The fourth generation of Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, mainly produced in United States, was officially released at the North American International Auto Show in early 2007 (was held from 7-th to 21-th of January). The 2 door and 4 passenger fron-wheel drive Spyder model comes out from the GS with a 16 valve, 162 hp 2.4 L engine and more powerful GT model designation with 24 valve, 3.8 L engines which produce 260 hp along muscular bodylines. The GT models offer manual six-speed transmission or five-speed automatic Sportronic® one. Both model designations use the SOHC (Single overhead camshaft) based engines which allow to reach higher speed. In SOHC engines, the cam operates the valves directly.
The 4G69 SOHC engine used in Eclipse GS Spyder
Built in Japan, this engine has been used in Mitsubishi Eclipse (2005-onwards), Mitsubishi Lancer (2004-onwards), Mitsubishi Galant (2004-onwards), Mitsubishi Outlander (2004-onwards). It's maximal output is reached at 5750 rpm. 4G69 engines uses MFI fuel injection and MIVEC™ Variable valve timing. Bear in mind that variable valve timing doesn't mean economy in this case. Average fuel consumption sits somewhere around 13 litres/100 km.
The 6G75 SOHC engine used in Eclipse GT Spyder
Used in Mitsubishi models which include Eclipse (2005-onwards), Galant (2004-onwards), Montero (2003-onwards), Endeavor (2003-onwards), 380 (2005-onwards), a 3828 cc engine with 90 mm stroke, 95 mm bore produces max 263 hp. Unlike hardtop version, Spyder models' engines produce 260 hp.
Design and dimensions
Even though this Mitsubishi with 2575 mm wheelbase is a small car, it is 4565 mm in lenght, 1835 mm in width, and 1381 mm in height. If equipped with 18“ wheels, it has 1389 mm in height. If you look at the interior, you'll see grate progress since last Spyder version. Clear dashboard lines in the wave-style affect very friendly. Gear shift is small which helps to switch between gears very fast. Controls such as audio system, climate control, etc, are positioned in the „user-friendly style“ with focus on ergonomic access. There's no way how to describe design through words; You should go for a test-drive in my opinion. Spyder's turning radius is more than 12 meters which makes some actions very difficult especially in city-traffic.
Optional equipment
Standard equipment includes but doesn't limit to CD/MP3 audio system, 17 inch alloy wheels, immobilizer and many other improvements such as rear spoiler, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, head protecting seat-mounted side air bags, etc. Despite the fact that standard equipment can be considered to be enough for almost every driver, both, GS and GT models offer additional heated front seats and side mirrors. Also, both of them can be improved with front seating surfaces made of leather. Moreover, the GT model provides optional equipment including 18“ alloy wheels, wind deflector, aluminium pedals and climate control.
Performance
Who awaits the front-engine, front-drive Spyder to be a fast car, will be frustrated a bit. The most powerful version with 3.8 L engine (produces 260 hp) accelerates from 0 to 60 mp/h (96 km/h) in about seven seconds which isn't enough if you bear in mind this engine's capacity. It's very disappointing if you compare it to real sport cars such as McLaren F1 (1994 model) which does the same in 3.2 seconds especially. On the other hand, if you like to smoke the tyres only, it's easy to do so with disabled traction control. Very important aspect of every sport car is it's handling. We can truly say that Eclispe's handling is at very high level. It's because of short wheelbase and front-wheel drive.
Disadvantages
Despite the Eclipse Spyder is considered to be a sport car, it lacks in couple of aspects. First, it's very small for 4 adult passengers and back seats are more suitable for children than for 180 cm (or even more) men. Second, this car doesn't seat in curves in high speeds as well as you could await. In this point of view, it can't be compared to Mazda Miata which is Spyder's competitor. Another disadvantage is the braking distance which is nearly 40 metres when pushing the brake pedal from 60 mp/h to zero. Moreover, 67 litres tank capacity means you must refuel each 500-550 kilometres.
Prices
The GS Spyder with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission costs about 25000 US Dollars. The GT model is more expensive and costs about 28000 US Dollars. As mentioned above, you're given an opportunity to buy a Premium Package which costs 1730 US Dollars and includes leather-trimmed, heated front seats, automatic climate control, aluminium pedals besides 18 alloy wheels.
© 2007 Jan Hvizdak and Richdavid for www.sport-cars.org
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