R&T Test drives the 4g...
I know people have beat this thing to death as far as how it looks compared to the previous generations. We've all heard the gripes (I've griped too) about the lack of a turbocharged engine, and the lack of AWD for that matter as well. But I've reserved judgement until an automotive journalist finally put pedal to metal. The newest issue of Road & Track road tested a 4G and here are their numbers:
Cliff notes:
Quote:
0-60: 5.8 sec
1/4 mi: 14.4@101
Skidpad: .83g
Slalom: 64.1 mph
What they liked:
Large V6 gives plenty of down low torque, MIVEC gives plent of up high power.
Much improved styling over the 3G, though not as attractive as the 2G
Rather decent handling.
Comfortable as hell.
Priced rather attractively.
What they disliked:
Heavy as hell (3750 lbs)
Poor weight distribution (69/31 front/rear)
Ugly front end (reminiscent of a Pontiac Sunfire)
Crappy tires
Soft suspension & excessive body roll
Here's some quotes from their article:
Discussing the MIVEC V6 - "It works. MIVEC plus the increased capacity give this 3.8 power to spare at all times, with extra kick at higher rpm. The 3.0 defined the term 'buttery smooth.' The new one should be classified as 'buttery smooth, but with some serious rip.'"
"For sure, the new Eclipse is one of the most comfortable sports couples on the market, delivering a remarkably smooth ride, a quiet cockpit and superb front seats."
This sums it up nicely:
"Okay, so the new Eclipse isn't the sports car we hoped it would be. But despite a few shortcomings, it's definitely better than the car it replaces and a step in the right direction."
Overall, it doesn't seem like a bad car, but it can't get any worse than a 3G, and there's nowhere to go but up after that abomination. Compared to it's competition (the Mustang and 350Z among others), it does seem a tad slower off the line, but then again, the car is severely hampered by the lack of a limited slip diff, forcing the test drivers to launch at 2000 rpm. Aftermarket supension pieces would definitely come in handy as stiffer springs, anti-roll bars, better tires, and a limited slip diff would definitely be my list of first mods. While it's not the terror of the streets like the first and second gen DSM's of long ago, I think it's just what Mitsu needs to get them on the right track.