The Mitsubishi Eclipse, an iconic sports coupe that ruled the 1990s, is known for its distinctive giant hood bump. For years, car enthusiasts have speculated about the purpose of this design feature, with many assuming it was to accommodate the turbocharger. However, recent analysis reveals that the bump was not designed for the turbocharger, but rather served a specific engineering purpose related to the car’s performance and packaging needs. This revelation comes from a detailed examination of the Eclipse’s design quirks.
The Evolution of the Mitsubishi Eclipse
The first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was launched in 1989 as a joint project between Mitsubishi and Chrysler. This partnership, known as Diamond-Star Motors, aimed to bring a new sports coupe to the American market. The Eclipse quickly gained popularity, and in 1995, the second-generation model was introduced. It was in this model that the hood bump became a prominent feature, particularly on the GSX variants. The design of the Eclipse drew heavily from Mitsubishi’s rally heritage, with influences from the Lancer Evolution series.
Common Misconceptions About the Hood Bump
The hood bump on the Mitsubishi Eclipse has been a subject of speculation among car enthusiasts for years. The most common belief is that the bump was added to provide clearance for the turbocharger in the 4G63 engine setup. This myth has persisted due to the visual similarities between the Eclipse and other turbocharged vehicles of the era. However, a closer look at the actual purpose of the hood bump debunks this assumption.
Engineering Reasons for the Hood Design
The hood bump on the Mitsubishi Eclipse was not designed for the turbocharger, but rather for the intercooler placement and airflow optimization in the all-wheel-drive system. The integration of the turbo setup with the AWD drivetrain presented packaging challenges, necessitating extra hood height for component clearance. Diagrams and cutaways of the 4G63T engine bay layout reveal how the bump aids in cooling efficiency.
Impact on Performance and Handling
The elevated hood design of the 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse models contributed to better weight distribution and aerodynamics. Performance metrics, such as the GSX’s 0-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds, can be linked to the design’s role in stability. When compared to rivals like the Toyota Celica or Honda Prelude, the Eclipse’s handling shows the subtle influence of the hood bump on drag coefficients.
Design Influences from Mitsubishi’s Motorsport Roots
The hood bump’s design can be traced back to Mitsubishi’s World Rally Championship efforts in the late 1980s with the Starion and Galant VR-4. Rally regulations from 1989 onward influenced street car designs for homologation purposes. Designer interviews and archival footage show how the Eclipse’s styling echoed rally prototypes.
Legacy and Modern Perspectives
The hood bump has played a significant role in the Mitsubishi Eclipse’s cult status, with the car making appearances in films like “The Fast and the Furious” in 2001. Car enthusiasts have embraced the original design, with some even modifying their vehicles to mimic it. However, later Eclipse generations, such as the 2006-2012 models, abandoned the hood bump feature, likely due to evolving engine technology.
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