It looks like there might be a new competitor for the 8 in mid 2005. I'm looking for a picture to post but if you've already saw it, you know what I'm talking about. It is the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Pretty sweet looking, IMO. I think it is this months Car and Driver that has a big article on it. They have totally redisigned it and made it into a more "pure" sports car with 270 hp. I know it is still a concept at the moment, but when it goes into production it should show a lot of resemblemce. I have a feeling this will be another love or hate car for everyone given the totally unique look. I might get flamed for this, but if Mazda doesn't do something to improve gas mileage by then, that Eclipse might be something I will have to look into.

 

The Eclipse will be toned down greatly before it makes it into production since they have the EVO8 in the US now. It will be more sportscar than the current Eclipse, but a monkey could design a better sportscar than that thing.

 

I'm sure they'll blow it. It'll go from being a hybrid all wheel drive sports car to a rebadged chrysler with front wheel drive and an underpowered unrefined engine, the reliablity of which will be akin to my pothead roomate. I could be wrong, but until I see one on the road or in a dealership with those specs, I'm going to consider myself right.

 

Personally I think it is ugly but thats just me. No competion there. If they don't tone it down from the concept, it will be extremely overpriced.

 

Hardly the same. It is going to be toned down from what you see and they are putting in the 3.8l V6. It will be fwd based and you will be lucky if they even make an awd version. They will probably sell a ton of them like they did with the 3rd gen.

 

Thats the one thing I worry about, the price. If the car looks like that, I wouldn't be surprised if they think they can justify $30,000+ based on the looks alone. It might be a case where you might be able to option the car up to a 270 hp engine and the base model with minimal options would be in the mid 20's. If I recall correctly, this will be front wheel or AWD. I'd rather just see a RWD version. I actually like that concept design, but I'm sure it will be toned down some before production starts. I think this car will be available in mid-2005 so I would think a final design/specs should be finalized within a few months.

 

I don't think it will be direct compitition to the RX8. Mistu already has a sports car at around the $30,000, the EVO.

I see the Eclispe stay where it is price wise. Probably around $20,000. For that price I don't know how much power or equipment it could come with. I don't know where this car will fit into the lineup.

 

The only USDM Mitsubishi car I would buy is the Evo, other Mitsubishis are pretty much junk.

 

Its chassis is shared with the Galant, which will be bigger than the current Galant. I call it the Mitsubishi Pontiac. Its no competitor. Front wheel drive sucks on any car but when it is a heavy car it makes the situation even worse. It should be fast and stylish but far from a sports car.
If you're a "I buy my car for its looks." kinda guy then yes, the Eclipse will be a competitor. If you're a "I like to drag race my torqueless beast." kinda guy then yes, the Eclipse will be a competitor.

 

The next competitor for the RX-8 is the 2005 Subaru Legacy~ Style, performance, AWD, value and luxury.

 

The concept Eclipse looks like a bad attempt to design a UFO-car.

 

I see the '05 Mustang being the next big contender, even with its solid rear axle.

This will be the 1st affordable american sports car in quite a while.

 

Mitsu cars are fine, but I can't believe that the next Eclipse will be RWD and as nicely balanced and nimble as the RX-8 is today.

 

the Next Eclipse will be front-wheel-drive and will weigh more than the current Eclipse.