As the convertible version of the Eclipse, the Spyder aims at the middle of the sport convertible market and provides a sporty driving experience with compliant suspension for comfortable long-distance cruising. 2009 brings an exterior freshening, with a new black grill and front bumper fascia that follow the 2008 Lancer Evolution design, dual exhausts, and a larger rear spoiler for the GT trim, and a new rear bumper fascia and three new exterior colors across the line.
The GS Spyder comes standard with an underpowered 162-hp, 2.4-liter inline four. The GT gets power from a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 265 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque with dual exhausts. 0-60 comes up in about 7 seconds. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic for the GS trim and a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic for the GT. Both versions are front-wheel drive.
The GS comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual-stage front airbags and side-impact airbags, foglights, keyless entry, a tire pressure monitoring system, and other features. The GT kicks it up to 18-inch wheels and adds active stability control, electronic traction control, HID headlamps, and other features.
The top folds out of sight in about 19 seconds under a flush-fitting powered tonneau cover. Constructed out of cloth, not vinyl as on some cars in this price range, the top gives a speedster appearance to the Eclipse. A full headliner incorporated into an anti-ballooning design provides a quiet coupe-like feeling with the top up at highway speed. The glass rear window incorporates a defroster.
Three available color schemes add to the attractive interior layout. A leather-wrapped steering wheel incorporates audio-system remote controls. The high-back bucket seats are Mitsubishi rally-car inspired. Both Spyder models feature a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo system with an in-dash 6 CD/MP3-playback-capable changer.
This heavy sports convertible sits on a chassis shared with the Galant sedan and the Endeavor SUV. Yet while reviewers complain of its SUV-like turning radius, they enjoyed the Spyder's handling through twisting sections of roadway. Mitsubishi has made a good compromise between the taut handling of at two-seat sports car and the more yielding suspension of a four-seat family-sedan-based convertible.
