Image Credit: Mitsubishi.The Mitsubishi Eclipse name is returning once again, though probably not in the way enthusiasts were hoping. Mitsubishi has officially revealed the new 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV, a fully electric compact crossover based on the latest Nissan Leaf.This marks the second time Mitsubishi has repurposed the famous Eclipse badge for an SUV. The first came with the Eclipse Cross in 2017, a move that upset fans of the original Eclipse sports coupe that became an icon during the tuner-car boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s.Now the name is attached to an electric crossover that shares its underpinnings with Nissan's next-generation Leaf. Mitsubishi and Nissan have grown increasingly close in recent years, with Nissan holding roughly a 24 percent stake in Mitsubishi as the alliance continues expanding shared vehicle development.AdvertisementAdvertisementDespite the predictable backlash surrounding the Eclipse name, the new EV may actually give Mitsubishi something it desperately needs: a modern, affordable electric vehicle that can help draw customers back into showrooms.The Eclipse Sportback Is Essentially A Restyled Nissan LeafImage Credit: Mitsubishi.The new Eclipse Sportback EV is mechanically related to the redesigned Nissan Leaf, though Mitsubishi has given the crossover its own styling touches. The overall silhouette remains familiar, but the front and rear fascias have been redesigned to better fit Mitsubishi's current design language.Up front, the Eclipse Sportback gets a chunkier bumper design with larger black trim elements surrounding the lower intakes. The headlights also feature unique graphics and are connected by a silver trim panel with vertically arranged detailing not found on the Nissan version.Along the sides, Mitsubishi fitted the EV with distinctive three-spoke triangular wheels and subtle "EV" badging mounted near the front doors. The rear receives more extensive visual changes, including revised taillights with outward-pointing LED graphics and "Mitsubishi" lettering stretched across the tailgate.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe lower rear bumper also mirrors the tougher styling approach used at the front. Overall, the changes help the Eclipse Sportback stand apart visually from the Leaf, even if the shared architecture is still obvious.Technical Details Remain Under WrapsMitsubishi has not yet released full specifications for the Eclipse Sportback EV. However, since it is based directly on the new Leaf, expectations are already fairly established.Reports suggest the crossover will likely offer around 259 miles of driving range in higher trims, similar to the Leaf's projected figures. Pricing is also expected to land close to the Nissan, which currently starts at approximately $31,500 in the United States.The company says the Eclipse Sportback will officially go on sale in late summer or early fall this year. More technical details, including battery sizes, charging speeds, power outputs, and trim levels, are expected to arrive closer to launch.AdvertisementAdvertisementGiven Mitsubishi's limited EV lineup in North America, the new model will become an important part of the brand's future strategy. It also arrives as Mitsubishi continues rebuilding portions of its dealership network and trying to strengthen its presence in key markets.The Eclipse Name Still Carries A Lot Of WeightImage Credit: Mitsubishi.For longtime enthusiasts, the Eclipse name still means turbocharged coupes, tuner culture, and Mitsubishi's golden era of performance cars. First- and second-generation Eclipse models became hugely popular thanks to available all-wheel drive, turbocharged 4G63 engines, and deep aftermarket support.Those early cars developed a strong following through motorsports, street tuning, and appearances in pop culture. That reputation is exactly why Mitsubishi's decision to use the Eclipse badge on crossovers continues to generate strong reactions online.At the same time, the modern automotive market looks very different from the one that created the original Eclipse. Sports coupes have largely disappeared from mainstream lineups, while compact SUVs and EVs dominate global sales charts.AdvertisementAdvertisementMitsubishi clearly believes the Eclipse name still carries enough recognition to help market a practical electric crossover. Whether enthusiasts accept that strategy is another question entirely, but unlike the original Eclipse Cross, this new EV at least arrives with stronger technology underneath it.The biggest challenge for Mitsubishi may not be convincing sports-car purists. It may simply be proving the brand can remain relevant in an increasingly crowded EV market where affordable electric crossovers are becoming the industry's new battleground.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.