2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT V6 review

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT V6 review:

Mitsubishi unveiled the all-new 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Based on the fourth-generation Eclipse coupe introduced in 2005, the new Eclipse Spyder GT combines "Driven to Thrill" design and performance with a high-tech convertible top and outstanding value.

Designed to appeal to convertible and sports car enthusiasts of all ages, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT 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 GT 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 GT 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 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.

Premium-Level Automatic Top

Perhaps most impressive about the Eclipse Spyder GT'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 GT'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 GT'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.

Ready to Rock

Underscoring the Eclipse Spyder GT'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 GT 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 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.

The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT arrives in Mitsubishi dealerships in April. End of Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT V6 review.