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Up Close: 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

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The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse demonstrates how one small change can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of a car. Here, that change is a new front grille, which takes on the trapezoidal design of the grille on the automaker’s Lancer Evolution sport sedan. The new grille gives the Eclipse a much more menacing shape, and it’s a look that seems likely to appeal to sports car enthusiasts.

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V-6 GT models now have twin tailpipes, and their appearance brings to mind the pipes on the Nissan 350Z. The big rear wing is also new.

For the money, the Eclipse is a pretty stylish front-wheel-drive sports car. Even though the exterior changes are few for 2009, they do make an impact, which is more than can be said for many mid-cycle product updates.

More info and photos of the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Senior Road Test Editor
Mike Hanley

Mike Hanley has more than 20 years of experience reporting on the auto industry. His primary focus is new vehicles, and he's currently a Senior Road Test Editor overseeing expert car reviews and comparison tests. He previously managed Editorial content in the Cars.com Research section.

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