In contrast, the 3000GT (and its twin, the Dodge Stealth) was just plain big. While it rode on the same 97.2-inch wheelbase as the first Eclipse, at 179.7 inches overall, it was almost seven inches longer than its little brother, and almost six inches wider. Unsurprisingly, it used a series of 3.0-liter V6 engines ranging from a 161bhp SOHC version in the base front-driver, to a DOHC version making 222bhp and, ultimately, the twin-turbo version in the all-wheel-drive VR4 making 300bhp.
As glorious as a supersonic freight train, the 3000GT VR4 still has a solid following. But even though it would eventually be sold with 320bhp and as an incredibly complex (and heavy) Spyder with a retractable hardtop, the 3000GT was simply too big, over engineered and therefore too expensive for its own good. Production stopped in 1999.
While the second-generation Eclipse (introduced as a 1995 model) was slightly larger than the original, it was also better looking and was still available in GSX form with 210bhp from the 4G63 2.0-liter four. A Spyder convertible version came out in 1996.
But although this Eclipse was nothing but good news, Mitsu's focus was slipping. The Galant introduced during 1994 had little sporting verve and only a 2.4-liter four at the top of its range. Meanwhile, the company was expanding its SUV offerings with vehicles like the 1997 Montero Sport, free of any sporting pretensions. Worst of all, Mitsubishi never brought the spectacular Lancer Evolution to America, even though the first one entered production in 1992.
By the time the 3000GT and second Eclipse ceased production after the 1999 model year, and the Galant grew into a V6-powered cruiser or four-cylinder rental fleet standard, it seemed that Mitsbishi had given up on performance altogether.
The New Millennium
There was a lot of good in the third-generation Eclipse when it was introduced as a 2000 model. Just not anything great. Both all-wheel drive and the turbocharged 4G63 were gone, as this larger, front-drive coupe came in RS, GS or GT versions with either a 154bhp, 2.4-liter DOHC four or a 205bhp, 3.0-liter, SOHC, 24-valve V6. Despite an appearance as a hero car in 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious, the Eclipse wasn't a true sports car, but merely a sporty one. And there wasn't anything else in Mitsubishi's line of Lancers, Galants and SUVs that was suitably athletic. To the Mitsu performance faithful, there simply wasn't much left to have faith in. All that remained was the hope that some day, somehow, Mitsubishi would find a way to bring the Lancer Evo into America.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi was developing its 'Project America' platform for the Galant, Eclipse and new Endeavor SUV-the company's first product designed and engineered specifically for the US market. The first fruit, the Endeavor, debuted as a 2003 model. But while the Endeavor answered no enthusiast's prayer, the Evo VIII that came into showrooms alongside it did. From there, you know the rest of the story.