As one of the most poignant signs of the times, one automaker proudly touted its Japanese heritage, complete with authentic tribal music and dancers, as it debuted its new convertible at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. You know, the gig that takes place in Detroit, the heart of the domestic car industry, in the dead of winter. Company executives explained that the new marketing theme represents American car buyers’ respect for Japanese products. Couple that with Honda winning the show’s car and truck of the year awards, and one gets the sense that a few local boys were getting roughed up on their own turf.
Those Japanese heritage comments came from the folks at Mitsubishi, who unveiled the 2007 Eclipse Spyder. This new take on the brand’s four-passenger convertible bears the styling first seen in 2005 on the Eclipse Coupe, with the added touch of a power cloth top. But with cars like the sought-after Ford Mustang convertible providing more standard power at a lower cost, chances are this open-top import will be unable to inflict any real damage to the hometown rides.
What it is For the 2006 model year Mitsubishi launched an all-new Eclipse, based on a platform designed to accommodate a coupe or convertible body. The coupe arrived first, and the convertible is slated for arrival in 2006 as a 2007 model.
Two trim levels are available, GS and GT. The GS is equipped with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted radio controls, antilock disc brakes, and front-side airbags. Moving up to the Eclipse Spyder GT buys a 3.8-liter V6 mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, traction control, an exterior temperature gauge, and a compass. Both models feature a standard 650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, and options like heated leather seats. Meaty 18-inch alloys wearing 235/45 tires are limited to the sportier GT.
Why it matters Not long ago, rumors were flying about the demise of Mitsubishi’s North American operations due to losses from the company’s financial arm, its heavy reliance on fleet sales, and uncompetitive and aging products. Almost inexplicably, Mitsubishi is now in the process of standing up and dusting itself off, facing a future in the U.S. that may not be certain, though the headstones have been put aside for now.
This turnaround is a result of Mitsubishi’s overhaul of its financial practices, a steady stream of updated or new products, and a rise in perceived value, due in at least some small part to the drastic cut in fleet sales. To keep the company moving in the right direction, new or redesigned products like the Eclipse Spyder need to offer buyers stylish and engaging vehicles that are packed with value.
What’s under the hood Under the hood of the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS is a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, single overhead cam four-cylinder engine that puts out 162 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm while running on 87-octane fuel. Power is directed to the front wheels by a standard five-speed manual transmission, or an optional Sportronic four-speed automatic.
GT models get a 3.8-liter, 24-valve, single overhead cam V6 that’s good for 260 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, though premium fuel is recommended. A six-speed manual tranny is standard, but a five-speed Sportronic automatic is available to those not fond of a clutch pedal. Mitsubishi reports an unexceptional 0-60 mph time of about seven seconds for the Eclipse Spyder GT.
What’s inside Both GS and GT versions of the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder come standard with cloth bucket seats featuring a manual height adjustment, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and a monotone instrument panel. Tunes come from a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system that can be operated with buttons on the steering wheel. Unfortunately, a subwoofer is also standard and mounted square in the middle of the rear seatback – that ought to be mighty comfy. But, with 650 watts, you can drown out the screams of agony coming from those back seat drivers.
GS models can be outfitted with a Deluxe Leather Package that includes heated leather seats up front, heated mirrors, an exterior temperature gauge, and a compass. The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT may be upgraded with a Premium Package, which adds to the Deluxe Leather Package alloy pedals, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a wind deflector.
What it looks like Style is obviously a matter of perspective, but our minds seem to think of bubbles when we have a gander at the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The front and rear fascias are big and round, and the flanks are curvaceous at all points except the flat edges of the wheel flares. When the top is up, the Eclipse convertible offers clean lines, and with the power top down (an action that takes 19 seconds) a hard tonneau cover caps the yards of folded cloth, leaving the Spyder with a neat, finished appearance.
What Mitsubishi says According to Ron Gilligan, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, “The new Eclipse Spyder captures the essence of Mitsubishi by offering customers a stand-out design and performance at an affordable price. 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 under $26,000.”
What we think If the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT drives anything like the coupe version, as it should, there’s a chance this bird will fly. The hardtop model offers a good bit of power and an intoxicating exhaust note, but the interior needs some work and the style leaves people either hot or cold. The GS model, priced at under $26,000 with a long list of equipment, seems to have its work cut out for it as it faces the more powerful and less expensive Ford Mustang convertible. However, if there’s anything constant in the automotive world, it’s the fact that buyers like choice, and the Spyder’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty won’t hurt, either.
When you can buy it Mitsubishi claims that the 2007 Eclipse Spyder will start arriving at dealerships by April, 2006. Prices for the entry-level GS model will start at less than $26,000.
Key stats Engine Size and Type: 2.4-liter four-cylinder (GS); 3.8-liter V6 (GT)
Engine Horsepower: 162 hp at 6,000 rpm; 260 hp at 5,750 rpm
Engine Torque: 162 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm; 258 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic (GS); Six-speed manual or five-speed automatic (GT)
Curb Weight, lbs.: 3,472 (GS); 3,671 (GT)
Length: 179.7 inches
Width: 72.2 inches
Wheelbase: 101.4 inches
Height: 54.4 inches
Legroom (first/second rows): 39.6/35.7 inches
Headroom (first/second rows): 42.8/27.7 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: 4
Max. Cargo Volume: 5.2 cubic ft.
Time to lower top: 19 seconds
Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi
