The Eclipse You Truly Desire That Mitsubishi Will Not Consider | Carscoops

The Eclipse You Truly Desire That Mitsubishi Will Not Consider | Carscoops

      Independent designer revives the Eclipse as a true sports coupe with ’90s-inspired aesthetics and Nissan V6 turbo power

      19 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      Designer Enoch Gonzales brings back the Mitsubishi Eclipse in coupe form.

      The striking new concept is influenced by the second-generation model.

      While Mitsubishi is concentrating on electrified SUVs, this vehicle is a traditional internal combustion engine sports car.

      Mitsubishi has introduced what it describes as a new generation of the Eclipse Cross, but in reality, it resembles a Renault Scenic E-Tech with different branding and minor alterations. Designed to meet Europe’s increasing demand for electrified crossovers, it feels far disconnected from the essence of the Eclipse name. Meanwhile, an independent design study seeks to reimagine the car in a manner that is much more appropriate: as a coupe powered by a combustion engine, in line with what enthusiasts remember.

      This initiative comes from designer Enoch Gonzales, who has established a reputation with digital reinterpretations of Mitsubishi classics like the EVO XI and Pajero. For his version of the Eclipse, he took cues from the second-generation model launched in 1994, incorporating modern proportions and details to craft something that evokes nostalgia while also looking forward.

      Nostalgic lines with a modern twist

      Gonzales’ Eclipse is a revamped version of his earlier 2018 concept, now featuring a more aggressive stance. In the front, narrow LED headlights are flanked by winglets that direct air into functional vents, surrounded by pronounced bumper intakes and a power bulge on the hood.

      The profile adheres to the Eclipse design principles with its recognizable greenhouse, seamlessly integrated door handles, and a roofline that flows into a classic coupe silhouette. At the rear, a full-width light bar pays homage to the second-generation model, with its segmented graphics reminiscent of the phases of a lunar eclipse—a clever detail that feels natural.

      An Eclipse script spans the sculpted rear bumper, harking back to the third generation released in 1999. Below this, a diffuser frames four exhaust outlets, clearly indicating that this Mitsubishi has no intention of using charging cables.

      Gonzales’ latest Mitsubishi Eclipse may only exist in the digital realm, but he envisions an impressive mechanical setup for it. The model could potentially share its platform and powertrain with the latest Nissan Z, benefiting from the synergy of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. This collaboration would enable the design’s proportions to be functional while providing the coupe with real-world performance validity.

      In this imagined scenario, Nissan’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 would deliver 400 horsepower to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission. To connect the design back to the all-wheel-drive Eclipses of the past, Gonzales envisions a selectable AWD system, ensuring the digital coupe honors its heritage.

      A yearning for revival

      In reality, Mitsubishi’s current strategy is focused on high-volume electrified crossovers, leaving minimal opportunity for a two-door sports car comeback. Nonetheless, the nostalgia for the Eclipse persists, particularly among those who enjoyed tuning these vehicles in the late ’90s and early 2000s. This sentiment is reflected in the various independent design studies of the Eclipse that we have highlighted over the years.

The Eclipse You Truly Desire That Mitsubishi Will Not Consider | Carscoops

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The Eclipse You Truly Desire That Mitsubishi Will Not Consider | Carscoops

An independent designer brings back the Eclipse as a true sports coupe, featuring ’90s-inspired aesthetics and powered by a Nissan V6 turbo engine.