“That new car smell” has been long been an underlying selling point of cars. It helps describe the joy of being the first to wear in a car. But now it may also be the way you describe how you got your latest health concern. Last week, the Ecology Center released its 2nd annual consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars and children’s car seats (www.HealthyCar.org). Of the cars tested, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider GT scored the worst (highest contaminants), and the Acura RDX scored the best (lowest).

Chemicals of primary concern include: bromine (associated with brominated flame retardants); chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC and phthalates); lead; and heavy metals. Such chemicals have been linked to a wide range of health problems such as allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer.

The Ecology Center’s study breaks down results by make or car category. So, before you take a big whiff from your new automotive purchase, you may want to know what’s getting into you.

Press release after the jump

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider GT - most toxic new car smell originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 1 August 2008 04:10 EST.

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Mitsubishi announced pricing for the 2009 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder. For the Spider pricing starts at $20,099 for the 5-Speed Manual and go up to $24,999 for the 5-Speed Sportronic version, while for the Spyder version prices start at $ 25,799 for the 5-Speed Manual and go up to $ 29,999 for the 5-Speed Sportronic version.

Options include: Leather Package $1000 (Leather Front Seating Surfaces, Center Display with Outside Temperature and Compass, Heated Front Seats, Heated Slide View Mirrors, Aluminum Pedals); GT Premium Sport Package $2000 (Leather Front Seaeting Surfaces, Auto Air Conditioning, Power Driver Seat, Aluminum Pedals, Heated Front Seats, Heated Side View Mirrors, Wind Deflector, Aluminum Scuff Plates, Machined Wheel Finish); Sport Aero Kit $1,299; Accessory Package $199;Premium Paint Charge (Sunset Pearlescent) $150; Premium Paint Charge (Solar) $150.

The 2009 Eclipse is offered in two different versions: the GS powered by a four-cylinder engine and the GT powered by a V6 engine. The GS model’s 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT’s 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 produces 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic.

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse pricing announced originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 2 May 2008 09:43 EST.

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With the Chicago Auto Show being held this week, here are the most important debuts:

2008 GMC Denali XT

2009 Seat Bolero Preview

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse

2009 Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet

2009 Ford Edge Sport

2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid

2009 Chevrolet Traverse

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2009 Acura RL

2008 Volkswagen Routan

2009 Suzuki Equator

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

2009 Mercedes SL63 and SL65 AMG

This week in brief originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 February 2008 16:58 EST.

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At the Chicago Auto Show, next to the 2009 Eclipse, Mitsubishi will also unveil the Spyder version. As the Coupe version, the 2009 Spyder comes with a restyled front and rear bumper fascia. Also the GT version features a a new dual exhaust system.

The Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels. The GS model is powered by 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 162 hp. It is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The Eclipse Spyder GT challenges more expensive sports cars with its 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine teamed with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic.

The GT’s 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque gives this model immediate and forceful off-the-line response. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Spyder GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. Both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ console shifters to allow manual gear shift control for a more engaging driving experience. The 4-cylinder and V-6 Eclipse Spyder engines both feature the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 4 February 2008 17:41 EST.

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Mitsubishi today officially revealed the 2009 Eclipse an "attainable exotic" with striking design, sports car handling and dazzling performance. For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the front and rear bumper fascias and gave the Eclipse GT model a large rear spoiler.

The 2009 model-year features a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety and performance.

The Eclipse is offered in two different versions: the GS powered by a four-cylinder engine and the GT powered by a V6 engine. The GS model’s 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT’s 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 produces 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic.

Press release after the jump.

Mitsubishi Eclipse originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 4 February 2008 17:16 EST.

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Mitsubishi will launch at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 Eclipse, in both coupe and convertible versions. It features revised front and rear styling.

The Eclipse GT will be powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 265 horsepower and a peak torque of 262 pound-feet. The V6 can be mated to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional Sportronic five-speed with manual shift capability. In the rear, the GT features a new dual exhaust system.

All Eclipse models feature standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution.

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse to be unveiled in Chicago originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 4 February 2008 14:40 EST.

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The new-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe combines thrilling design and performance with outstanding value to offer the sport coupe customer an attainable exotic. New for 2008, limited-production Special Edition models will be available with either the V-6 or 4-cylinder engine. The SE models combine an exclusive aerodynamic body package, a unique exterior graphic treatment and interior enhancements.

Mitsubishi Eclipse originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 23 November 2007 00:00 EST.

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SIRIUS Satellite Radio - standard equipment for the Eclipse Spyder originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 April 2007 02:00 EST.

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Mitsubishi has introduced the all-new 2007 Eclipse Spyder, which arrives in Mitsubishi dealerships in Spring. Based on the fourth-generation Eclipse coupe introduced in 2005, the new Eclipse Spyder combines "Driven to Thrill" design and performance with a high-tech convertible top and outstanding value.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 12 January 2007 17:00 EST.

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Mitsubishi’s SEMA display will features two special trim levels of current models we might see in showrooms in the very near future. The Eclipse Sport Edition is revised with several exterior enhancements such a chin spoiler, a larger rear wing, and a graphic package. With 19-inch wheels and the aero kit, the vehicle displays a more athletic stance. The Eclipse Sport edition’s interior has been restyled with a black and terra cotta color scheme.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Sport Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 31 October 2006 16:00 EST.

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Designed to appeal to convertible and sports car enthusiasts of all ages, the 2007 Eclipse Spyder 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.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 25 April 2006 10:40 EST.

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All-New 2007 Eclipse Spyder Goes on Sale Today originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 13 March 2006 16:45 EST.

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Ralliart is the motorsports arm of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Worldwide, Ralliart vehicles feature enhanced performance, specialty equipment and sporty styling elements that include more powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions as well as special fascia and styling cues. The best-selling import coupe for the past 15 years, Eclipse was redesigned for 2006 -and Mitsubishi design engineers wasted no time giving Eclipse the Ralliart treatment.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Ralliart originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 February 2006 17:35 EST.

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The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a two-door, four seat sports coupe/convertible that has been in production since 1989 and sold as 1990-2006 models. The Eclipse is produced solely for the United States market, where it has also been built as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser through Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s close relationship with the Chrysler Corporation (now DaimlerChrysler) Their partnership is known as Diamond Star Motors, or DSM.

Mitsubishi Eclipse originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 12 December 2005 14:51 EST.

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"The Eclipse Concept-E suggests that performance and fuel efficiency need not be mutually exclusive," said Ulrich Walker, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. "E-Boost is environmentally friendly technology, but it’s also pure driving fun. The Concept-E is proof that hybrid technology can do as much for power and performance as it can for fuel consumption," Walker said.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept E originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 30 November 2005 11:09 EST.

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