2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Release Date, Specs News: Compact Crossover's Name Revealed Ahead of Geneva Motor Show Debut

By Georgia Gana, Christian Post Contributor Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Mitsubishi has revealed that its upcoming compact crossover will be called Eclipse Cross. Alongside the announcement, the Japanese automobile manufacturer released a new teaser image that gives car enthusiasts another sneak peek before the sports utility vehicle (SUV) makes its debut at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show in March.

The new crossover's nameplate pays homage to the Mitsubishi Eclipse, a sports car that was sold in the United States from 1989 to 2011. It also takes inspiration from its namesake astronomical event.

"Marrying stylish coupe lines with the freedom of movement the SUV genre gives, the Eclipse Cross's beautiful, dynamic form serves to bring about the same sense of excitement and inspiration as the diamond ring seen immediately before and after a total solar eclipse does," the automaker said in a statement.

As seen in the promotional image, the Eclipse Cross also has a rich red exterior paint color that was developed specifically in order to "evoke the brilliance of the prominence seen during the total solar eclipse."

While most details for the Eclipse Cross are still being kept under wraps, a teaser released by Mitsubishi last month reveals that the new compact crossover will have a dynamic and sporty design language. It features a wedge-shaped belt line, an aggressive character crease on the side, a more steeply-raked rear window and heavily flared front and rear fenders. It also has coupe-like profile and classic SUV proportions with its long wheelbase and short rear overhang. On the road, the Eclipse Cross will emanate a sharp and active appearance.

Once released to the market, the Eclipse Cross will sit in between the Outlander Sport crossover and the larger Outlander SUV. It is also expected to rival Nissan's own compact crossover, the Qashqai.

Technical specifications for the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will be announced during the crossover's world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, scheduled from March 9 to 19.