Some have described the exterior design as sleek, slippery, cutting edge. Mitsubishi calls it "geo-mechanical," a term it used for the original SST design concept shown at the 1998 Detroit auto show. To us it looks sort of retro-contemporary. No matter what you call it, the 2000 Eclipse gets noticed. It generates conversations every place it goes. It projects an image of performance with aerodynamic headlamps, scalloped doors and contoured rear light assembles.Before we saw the 2000 Eclipse, we had hoped it would resemble the SST concept car. Futuristic concept cars often do not see production, but this time our hopes were answered. However, the new Eclipse takes the SST design a step farther with styling cues from Mitsubishi's 3000 GT. One of our sources said parts of the design were inspired by the old Ferrari Dino. The result is that the Eclipse projects a new, yet classic, character that makes it enjoyable to look at. Fully arched wheel wells are filled with alloy wheels and performance tires. This arch theme is carried through, from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. Three strakes in each door begin at the front bumper where they resemble the brake cooling vents of a race car. A round fuel filler door is designed to add to the racy theme and an aluminum alloy fuel lid is available as a dealer-installed accessory.
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