Back in days of old, it was never a good sign when the earth went dark. The people who lived then were scared, for the chieftains and witches of their tribes and villages would weave stories about the changes that would come about when the earth's shadow crossed over the moon. That was then, of course. Today, we know what an eclipse is, and while it may have been a while since we wanted to drive one, Mitsubishi hopes that this recent rendition foretells a change in the number people walking into their dealerships and driving off in their cars. We'll see. If not, if the 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse does not turn heads and get on short lists, this Eclipse may well indeed cast a dark, dark shadow over Mitsubishi Motors of North America. It would be easier if the vehicle they debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show were a smash. As it is, however, this new and aggressive car that goes back to the past for its styling is a solid maybe: maybe more people will like it than dislike the risky design. The fact is that it's a big car for a coupe. The way the overhang at the rear of the car wraps around the wheels feels odd or unique, take your pick. The hood is flat without much contour while the rest of the car is all sexy swoops and subtle curves, and offered in bright hues of blue, pearl, and more. Under the sheet metal of the GT model is a V6 engine that makes 260 horsepower; Mitsubishi officials claim that low-end torque has been improved throughout the model lineup, so that the 0-30 performance of the 2005 Eclipse is improved. After all, it's about feeling sporty and the Eclipse will give drivers a sporty feel with a short-throw shifter and an interior designed for sport and edgy hipsterism. There is a four-spoke steering wheel; a soft touch feel to surfaces, motorcycle-like gauges with blue backlighting and three color schemes: Techno sports, a charcoal arrangement, Hi-Q - a medium gray set up, and Avant Garde, for the latte-swillers who think they know more than real designers. Altogether, the package is a semi-attractive one, though going head-to-head with that other big coupe, the 2005 Ford Mustang, certainly won't help matters. These are vastly different cars, however, so the real question is whether this new Eclipse lights up the imagination of all the old Eclipse fans that have forsaken the current model, and whether or not that keeps the sun shining on Mitsubishi itself. --By Brian Chee
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