2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse- interior design

While the suave lines of the all-new Eclipse's exterior may gain one's interest, the chic interior will retain it. The Eclipse proves the age-old adage: it's what's inside that counts. The stylish, modern, ergonomically designed interior of the all-new Eclipse presents occupants with a relaxing, upscale environment. The contemporary surroundings offer a stimulating alternative to the subdued, retro, or unimaginative interior designs of segment competitors. Surfaces are covered with soft-touch textured materials that emulate modern furniture, helping to create an appealing, sporty atmosphere. Featuring comfortable seating for four, the interior of the Eclipse provides driver and passengers with a rare combination of opulence and true sporty character.

Increased Passenger Volume

Due to its taller, wider body and longer wheelbase, the Eclipse benefits from 81.6 feet of overall passenger volume, a 2.1-cubic-foot increase over the previous-generation Eclipse. Front passengers gain more than half an inch of headroom at 38.5 inches, and half an inch more legroom at 42.8 inches. Front passengers also benefit from class-leading 54.2 inches of shoulder room (an increase of 1.9 inches) and 53.7 inches of hip room (an increase of 1.8 inches).

Eclipse Seating

The new one-piece sport bucket front seats of the all-new Eclipse are designed to provide comfort for the duration of the trip, whether that involves driving down a snaking canyon road or relaxing through the downtown highway commute during rush hour. But the front seats' new contour and cushioned depths are not their only improvements. The new highback-style seats feature integrated headrests, high-density side bolster padding, and standard side airbags for safety. Seat heaters are also available on the Eclipse GT.

The new front seats' steel, skeletal frames are enhanced with resilient spring cushions in seat back and seat bottom. A new passenger-side weight sensor acts in concert with the advanced airbag system. If less than approximately 66 lbs of weight is detected in the front passenger seat, the passenger's-side front airbag is off and it will not deploy. If a weight greater than approximately 66 pounds is detected, the airbag is on and will deploy.

In addition to built-in safety, the Eclipse's new seats also add comfort. With their dense foam material construction, the seats boast improved support and durability. The Eclipse seats are covered in a durable new fabric. Leather seating surfaces are part of the Premium Sport Package on the Eclipse GT. A new adjustable lumbar support in the driver's seat replaces the old "step" adjustment mechanism, allowing for greater fine-tuning. Sliding, reclining and height-adjustable driver's seats are standard equipment on all Eclipses; an eight-way powered driver's seat is optional for Eclipse GS, and standard on the GT. The Eclipse also receives standard front side-impact airbags, along with the standard front curtain airbags that are designed to deploy only in the event of a moderate to severe side-impact collision to the middle of the passenger compartment. Heated front seats and heated side mirrors are also available on the Eclipse GT as part of the Premium Sport Package.

The rear seating arrangement consists of a wide, supportive bench that provides ample room for two. A 50:50 split-folding rear backrest provides a flexible and convenient way to increase cargo room by allowing long or bulky items, from golf clubs to skis, to be stored under the hatch. The lower cushion of the rear seats also includes the anchor points for the child restraint system, fixed into the body structure.

Each of the Eclipse's four seating positions is designed to help ensure passenger safety, with three-point seat belts for each occupant. The front seat belt systems also include pretensioners and force limiters to help control occupant motion
during a collision to minimize the potential for serious injury.

Dash Panel

The dash panel of the Eclipse makes a visual statement about the coupe's upgraded interior quality. A wave-shaped, horizontal, soft-touch pad improves the luxury look and feel of the dash, and silver-finished surrounds for the meters, center panel and air outlets add a sporty flair. A metallic-finish center console - intuitively designed to resemble the housing of modern high-end home entertainment systems - helps to create a comfortable, up-to-date environment for both front seat occupants. With the use of these aesthetic devices, the dash panel creates visual appeal while maintaining a high level of function and purpose.

Convenience was a high priority in the design of the dash panel. The round instrument panel gauges are easy to read, sporty in appearance, and physically situated to eliminate glare, while large, well-lit, and easy-to-control switches and knobs put vital vehicle functions within immediate reach. The dash panel's low height also helps improve the driver's line of sight, which in turn helps to improve the driver's ability to navigate with confidence.

Center Console

The Eclipse's center console incorporates several features into one unit, including storage solutions, cup holders designed to accommodate extra large drink cups, and multiple power outlets. The design focuses on function without compromising aesthetic appeal. The console offers the driver and front passenger comfort with an ideally positioned, cushioned armrest wide enough to provide complete elbow support. The center console is enhanced with a pair of 12-volt outlets that can be used to charge cell phones or power small electronic devices.

Door Panels

The Eclipse's door panels are crafted to complement the hip, modern, high-quality appearance of the rest of the interior finishes. The door panels also use premium metallic finishes on the latch handles and textured materials on trim components that help bolster the overall upscale appearance of the interior. Beneath the surface, the Eclipse's door panels contain smooth-operating power window regulators that include short-stroke window mechanisms.

Self-sealing Short Stroke Window Mechanism

A short-stroke mechanism is used for the door window glass regulator to improve the sealing performance between the door window glass and weather strip. When opening and closing a door, even with the switch off, the window is self-sealing - it lowers slightly and then returns to fully closed position.

Such a mechanism also is found on vehicles like the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, and BMW 330C. The window's electronic short-stroke function improves the quality of the window seal and helps dramatically reduce interior noise. In addition, the use of double guide-rails to support the window glass helps to control window glass vibration when the door is closed.

Gauge Cluster

The Eclipse instrument cluster is a composite unit of round, legible gauges merged together into one sporty display that was inspired by the look of motorcycles gauges. At night, the attractive gauge package is illuminated by ice-blue LEDs that enhance style and help improve visibility. The large speedometer and tachometer dials are designed for easy viewing. The gauge details include high-contrast numerals that make the instruments easier to read. The round metal bezels also are integrated into the instrument panel to help reduce glare or reflection. Surrounding the round gauges are warning lamps that are illuminated by LED bulbs, allowing them to be grouped more compactly.

The sportier nature of the Eclipse GT is enhanced by an available set of aluminum pedals designed with rubber tactile points for better control and pedal feel.

Audio

Mitsubishi Motors and Rockford Corporation have teamed up to offer an optional high fidelity/high output Rockford Fosgate audio system for the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. A leader in aftermarket car audio systems for 25 years, Rockford offers Eclipse buyers the first OEM personal sound-setting memory option, and their aggressive PUNCH(R) signature sound, delivering dynamic output with the high impact bass of a premium aftermarket system.

The Eclipse's optional premium audio system features 650-watt amplification with nine speakers including a 10-inch, long-throw subwoofer in a fiberglass reinforced acoustic-suspension enclosure. The six-disc, in-dash CD changer also plays MP3 files.

In addition to the usual bass, midrange, treble, fader and balance controls, the Eclipse's advanced Digital Signal Processor (DSP) gives the user total control over the subwoofer output. It offers custom music genre equalizer settings and sound field image settings including: Normal, Stage, Live and Hall. The Rockford Fosgate system also offers an industry-first DSP sound setting memory function that allows users to configure all eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for their favorite CDs, artists, or music genres.

The standard Eclipse GS audio system consists of a 140-watt digitally amplified audio unit with six speakers: 6x9 in. full range (2), 1.5 in. tweeters (2), and 6.5 in. full range (2). The base AM/FM radio also includes a single CD player, and MP3 player capability with random and repeat playback functions.

Electric Time and Alarm Control System (ETACS)

All Eclipse models are equipped with an Electric Time and Alarm Control System (ETACS), Mitsubishi's comprehensive vehicle body systems control computer. This adaptable system improves communication between Eclipse's various computer sub-systems. Working with the Smart Wiring System (SWS) - which is Mitsubishi Motors' own body control communication system - and the Control Area Network (CAN) system, the automotive standard for high speed automotive computer communications systems, ETACS takes advantage of a wide variety of functions and makes them more user friendly. ETACS is factory programmed to execute many basic functions, such as regulating the timing of interior lights, as well as the setting for the interior buzzer.

EXAMPLES OF ETACS BASIC FUNCTIONS

Climate Control

The 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with an efficient climate control system that integrates the heating and cooling controls into a single unit. A flow rate control valve helps the system realize improvements in system airflow and achieve a quicker temperature change.

The flow rate control valve prevents cooled air from being reheated when the A/C is running at maximum capacity, and reduces variation in airflow volumes as well. In addition, integrating the heating/cooling unit and blower into a single component increases system reliability and helps reduce assembly inconsistencies. The efficiency of the new HVAC unit results in an increase in defroster airflow and improved effectiveness for the defrosting system to swiftly improve windshield visibility.

Depending on the trim line, two different A/C panels are available to control either an automatic or manual HVAC system. Both climate control panels feature attractive, large black knobs with a knurled finish and chrome accent ring. The A/C indicators for both the automatic and manual system use green lighting indicators and large mode and temperature markers that make either system intuitive to operate. The manual A/C system on the Eclipse GS allows the operator to select both temperature and fan speed.

The Eclipse's air-conditioning system uses a highly efficient scroll compressor that - in conjunction with a large condenser and high-flow outlet vents - greatly improves cooling efficiency at idle. The automatic climate control system regulates cabin temperature based on data received from an ambient sensor, an in-car temperature sensor and sunlight measuring photo-sensor. A computer processes this data to control blower speed to match and maintain the temperature set by the user, but if desired, the system can be controlled manually to override the temperature setting. The manual A/C system includes a MAX A/C setting that allows the user to rapidly cool the cabin.

Immobilizer

The Eclipse is equipped with an engine immobilizing system that prohibits the engine from starting if the ignition switch is turned by a key that is not electronically registered to that particular vehicle. The key ring antenna and immobilizer are integrated in to a single reliable unit. This is a system that has been proven to prevent thefts and reduce insurance premiums.

Cruise Control System

All Eclipse trim lines are equipped with a cruise control system that provides the vital function of allowing drivers to maintain a specific velocity without having to press the accelerator, helping to reduce fatigue during long trips. For the Eclipse, with its throttle-by-wire control, the mechanism that actuates the throttle butterfly is an electronic throttle valve actuator, essentially a solenoid controlling throttle valve angle per the direction received from the throttle computer. The previous cruise control system relied on the mechanical control of a vacuum pump to actuate the throttle.

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