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Retro roots meet modern CGI: the Eclipse reboot fans want
Mitsubishi’s current line-up leans heavily on crossovers and alliances, but a recent CGI reimagining of the Eclipse reminds enthusiasts of the brand’s sporty past. Philippines-based digital artist Enoch Gabriel Gonzalez (enochgonzalesdesigns on Instagram) has produced a render that reinterprets the Eclipse as a low-slung, three-door liftback coupe—an exercise in nostalgia that also raises questions about Mitsubishi’s future product strategy.
Where Mitsubishi stands today
The Japanese automaker has been repositioning itself in several markets. In North America the company announced a five-year plan, Mitsubishi Motors Momentum 2030, yet tangible product introductions have been limited: the Outlander remains the brand’s core model in the U.S., with updates including a 2025 Outlander Trail Edition, a mild-hybrid 1.5-liter turbo option replacing the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, and a mid-cycle refresh for the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid. In Europe, many current Mitsubishis are rebadged Renault models—the electric Eclipse Cross based on the Renault Scenic E-Tech among them—reflecting the group's alliance strategies.
Design and homage to the original Eclipse
Gonzalez’s concept pays tribute to the original Eclipse (produced 1990–2012), recapturing the long hood, swept roofline and compact overhangs associated with 1990s sport compacts. The CGI model emphasizes classic proportions and adds contemporary details such as wide fenders and quad exhaust outlets—visual cues that signal a conventional internal-combustion performance orientation rather than an EV layout.
Highlights of the render:
- Three-door liftback coupe silhouette
- Long hood and short front/rear overhangs
- Aggressive rear diffuser and quad exhausts
- Proportions that suggest a two-plus-two or tight four-seat layout
Performance and positioning — purely speculative
The CGI artwork implies an ICE-powered performance coupe. If brought to market in a similar form, it would likely aim at competitors like the Nissan Z, Toyota GR Supra, or Honda’s returned Prelude concept. A smaller, lighter variant could also sit alongside the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, or Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. However, Mitsubishi’s recent product focus and shared-platform strategy with Renault make the commercial feasibility of a bespoke sports coupe uncertain.
"A digital sketch can revive memories and test appetite," Gonzalez’s render suggests—an invitation for the brand and fans to imagine what a modern Eclipse could be.
Market outlook
Realistically, any return of the Eclipse nameplate would depend on corporate priorities, electrification targets, and platform availability. For now, the CGI coupé remains an appealing concept for enthusiasts and a reminder that the Eclipse legacy still resonates in automotive culture.
Source: autoevolution
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