The Forgotten Siblings of the Mitsubishi Eclipse: A Tale of Automotive Kinship

In the heyday of compact sports cars, the Mitsubishi Eclipse emerged as an icon of the '90s. Yet, in the shadows of this automotive legend were two lesser-known but equally intriguing models: the Plymouth Laser and the Eagle Talon. These vehicles, born from a unique collaboration, share a rich history that is often overshadowed by their more famous sibling. This article delves into the origins, characteristics, and eventual fate of these compact sports cars, offering a nostalgic look back at a fascinating chapter in automotive history.

Rediscover the Unsung Heroes of '90s Performance: The DSM Trio's Untold Story

The Genesis of the DSM Trio

The inception of the DSM trio, a term coined for the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Plymouth Laser, and Eagle Talon, was the result of a strategic partnership between Mitsubishi and Chrysler. These vehicles rolled off the assembly line in Normal, Illinois, a site predominantly associated with Chrysler, marking the beginning of a new era in the automotive industry. Each model was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, capable of delivering 195 horsepower. The cars were not only known for their power but also for their ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds, a testament to their performance capabilities.

Introduced in 1990, these vehicles were a testament to engineering collaboration and shared the spotlight with their all-wheel-drive systems, which were a rarity at the time. The trio quickly became a symbol of accessible performance, offering exhilarating driving experiences without the exorbitant price tag often associated with sports cars.

The Plymouth Laser: A Brief Retrospective

The Plymouth Laser, a hatchback coupe like its counterparts, initially hit the market with a design that could be described as avant-garde for its time. The 1990 model featured pronounced, almost angular side body molding and distinctive pop-up headlights. A unique design element shared by the DSM cars was the asymmetrical 'hood hill'—a raised section on the driver's side of the hood. The Plymouth brand was proudly displayed on the vehicle's front bumper, leaving no doubt about its identity.

Subsequent years saw the Laser evolve with a more refined exterior. The 1991 model smoothed out some of the earlier edges, while retaining the black trim and hideaway headlamps that had become a signature of the DSM lineup. The wheels received a makeover too, with the introduction of intricate 16-inch alloy rims. By 1992, the Laser adopted even more streamlined body lines, reminiscent of the Chevrolet Camaro, and the pop-up headlights were removed. Despite its appeal, the Laser's production ceased in 1995, leaving its siblings to carry the DSM torch.

The Eagle Talon's Journey Through the '90s

The Eagle Talon, sharing its underpinnings with the Eclipse and Laser, was produced from 1990 until 1998. It too boasted the turbocharged engine and was available with either all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, paired with a choice of a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Talon's design was divided into two generations: the first from 1990 to 1994, and the second from 1995 to 1998. Initially, the Talon presented a more streamlined aesthetic compared to the Laser, with the same hood hill and pop-up headlights that were characteristic of the DSM cars.

By the time the second generation rolled around, the Talon had adopted a more whimsical, rounded design that some might describe as almost animated in its appearance. However, after 1998, the Talon was discontinued, leaving the Mitsubishi Eclipse to continue alone until 2012. The Eclipse, while maintaining a familial resemblance in its early years, eventually became known for its distinctive wide and rounded rear end—a feature that continues to be celebrated by car enthusiasts to this day.