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.
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.
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.