The performance GT market could soon have a new player writes Richard Yarrow. Mitsubishi looks set to bring the Eclipse four-seater to the UK next summer.
The company's UK division is still haggling over costs - specifically sourcing left-hand drive cars from America and converting them to right-hand drive when they come off the boat. But 4Car has learned an Eclipse was unveiled to dealers during a dealer conference in early December. And a spokeswoman admitted: 'It's not 100% confirmed yet, but it's looking positive.'
The Eclipse is a popular sports car in US, where it has been on sale since 1989. Early versions were rebadged and sold as the Plymouth Laser. The current model is the fourth and was launched last year after a debut at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show. The Eclipse has never been officially sold in the UK, but some have been brought in by private importers.
It's slightly longer than Nissan's two-seater 350Z and available with two petrol engines, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit offering 162bhp and a 3.8-litre V6 delivering 263bhp. Transmission options are a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic, and it's available as a coupe or a convertible, badged as the Spyder.
So many model options leaves Mitsubishi UK with a dilemma, but insiders say the line-up will probably consist of an automatic flagship and an entry-level manual. Both body styles will be sold. The plan is to launch in June or July with prices starting at around £23,000, rising to over £30,000 for a top-spec car.
'It's a great vehicle, looks sexy and drives well,' added the spokeswoman. 'And it's not like Mitsubishi doesn't know anything about performance cars. With Evo we have a deserved reputation in this sector so we don't believe selling the Eclipse is going to be a problem.'
[VIA]
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