All-New 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sport Coupe to Go on Sale Ahead of Schedule

Strong Consumer and Dealer Interest, Smooth Production Prompts Company to Move Up Sale Date to Today; Pricing Announced

CYPRESS, Calif., May 19 -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) announced today its all-new 2006 Eclipse sport coupe officially will go on sale today, several weeks before initially planned. With a starting price of less than $20,000 for the entry level GS trim line, Eclipse is priced $300 less -- and has more standard equipment -- than the model it replaces. All-new Eclipses will begin arriving in dealer showrooms this week.

"Feedback and reactions from dealers and consumers about the new Eclipse has been overwhelmingly positive," said Dave Schembri, executive vice president of sales and marketing for MMNA. "Since our production ramp-up has been virtually flawless, we saw no reason to hold back on deliveries of this fabulous new car to showrooms. And the dealers are ecstatic."

The all-new, two-door 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse sport coupe is the first of three new products MMNA will introduce in the next 12 months. Designed to combine exotic styling and performance with the comfort and utility of a daily driver, this fourth generation Eclipse exhibits an impressive power range, outstanding handling, room for four, available options like the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo system, and luxury amenities without sacrificing the incredible value that the Eclipse name has come to represent.

RETAIL PRICING ANNOUNCED

The well-equipped 2006 Eclipse GS edition starts at $19,399, manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), and is $300 less -- with more standard equipment -- than the model it replaces. The Eclipse GS features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) technology and a five-speed manual transmission. The Eclipse GT, with a 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 MIVEC engine and a six-speed manual transmission, begins at $23,699. An optional Sportronic(TM) automatic transmission, four-speed for the GS and five-speed for the GT, is available for an additional $900.

The Eclipse GS offers significantly more value than the 2005 model it replaces, as it includes standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, front seat- mounted side-impact airbags, front side curtain airbags and larger alloy wheels, all for a lower price.

The Eclipse sports a dynamic new design, inside and out. The excitement of the design is heightened by a full list of standard features including air conditioning, power windows and power door locks, cruise control, remote entry integrated with the key fob, engine immobilizer, an AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback and six speakers, split folding rear seats, floor mats, 17-inch alloy wheels, 225/50R17 tires, four-wheel disc brakes, rear window defroster and rear spoiler. Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact and front side curtain airbags are standard for all trim lines. Eclipse GT standard upgrades include the powerful V6 MIVEC engine, six-speed manual transmission, traction control, ventilated rear disc brakes, a front strut tower bar and fog lamps. Compass and outside temperature readings are featured in the GT's center display.

An optional Sun and Sound Package for the GS, at a $1,500 MSRP, includes a power sunroof, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers including a 10-inch subwoofer, six-disc in-dash CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and compass and temperature readings in the center display.

The GT Premium Sport Package, at a $3,270 MSRP, adds everything in the GS Sun and Sound package, plus automatic climate control, leather front seating surfaces, six-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, alloy pedals, 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45R18 tires, and heated side view mirrors.

An accessory option package is available for each trim line, which includes an alloy fuel door, wheel locks, cargo net, cargo floor mat and sport floor mats, for $270 MSRP.