Spyder: A Car that Truly Impresses

Anthony Fontanelle
May 23, 2008

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was first introduced in 1989 and has been continued ever since. It was named after an eighteenth century English racehorse which won 26 races.

Later on, the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder was made into production and debuted as a 2007 year model. It later got a facelift for the 2009 model year, and was introduced at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. It is a 2-door, 4-passenger convertible, available in two trims, the GS and the GT.

“The GS is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 162-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The GT is equipped with a standard 3.8-liter, V6, 260-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.”

Its quick high-quality convertible ragtop leaves most reviewers impressed. You push one button, and it folds back onto itself and then lowers into the trunk area. The new ragtop is powered by a hydraulic mechanism that erects it in about 19 seconds, the styling changes are evolutionary and include a new front end housing a blacked-out trapezoidal grille.

Other exterior features highlight a Pwr Soft Top-Inc Tonneau cover, a rear spoiler and a 2 speed variable intermittent windshield wipers with washers. It's interesting that Mitsubishi chose to stick with a traditional, perhaps even old-fashioned, cloth top. The GS features 17-inch alloy wheels, the GT's measure 18 inches.

The interior offers a luxurious look that is being shown by an attractive dash, simple controls and generally good-quality materials. Climate controls are large, and other major controls are located where they should be. Materials are a mix of attractive vinyl’s but everything's put together with care. It has its very comfortable 6 way adjustable passenger seat with adjustable lumbar support.

Among the many other interior car parts features includes the premium sport fabric upholstery, ice-blue LED instrument lights, and tire pressure monitoring system.

The car has an overall rating of "Good" for both frontal and side impact crash tests. The standard antilock brakes feature Electronic Brake-force Distribution, which balances front-rear brake application in emergency stops. Crash protection features Supplemental Restraining System (SRS), front dual airbags and front seat-mounted side-impact air bags.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder impresses reviewers with its head-turning exterior design and well crafted fit and finish.

Source:  Amazines.com