vice86

iTrader: (1)

a 350Z and an RX8

http://autoshow.edmunds.yahoo.com/ne...6/page028.html

drivenCSZ

iTrader: (2)

looks like a vw bug on crack

jj1814

poor thing looks sad

the back looks more like an Audi TT

Z-INCOGNITO

iTrader: (9)

fugly... IMHO

PoorCollegeKid

I doubt that the back end will make it in to the production car. It's way too high and would make putting stuff in the hatch too hard for a production car.

Phatmitzu

iTrader: (34)

Ewww...

pimp1911

I agree the car is ugly. I read this today at supercars.net. This is scary also.

January 5, 2004 -- Detroit -- Like a soothsayer peering into a crystal ball, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA), today provided a glimpse into the future through the Eclipse Concept-E.

But perhaps the future is more clearly visible through the glowing plasma bulb located in the car's center console. Because when the Eclipse Concept-E's parallel hybrid motor is switched on, that plasma indicator light glows with its own unique energy, letting the driver know that there's more here than meets the eye.

Upon initial glance, what meets the eye is a highly styled coupe. Featuring plasma running lights and taillights; neon crackle-tube indicators and brake lights; and a glass roof that offers ambient luminescence of its own, the Concept-E could be called a study in light.

But an innovative all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration-in which parallel engines provide power to both the front and rear axles-also makes the Eclipse Concept-E a study in high-tech mechanics. Thanks to this unique hybrid system, called E-Boost, the Concept-E delivers a continuous, uninterrupted stream of power even while the six-speed automated manual transmission changes gears. The result is a car that boasts performance to match its aerodynamic appearance.

Suspension

Since its introduction to the North American market, the Eclipse compact sports coupe and convertible series has won wide acclaim for its styling and its segment-leading performance. The Concept-E carries that performance-bred spirit to electrifying new heights.

The Eclipse Concept-E rides on 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear performance tires, and nine-spoke, 20-inch wheels suspended by independent multi-links at all four corners. In fact, the rear suspension and differential were designed specifically for high performance; the rear suspension setup is the same one found underneath the motorsports-bred Lancer Evolution-series sedan.

Engine

The Eclipse Concept-E's front wheels are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that features Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC). Driving the rear wheels is a rear-mounted E-Boost electric motor which provides an additional 200 horsepower, for a total output of 470 horsepower. Because it is not affected by gear changes, the throttle-actuated electric rear motor gives the Eclipse Concept-E a constant source of power when it's needed, which directly translates to higher, more efficient performance.

Besides raw speed, the hybrid powertrain also improves fuel economy and lowers emissions when compared to vehicles with engines that develop in excess of 450 horsepower. And when value is added to the equation, the Concept-E is at least equal to its mass times the speed of light, squared.


Cliff Notes for those who dont want to read.
2 engines one for rear wheel and one for front wheel. (AWD)
470 horsepower total output.

Asad

blah/

dczoner

iTrader: (1)

Dope concept. I dig it. (remember folks, concepts are not supposed to make it in to production, regardless of what us 350z drivers are meant to believe)....

One thing I noticed on the pictures, it looks like there's a whole in the bottom of the seat. Take a look on the interior picture. Perhaps Mitsu finally figured out us busy drivers don't have time for pit-stops, and we're not comfortable with wearing "depends".

ml2316

i hate flash. why can't they just use a jpeg.

SirZaLot

iTrader: (1)

What is a plasma light????

Shift33

iTrader: (5)

That thing is pretty fugly alright . . . You can't tell which end looks better as the front.

jleighZ

I kind of like it, very funky looking Nothing like my 3G Eclipses I had

cedusett

I dont like it, but then again, I don't like a lot of the original concept sketches of the Z either. I also think its pretty fugly, especially those wheels!

HOWEVER, with 470 HP, AWD, and mileage as good as the Z, I may change my mind when the final model hits the asphault.

Jun

iTrader: (45)

it's not going to come out like that, i can GUARANTEE it. The Eclipse is a sports compact car, not a super car. 470hp is digging in Ferrari territory, and no one is going to pay that amount of money for a mitsubishi.
If it plans to replace the GTO (3000GT), then it will have less hp, but not 470, maybe around 300-320 like the GTO had, that would be more convenient and cost-saving.
AWD, probably will make it, considering everyone and there mother are jumping on the popularity of it (WRX/EVO/'05 mazda3, etc).
it might be a hybrid, because cars are starting to come out like that, and with those specs then it should compete directly with the DualNote, etc.

So we'll see...

cedusett

I was under the impression that since about 200 HP of its total 470 is achieved with the second electric motor, it might not raise the price tag TOO significantly.

I highly doubt Mitsubishi would take its most popular car and thrust it into the Ferrari range, so I'm assuming this isn't going to cost an arm and a leg. If that's the truth, then I can't see them putting all of this work into getting it up to 470 hp if doing so would raise the price tag significantly. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

SirZaLot

iTrader: (1)

Sorry guys, but what the hack is a PLASMA light??

Z04

iTrader: (15)

closest i could come to a plasma light

Reggi914

iTrader: (3)

I dont like the concept eclipse, i think its gross.