2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse - unibody and safety
The unibody construction of the 2006 Eclipse is built upon Mitsubishi's versatile front-engine PS platform. This modern chassis, manufactured at Mitsubishi's Normal, Illinois facility, utilizes a nimble four-wheel independent suspension attached to a pair of flex-resistant reinforced steel front and rear subframes that are joined by supports spanning the length of a reinforced floor pan. This all-steel structure is made even stronger with strategically placed support members that help create a stiffer, safer unibody. Using modern construction with MASH seam welding techniques to improve structural rigidity without incurring major weight penalties, the Eclipse's new unibody is quite sturdy, exhibiting 2.2 times more bending rigidity and 11 percent higher torsional rigidity than the previous Eclipse. Mitsubishi's own evaluations have confirmed that the Eclipse meets or exceeds the federally mandated performance criteria in the 30-mph frontal test and it should perform well in other crash tests.
| Design Element | Effect |
| Large, straight, front side members | The linear geometry of these large load-bearing members helps to add strength and efficiency in crush mode. |
| Steel dash brace reinforcement | Adoption of a design that provides optimal strength for the dash and side member to achieve higher twisting rigidity, and help improve frontal impact safety. |
| Rear shelf brace and rear floor cross member | Such steel reinforcements aid in improving the platform's twisting rigidity to improve handling. |
| Reinforced roof | Thick, strong steel members from the roof arc to help improve platform rigidity and occupant safety. |
| Reinforced side sill | This is another means to help preserve the integrity of the passenger cabin in the event of a collision, and it improves sound insulation. |
Bumper System
The Eclipse's front and rear bumpers utilize highly rigid steel bumper beams covered with impact-resilient foam to enhance the absorption of energy in minor impacts. The effectiveness of this material in protecting the structural integrity of the rigid steel bumper beams is designed to help reduce body deformation - and thus costly repairs - in the event of a 5 mph or similar low-speed collision.
Collision Safety
All Eclipses come equipped with advanced driver and front passenger airbags in order to help optimize occupant safety. Driver and front passenger seat mounted side-impact airbags as well as side curtain airbags also are included as standard safety equipment on every Eclipse. Front seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners and force limiters to help control occupant motion during a collision and to help to minimize the potential for serious injury.
Rust Proofing
Enhanced rust proofing techniques utilized on the Eclipse unibody and undercarriage help to ensure superior resistance to corrosion. All exterior and unibody metal below the vehicle's beltline consists of galvanized, rust-resistant metal. In addition, water drainage channels provided in the vehicle's body have been carefully designed to minimize the possibility of blockage by debris that could lead to an accumulation of moisture and result in rust formation.
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