The second vehicle John covered over at the Mitsubishi press conference is the debut of the new
Eclipse Spyder.
The convertible is the third of six new vehicles that will eventually be released according
to the company. (The regular Eclipse coupe and the Raider are the first two.) Following after the Spyder will be the
new Outlander SUV, the Lancer
sedan, then the Lancer Evolution.
Specs on the Eclipse Spyder include two engine choices: four-cylinders
with 162 hp and a five speed manual as standard; and a V6 rated at 260 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque. The latter uses a
six-speed manual.
Pricing is expected to start under $26,000.
More specs and pics after the
jump.
MITSUBISHI INTRODUCES “ATTAINABLE
EXOTIC” 2007 ECLIPSE SPYDER AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
DETROIT (Jan. 9, 2006)
– Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today unveiled the all-new 2007 Eclipse Spyder at the North American
International Auto Show. Based on the fourth-generation Eclipse coupe introduced in 2005, the new Eclipse Spyder
combines “Driven to Thrill” design and performance with a high-tech convertible top and outstanding value.
The 2007 Eclipse Spyder arrives in Mitsubishi dealerships in April.
Designed to appeal to convertible and
sports car enthusiasts of all ages, the 2007 Eclipse Spyder echoes the concept-car design of its coupe sibling with
sleek, taut, muscular lines and engaging details such as bright finish LED tail lamps and monocle-lens head lamps.
“The new Eclipse Spyder captures the essence of Mitsubishi by offering customers a stand-out design and
performance at an affordable price,” said Rich Gilligan, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America.
“Its high-quality automatic top makes Eclipse Spyder a convertible for all seasons and is more like a top you
would expect to see on a $40,000 car than one that starts at under $26,000.”
The 2007 Eclipse Spyder
is the third in a series of six new Mitsubishi vehicles to be introduced in less than three years. The first of these
was the 2006 Eclipse coupe introduced in June 2005, followed by the all-new mid-size Raider pickup truck. Upcoming new
models include a second-generation Outlander SUV, the Lancer sedan and the tenth version of the legendary Lancer
Evolution.
Like the Eclipse coupe, the Eclipse Spyder will be offered in two trim levels. The GS model is
powered by a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed
automatic transmission is available as an option.
The Eclipse Spyder GT challenges more expensive sports
models with its 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an
optional five-speed automatic. The GT’s 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque gives this model “right now”
off-the-line response. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the Spyder GT can accelerate from zero to 60
mph in about seven seconds.
Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines feature Mitsubishi Innovative Valve
timing and Electronic lift Control (MIVEC) technology to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad
engine speed range. The exhaust systems for both Eclipse Spyder models have been specially tuned to project a powerful,
deep note through the oversize tailpipe (chrome on GT). The Eclipse Spyder GS is rated to achieve 29 mpg on the EPA
highway test cycle. To offer the driver a more lively driving experience, both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature
Sportronic shifters to allow manual gear shift control.
Premium-Level Automatic Top
Perhaps most
impressive about the Eclipse Spyder’s automatic top is that it folds completely out of sight under a
flush-fitting powered tonneau cover in 19 seconds. This premium-level design eliminates a visible top stack that gives
some convertibles a “baby buggy” look.
The Spyder’s top is made of cloth, compared to
vinyl used on some cars in this price segment. Its advanced multi-layer construction includes a full headliner to
provide the quiet, snug interior feeling of a coupe when it is raised. When raised, the top design lends the Eclipse a
distinctive “chopped” speedster appearance. The top is designed to resist “ballooning” at
highway speed, and the glass rear window features a defroster.
Interior Design Worth Showing Off
Mitsubishi designers in Cypress, California, recognized that many convertible owners expect interior styling to be
attractive in its own right – something to enhance pride of ownership when driving top-down. To that end, the
2007 Eclipse Spyder’s “attainable exotic” design theme continues inside. The wave-form instrument
panel houses easy-to-reach controls and features distinctive motorcycle-inspired gauges and ice-blue nighttime
illumination.
The customer can choose from three available color schemes: Techno-Sport (charcoal), Hi-Q
Sport (medium gray) and Avante Garde (terra cotta). The leather-wrapped steering wheel features audio system remote
controls. One-piece high-back front bucket seats inspired by Mitsubishi rally cars feature open headrests for a sporty
look and enhanced rear visibility.
The 2007 Eclipse Spyder continues the brand’s renown for providing
excellent value. On both the GS and GT models, the long list of standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fog
lamps, air conditioning, advanced dual-stage front air bags and seat-mounted side air bags, anti-lock braking system
(ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), cruise control, engine immobilizer, keyless entry and power
windows, locks and mirrors.
In addition to GS-level equipment, the V6-powered Eclipse Spyder GT features
electronic traction control, fog lamps and a standard outside temperature and compass display.
Ready
to Rock
Underscoring the Eclipse Spyder’s “Driven to Thrill” mission and value, both models
feature as standard a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with a six-disc, in-dash CD changer that can play
MP3 CDs. The system has been specifically engineered for the Eclipse Spyder and provides unique automatic sound
equalization for top-up or top-down driving. The eight-inch subwoofer is integrated into the rear seat area as a design
element.
The Eclipse GS and GT models each offer an option package that enhances interior comfort. The
Leather Package for the Spyder GS combines leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors,
along with the outside temperature and compass displays that are standard on the GT.
The Eclipse Spyder
GT’s optional Premium Sport Package lives up to its “premium” label by equipping this model with
18-inch alloy wheels and 235/45 R18 tires, a six-way power driver’s seat, leather seating surfaces, aluminum
pedals, automatic climate control system, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors.
Rigid Body
Structure, Sporty Chassis
Mitsubishi engineered the new Eclipse platform to be built as a coupe or
convertible. And improvements to the all-new 2006 Eclipse body structure resulted in an enhanced Spyder version. The
rigid platform enables the four-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse Spyder both sporty road manners and a
compliant, comfortable ride.
The multi-link rear suspension is equipped with either a 20-mm (GS) or 21-mm
(GT) rear stabilizer bar. Commensurate with its higher performance potential, the Eclipse Spyder GT also gains larger
ventilated rear disc brakes in place of the GS model’s solid rear brake discs.
[Source: Mitsubishi]