If that isn't enough to pump up all of you DSM owners, I don't know what will. It may be interesting to note that the cars listed below were also released nearly the same time as the 1993 DSM's.
Camaro IROC Z 15.7 @ 91
Daytona Shelby Z 16.2 @ 86
Mustang LX 15.1 @ 94
Probe GT 16.2 @ 86
Trans Am GTA 15.9 @ 90
Thunderbird SC 15.3 @ 93
Eagle Talon TSi AWD 14.8 @ 91
-Information Provided by Car Craft 1993
The end of 1994 brought yet another change for the DSM company. The Plymouth Laser was dropped from production due to its lack of appeal that its other siblings offered. For the 1995 lineup, a new, more aggressive, comfortable, and luxurious design was chosen to replace the older Talon and Eclipse models. The design was smoothed out and given an aerodynamic feel. The ride was lowered 2 inches and given a wider, longer stance. As far as the mechanical aspects are concerned, the new design featured slightly altered variation of the 2.0L turbocharged engine with an additional 15hp. The new engine included higher compression, a smaller (T-25) garret turbo, upgraded "non-ticking" lifters, as well as a host of other improvements. The 420a was used as the non-turbo engine. This particular motor was chosen to satisfy Mitsubishi's domestic content clause. The U.S. Government reportedly did not allow the 420A to be used as domestic content due to the fact that the engine is built in Mexico. Chrysler does get to claim it as being domestic.*
Many argue which car is the greatest of the DSM family. In my opinion, the 1G is still top dog due to its cheap upgradeability. Others disagree.
Diamond Star Motors owners have long called for a convertible. The Mitsubishi Spyder was first introduced in 1996 and has been a success ever since. While a bit slower than its hard top predecessor, it is still the great bang for the buck vehicle. The Spyder was a bit heftier than the other front wheel drive vehicles. This is no doubt due to the extra 155 pounds of structural enhancements incorporated into the spyder -- which include hydraulic motor mounts, stiffer side panels, and a reinforced windshield mount among others. With a base engine of a 2.4L SOHC, or the speedy 2.0L turbo, you can rev the engine up to 7000 rpm and dump the clutch and the spyder will burn the tires all the way to redline. While not the fastest of the bunch, the lack of speed is easily made up with the image the car perceives.
In late 1996, reports were issued that Chrysler would not renew its contract with Mitsubishi after it expired in 1999. As you know, this has become a reality. I was disheartened to hear this news, as I am sure every other DSM owner was. Chrysler will continue to retain relations with Mitsubishi, but only a parts-exchange basis. The companies will proceed to exchange research information as well, but will probably never make a complete unit again. 1997 also brought minor changes to the each car's appearance. Including a raised spoiler on each car and improved aerodynamics. Recently, Chrysler purchased back 40% of the Mitsubishi stock. What does this mean? I'm not quite for sure. Some indicate that the DSM may make another apperance. Wouldn't that be nice?
1998 marked the end of the Eagle Talon. The Talon was dropped due to lagging sales.
Chrysler feared it was too late to increase sales with a new model. Some evidence of the Talon being dropped would appear in the form of "advertisements" of the 1997 model year in which no national advertisements were run for the Talon. There were some local ads that appeared from various dealers, but that was it. As a Talon owner, I hope that there is a possibility for the Talon to return. 1999 was the last year for the second generation Eclipse. Although a 2000 Eclipse model was released, I do not consider it to be a member of the DSM family due to the fact that it doesn't contain the 2.0L turbocharged monster that made the Eclipse/Laser/Talon the car that it is. In addition, the low price tag allowed all of us blue-collar citizens to become a sports car owner. It is still heavily debated whether or not to include the new Eclipse as a third generation, but you decide for yourself.
Sales Facts
MMMA production per year. 1990199119921993199419951996199719981999Eclipse, Laser, TalonN/A*120,341126,20693,08890,19580,99462,11767,23340,3 4650,965Eclipse Spyder------13,51811,40110,8135,713
*Data Not Available
MMMA Sales Volume 1990199119921993199419951996199719981999EclipseN/A*49,27853,71257,08351,82652,55553,80748,50345,619 53,123Eclipse Spyder------9,30910,06612,3368,751TalonN/A*29,85329,81327,33127,25020,78913,79910,2062,957-LaserN/A*28,20124,46315,9924,566197----
*Data Not Available
MMMA actually did ship cars to Japan. Here are those numbers. Only the Eclipse was shipped over for export.
MMMA exports to Japan199419951996199719981999Amount exported811,2761,09085830488
Quotes
"All Wheel Drive transforms the Eclipse (and its Eagle Twin ) from a likeable sports coupe with lots of competition to an absolutely loveable sports coupe with
no competition."
-Road and Track
"In our August 1982 issue, we compared the hottest available versions of the Mustang, the Camaro, and the Firebird with a Porsche 928. Naturally, the 928 - which cost nearly $44,000 - soundly trounced the domestics. The new Diamond Star cars - at $15,500 or so - can handily outrun that Porsche."
-Csaba Csere
"On the road, the Diamond Stars are just that; stars,
Very Fast stars. And stars that you can afford."
-Arthur St. Antoine
"No matter what label the Diamond Star car wears, it sets a new standard among sport coupes."
-Impressions, Winter 1989
***Mitsubishi got the Eclipse name from an 18th Century English racehorse that won 26 races.
**I would like to thank Johm Moore at se.dsm.org for his information.
*Information supplied by Bill of http://www.dsetuning.com/
*Thanks to all for motivating me to correct this website! (too many names to mention)