly lowered, more aggressive posture signal performance long before the engine fires up. The front grille is larger and more assertive than previous generations, flanked by distinctive projector-style headlights that give the car a piercing, focused appearance. The rear is equally compelling, featuring a dramatic hatchback spoiler and a diffuser-inspired lower valance that work in tandem to manage airflow and enhance the car's planted feel at speed.
Refined Interior and Driver-Centric Cabin
Step inside, and the Eclipse Gen 4 moves beyond its predecessors with a significantly more refined and driver-focused environment. Gone are the plasticky surfaces and awkward ergonomics of earlier years, replaced by higher-quality materials, bolstering sport seats, and a cockpit-style layout. The center console is neatly organized, placing critical controls for the audio, climate, and performance traction control system within easy reach. Large, legible gauges provide all necessary driving information, while the steering wheel offers paddle shifters for the available six-speed manual transmission, putting the driver fully in command.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the heart of the Gen 4 Eclipse is a direct inheritance from Mitsubishi’s rally-bred technology. The base models featured a capable 2.4-liter MIVEC four-cylinder engine, but the true stars were the turbocharged variants. The Ralliart version unleashed the power of the legendary 4G63 inline-four, producing an impressive 291 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This power was sent to the front wheels through the sophisticated S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system, a technology lifted directly from the Lancer Evolution. This system provided exceptional grip, handling precision, and confidence-inspiring dynamics in all weather conditions.
