One of Mitsubishi's most well-known vehicles in its lineup, the Eclipse sport coupe, has been remodelled for the 2006 model year and was shown for the first time in Canada at the 2005 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

The new Eclipse - now in its fourth generation - features two engines. There's the base 2.4-litre four cylinder, and the more powerful 3.8-litre V6 that pumps out a generous 263-horsepower.

The exterior look of the new Eclipse was meant to instill a sense of aggression, and the designers at Mitsubishi did this by giving it an arched roofline, flexed surfaces, a wedge-shaped rear spoiler (which comes standard on both models), sporty air intakes and a single, oversized exhaust pipe. Seventeen inch aluminum alloy wheels are included on the GS model while special 18-inch premium wheels are available on the V6 GT. There are also two new colours - UV Blue and Rotor-Glow Pearl.

The V6 engine on the Eclipse GT is the most powerful engine in its class, and Mitsubishi hasn't forgotten about the environmental, as the Eclipse is now classified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) in the U.S.

The 2006 Eclipse features a highly rigid body that, combined with a wider track, doesn't sacrifice comfort. It uses a front MacPherson strut and low-mount multilink rear suspension. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard, while vented front and rear brakes come with the GT model.

There is a lot of sporty stlying cues when you step inside. The interior features highback sport seats with integrated headrests, a four-spoke steering wheel and motorcycle-inspired gauges with blue backlighting. There are also three interior colour schemes available - medium gray, charcoal, and white-on-orange.

Standard equipment on the GS model includes four-wheel disc brakes, an anti-lock braking system and the choice of either a 5-speed manual or four speed automatic transmission. Adding a keyless-entry system also gets you air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and door locks, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, eight-way manually adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, 50/50 split fold-down rear seatback, sport fabric interior and a 140-watt AM/FM/CD player with six speakers.

The GT model comes standard with a 6-speed manual or five speed automatic transmission with Sporttronic shifting as well as several option packages. For instance, the Premium Sport Package includes a power glass sliding sunroof, heated leather front seating surfaces, auto climate control, heated side view mirrors and electrochromatic rearview mirror, aluminum pedals, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires, and the Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.

Standard safety features include driver and front passenger advanced airbags with passenger sensing system, front seat mounted side-impact airbags and front seat curtain airbags, three-point seat belts for all occupants and tethers for a child safety seat.

You'll be able to find the Eclipse in Canadian showrooms by mid-2005.