The Evolution of Mitsubishi Eclipse: From Concept to Reality

Rare ONES - The automotive world witnessed a remarkable transformation when the Mitsubishi Eclipse entered its third generation in 1999. This evolution was closely inspired by the striking design of the Mitsubishi SST (Sophisticated Sports Touring), a concept vehicle unveiled at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. Notably, this marked Mitsubishi's inaugural venture into showcasing a concept car at a US auto exhibition.

The Mitsubishi SST (Sophisticated Sports Touring) introduced as "a glimpse into Mitsubishi Motors' vision for an upcoming sporty model, later the third-generation Eclipse emerged shortly thereafter. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The original press release for the Mitsubishi SST introduced it as "a glimpse into Mitsubishi Motors' vision for an upcoming sporty model." True to this vision, the third-generation Eclipse emerged shortly thereafter. However, intriguingly, the concept boasted a few distinctive elements that didn't make it to the production model.

The Mitsubishi SST (Sophisticated Sports Touring) was a concept vehicle unveiled at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

For instance, the unique yellowy-green paint was an adventurous departure from Mitsubishi's conventional offerings. A highlight on Mitsubishi's stage was the SST concept coupe, a product of the design prowess of a studio in Claressa, California. This coupe was conceived to serve as a preview of the potential aesthetics for sports cars in the coming century.

The Mitsubishi SST (Sophisticated Sports Touring) was a concept vehicle unveiled at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

The designers heralded the emergence of an "industrial" or, as they coined it, a geomechanical style that would leave an indelible mark. It's intriguing to note that the SST's influence might have been channeled into the Mitsubishi production lineup. This very Californian studio had already steered the development of the latest Eclipse coupe, the Lancer, Mirage Coupe sedan, and even played a role in refreshing the styling of the 3000 GT model.

The Mitsubishi SST (Sophisticated Sports Touring) was a concept vehicle unveiled at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

The deliberate foray into the sports concept realm by the North American arm of Mitsubishi held a strategic purpose. The brand was intent on fortifying its foothold within the sports car sector, aiming to captivate enthusiasts and carve its niche.

The Mitsubishi SST concept coupe under unique yellowy-green paint known as a product of the design prowess of a studio in Claressa, California. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

However, as the production Eclipse rolled out, some elements of the SST concept were left on the drawing board. The distinctive conjoined taillights, a hallmark of the concept, didn't make their way to the production variant. Moreover, the production Eclipse didn't mirror the SST's breadth and lower stance, an omission that perhaps missed an opportunity to fully capture the concept's allure. It's a poignant thought – the SST concept's design integrity could have potentially propelled greater success for the Eclipse had Mitsubishi adhered more faithfully to its original blueprint.

The Mitsubishi SST (Sophisticated Sports Touring) employing composite materials and carbon fiber, the car's body achieved a delicate balance of lightweight agility and enduring robustness. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Under the SST's hood lay a tangible promise. Unlike many ephemeral concepts, the SST was a bonafide automobile equipped to perform commendably on the road. The showcased model boasted a spirited 210-horsepower 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, with the option of a 3.5-liter V6, reminiscent of Mitsubishi's esteemed Diamante and Montero models. Additionally, the automatic transmission offered a manual mode, adding a dash of sportiness to the driving experience.

The Mitsubishi SST (Sophisticated Sports Touring) showcased model boasted a spirited 210-horsepower 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The structural composition of the SST was equally captivating. Employing composite materials and carbon fiber, the car's body achieved a delicate balance of lightweight agility and enduring robustness. Distinctive corrugated side surfaces, coupled with elegantly designed air intake apertures, contributed to its arresting visual appeal. Not to be overlooked were the wheel arches, accommodating striking 20-inch wheels that underscored the SST's distinctive persona.

The Mitsubishi SST (Sophisticated Sports Touring) featured with distinctive conjoined taillights, a hallmark of the concept, didn't make their way to the production variant. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The design philosophy underlying the SST's creation emanated from the Mitsubishi studio in California. Termed "metal in motion" by its creators, this thematic thread was destined to weave through the brand's forthcoming developments. This same studio also birthed the TECHNAS SUV concept, a showcase from the preceding year. Notably, the Detroit auto show also witnessed the unveiling of the HSR-VI concept, a familiar sight from its Frankfurt debut.

In retrospect, the evolution of the Mitsubishi Eclipse from the SST concept to its production form signifies a captivating journey. The spirit of innovation and the drive to captivate enthusiasts while pushing design boundaries remain at the core of Mitsubishi's automotive legacy. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, one can't help but wonder what future metamorphoses await the iconic Eclipse nameplate. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MITSUBISHI | ALLCARINDEX | CONCEPTCARZ | CARSTYLINGRU | ]

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