4 Minutes
From badge-engineered crossovers to a dream V8 coupe
If recent Mitsubishi lineups feel like a far cry from the brand's sporty past, you're not alone. While Mitsubishi concentrates resources on the Outlander family and regional models such as the Destinator three-row crossover or the new Triton pickup, fans still miss the era when the Eclipse name stood for compact performance. Enter a striking digital rebuttal: a CGI Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe that reimagines the badge as a proper muscle-tinged sports car.
Who created it and why it matters
Digital artist Kleber Silva — better known online as KDesign AG — created a photoreal CGI concept that blends classic coupe proportions with modern EV-era styling cues. The render borrows front and rear motifs from the recent Eclipse Cross Electric but replaces the crossover silhouette with a low-slung two-door 2+2 coupe. For enthusiasts, this is the version of the Eclipse they wanted all along: lean, aggressive and unapologetically performance-oriented.
Design and inspiration
Silva's vision draws clear inspiration from the S650 Ford Mustang: broad haunches, a long hood and a short rear deck. The result is a Mitsubishi-flavored Mustang homage, mixing brand-signature details with contemporary lighting and aerodynamic touches. It's a reminder that badges can carry emotional weight — and that many fans still associate 'Eclipse' with sporty heritage rather than compact crossovers.
- Body: Traditional two-door 2+2 coupe proportions
- Styling cues: Eclipse Cross Electric front and rear reinterpretation
- Design inspiration: S650 Ford Mustang lines and stance
Performance fantasy: V8 under the hood
The most provocative element of the render is the implied powertrain. Silva’s coupe appears to inherit the soul of a modern Mustang, hinting at a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 — the high-revving unit found in Mustang GT and Dark Horse variants. In speculation, that could equate to roughly 450–500 horsepower and a tactile, rear-wheel-drive driving experience. It's fantasy engineering, but it gives a taste of what a performance-minded Mitsubishi could look like today.
"This CGI is more than a pretty picture — it's a statement about brand identity," says a model enthusiast. "Fans want Eclipses that feel like sports cars, not just crossover badges."
Context: Mitsubishi's global strategy and badge engineering
Across markets, Mitsubishi’s line-up is a patchwork: regional names like Xforce and models rebadged from Renault (Colt as a Clio, ASX as a Captur, Eclipse Cross EV as a Scenic E-Tech) show the automaker leaning heavily on alliances and platform sharing. While pragmatic for costs and compliance — especially for Europe’s EV push — that approach dilutes the emotional cachet of legacy nameplates for some buyers.
Why the CGI matters
Concept art like Silva’s serves two roles: it scratches a nostalgic itch and provokes discussion about brand direction. Whether Mitsubishi will ever revive a true two-door performance car is uncertain. For now, the virtual Eclipse Coupe is a compelling reminder that the demand — and the design language — still exist.
Highlights:
- A V8-powered Eclipse coupe remains speculative but sparks imagination.
- CGI concepts can influence public perception and future design directions.
Whether Mitsubishi pivots back to sports cars or doubles down on electrified crossovers, renders like this keep the conversation alive among enthusiasts and industry watchers alike.
Source: autoevolution
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