Caption: 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse of Brian O'Conner from Fast and Furious!

Thomas Wachsmuth September 23, 2023 -> Cars from AZ, -> Tuner from AZ, Mitsubishi, News vehicles, Videos

In 1995, Mitsubishi launched the Eclipse and no one could have imagined that it would become a cult item just a few years later. But that suddenly changed in 2001, when Brian O'Conner, played by Paul Walker, sat behind the wheel of the Japanese in “Fast and Furious”. That year the... Mitsubishi Eclipse by Brian O'Conner namely one of the most coveted cars in the history of film. The basic model of the 1995 Eclipse was already a cool box: It had a 2,0-liter turbo engine that generated 210 horsepower. With dimensions of 4.372 mm long, 1.735 mm wide and 1.297 mm high, it was relatively large, but still sporty. However, Brian's Eclipse was “only” a vacuum cleaner and had the weaker engine.

Brian's Mitsubishi Eclipse

But what made Brian O'Conner's Eclipse stand out from the crowd was, of course, the numerous modifications and adjustments. One of the most obvious changes was that bright green paint, which immediately caught the eye. But it was more than just the color that made the car special. Various tuning upgrades have been made under the hood. However, there was none turbocharger, which gave the Eclipse an additional boost of power. He was a pure sucker. That's what it was for laughing gas, Injen cold air intake or a modified one throttle. And the Eclipse's chassis has also been modified, with lowering and Energy Suspension bushings. A RoboCar kit and the two-part APR GT2 spoilers provided a more aggressive look while improving aerodynamics.

18-inch Axis Model Se7en rims

The 18-inch Axis Model Se7en rims in combination with Toyo tires not only gave the Eclipse a cool appearance, but also the necessary grip on the road. Inside the Japanese were found SPARCO racing seats , and a SPARCO steering wheel, both of which contributed to the sporty atmosphere. The cockpit was also equipped with a VDO turbo timer and boost controller equipped, and that Alpine CVA 1005 sound system ensured the right sound when cruising. But all the modifications weren't just cosmetic. The Eclipse by Brian O'Conner was a highly tuned racing vehicle ready to take on the world's best road racing vehicles.

And while the film may be over, the car's legend lives on. It is symbolic of an era in which street racing and tuning became a global phenomenon, and it stands as a shining example of how a humble production vehicle can be transformed into a tuned work of art. Today, over two decades later, it remains Mitsubishi Eclipse by Brian O'Conner a sought-after collector's item and a permanent monument to the magic of cinema and car culture. It's more than just a car - it's an icon, like Brian (Paul Walker).

1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by Brian O'Conner from Fast and Furious

Manufacturers: Diamond Star Motors, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Brand:Mitsubishi
Model: Eclipse GS
Year of production: 1995 mm

Model status: Set
Class: Sport compact
Motor: 420A Neon 16-valve DOHC 2-liter 4-cylinder; 210 hp

body modifications: Robo Car Armor Eclipse Kit
Special modifications: Sparco racing seats
bicycles: SE7EN 18-inch wheels from Axis Sport Tuning Inc.

Tubes: Toyo 225/40/ZR18
suspension modifications: almost original
License-plates: RNO 263

Under the pseudonym “Brian Earl Spilner,” Brian O'Conner used the Eclipse to prepare for his first road race. Despite some problems during the preparation phase, Brian decided to take part in the race to win the favor of Dominic Toretto.

Technical data

According to "The Fast and the Furious: The Official Car Guide" by Eddie Paul, the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse has a 420a 16-valve DOHC 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 165 horsepower non-turbocharged.

Engine specifications:
- Mitsubishi 2.0: DOHC 420a engine (reconditioned)
- WITHOUT TURBOCHARGER
- 75 HP nitrous oxide system (just for show, not fully installed)
- HotShot manifold
- Injen cold air intake
- Bored throttle valve
- Improved ignition cables
Styling:
- RoboCar complete kit
- Individually adapted carbon front splitter
- APR GT2 style rear spoiler
- Roof air inlet (not functional)
- Carbon racing mirror
- 1997 headlights
- Kawasaki green paint

Tyres/wheels/brakes/chassis:
- Axis Model Se7en wheel, 18 inches
- AEM front brake system (perforated)
- Original 5-speed manual transmission
- Tanabe SS springs
- Energy suspension bushings

inner space:
- black and gray suede interior
- VDO speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, voltmeter
- Sparco pedal covers and gear knob
- Auto Indulgence Neon Green LEDs
- Alpine CVA 1005 TV/DVD unit

Performance:
- 140 HP (without nitro)
- 0-60 in 8,9 seconds
- Quarter mile in 16,4 seconds at 84 mph
- Top speed = 130 mph
Trivia:
- At least five stunt cars were built for the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
- The car formerly belonged to John Lapid and was repainted from dark green to silver to Kawasaki green. The original car is now in a museum in Tennessee.
- Despite internet reports and Eddie Paul's book, the car was NOT equipped with a 4G63 engine, NOT turbocharged and did NOT have 220 horsepower.
- Photo credit/source: fastandfurious.fandom.com