# Evolution of Mitsubishi Eclipse and brand strategy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/evolution-of-the-mitsubishi-eclipse-nameplate
> Updated: 2026-09-11T07:19:16.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 5.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse nameplate has evolved from its origins as a sports coupe in 1989 into a designation for various vehicle types, including the Eclipse Spyder convertible and the Eclipse Cross compact SUV. The Eclipse Cross has transitioned from internal combustion and plug-in hybrid engines to a fully electric model utilizing technical foundations from the Renault Scenic E-Tech. Under an updated Momentum 2030 business plan for the United States, Mitsubishi aims to expand its domestic lineup from four models to six by early 2027. This strategy emphasizes electrification and a modernized retail model. Key upcoming additions include a rugged, off-road version of the Outlander expected in the first quarter of 2027 and a new mid-size pickup truck being developed in collaboration with Nissan. Additionally, the company is preparing for the global debut of the Pajero (Montero) on September 2, with potential future availability in North America. Mitsubishi has officially unveiled the 2027 Eclipse Sportback, an all-electric crossover built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-EV platform. While sharing technical foundations with the Nissan Leaf, the Sportback features Mitsubishi’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ design language. The vehicle offers two front-wheel-drive variants: an entry-level model with 177 hp and a more powerful version delivering 218 hp. Battery options include a 52 kWh unit with approximately 436 km of WLTP range and a 75 kWh unit capable of up to 602 km of WLTP range. Following its unveiling, the 2027 Eclipse Sportback was named the ‘2027 Eco SUV of the Year’ by Green Car Journal (GCJ). Expanding its electric offerings, Mitsubishi is introducing two distinct battery options for the Eclipse Cross EV lineup, expected by the end of 2026. An entry-level 67-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery will target urban drivers, offering a WLTP range of 466–472 km and 165 kW DC fast charging.

## Claims

- Mitsubishi has updated its Momentum 2030 business plan for the United States. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The company intends to expand its US product lineup from four models to six by early 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mitsubishi is collaborating with Nissan to develop a new mid-size pickup truck for the North American market. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A rugged, off-road-focused Outlander variant is expected in the first quarter of 2027. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Pajero/Montero SUV is scheduled for a global debut on September 2. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Eclipse Sportback EV is planned for launch in the fall. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Mitsubishi expands Eclipse Cross EV lineup with dual battery options

Mitsubishi is updating the Eclipse Cross with two battery options: a 67-kWh LFP battery for urban driving and an enhanced 89-kWh NMC battery for long-range travel, both arriving by late 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mitsubishi-expands-eclipse-cross-ev-lineup-with-dual-battery-options

### 2026-08-31: Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV named 2027 Eco SUV of the Year

Mitsubishi's 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV has been named ‘Eco SUV of the Year’ by Green Car Journal. The crossover uses Nissan Leaf technology, offering up to 602 km of range.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mitsubishi-eclipse-sportback-ev-named-2027-eco-suv-of-the-year

### 2026-08-26: Mitsubishi updates Momentum 2030 plan for US market expansion

Mitsubishi has updated its Momentum 2030 plan for the US, announcing plans to expand its lineup to six models by 2027, including a new Nissan-based pickup truck and the Eclipse Sportback EV.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mitsubishi-updates-momentum-2030-plan-for-us-market-expansion

### 2026-08-21: Automotive updates: Mitsubishi electric SUV and Lexus hybrid editions

Automotive updates feature the all-electric Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross with an 87 kWh battery and the Lexus UX 300h Kizuna special edition, offering premium hybrid features at competitive prices.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/automotive-updates-mitsubishi-electric-suv-and-lexus-hybrid-editions

### 2026-08-12: Mitsubishi evolution of the Eclipse nameplate

Mitsubishi has used the ‘Eclipse’ name for over 30 years, transitioning from 1980s sports coupes to modern Eclipse Cross SUVs and plug-in hybrid models.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mitsubishi-evolution-of-the-eclipse-nameplate

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Cite as: Evolution of Mitsubishi Eclipse and brand strategy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/evolution-of-the-mitsubishi-eclipse-nameplate
