After it received a few minor adjustments for the 2009 model year, the Mitsubishi Spyder continues to improve for 2010: the four-cylinder Eclipse Spyder GS adopts GT styling cues, including a two-tone front and rear bumper fascias and dual exhaust outlets. For 2010 the GS version is priced at $27,799 and the GT at $32,599.

The Eclipse Spyder GS features a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 162 hp and 162 lbs-ft of torque and mated to a 4-Speed Sportronic gearbox. The GT version gets a 265-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine mated to a 5-Speed Sportronic gearbox.

For 2010 the Eclipse GS will get Active Stability Control (ASC) as standard equipment, while both version got a rearview camera, stability control, Bluetooth and system with voice recognition and rearview camera system.

Full details after the jump.

2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is giving its “attainable exotic” Eclipse Spyder GS model additional styling enhancements and all models receive new technology features for 2010. The GS model will now feature restyled two-tone front and rear bumper fascias similar to the GT model. With the freshened styling also comes a deeper “voice” from an added dual exhaust system. Already equipped with a full array of proven safety technology, the Eclipse GS for 2010 gains Active Stability Control (ASC) as standard equipment. The Eclipse Spyder continues to win over customers with this unique combination of striking design, thrilling performance, high-quality convertible top and excellent value.

The Eclipse Spyder echoes the concept-car design of its coupe sibling with sleek, taut, muscular lines and engaging details. The “attainable exotic” design of the fourth-generation Eclipse is further underscored for 2010 by the availability of a new color, Carbon. Inside, all Eclipse models now feature the hands-free Bluetooth® system with voice recognition and rearview camera system which is displayed on the rearview mirror for added safety.

Two Levels of Spyder Performance


The Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels. The GS model is powered by a 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the Eclipse Spyder GT challenges more expensive sports cars with its 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine teamed with a 5-speed automatic. The GT’s 260 lb.-ft. of peak torque gives this model immediate and forceful off-the-line response. 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.

Rigid Body Structure, Sporty Chassis


Mitsubishi engineered the Eclipse platform to be built as a coupe or convertible. The rigid platform enables the four-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse Spyder both sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride.

The multi-link rear suspension uses either a 20-mm (GS) or 21-mm (GT) stabilizer bar. Commensurate with its higher performance potential, the Spyder GT also uses larger ventilated rear disc brakes in place of the GS model’s solid rear brake discs. The GS model is equipped as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/50R17 V-rated all-season tires; the GT model gets standard 18-inch alloy wheels, fitted with 235/45R18 V-rated all-season tires.

Exotic-Inspired, Internationally Praised Design


The Eclipse Spyder convincingly distinguishes itself from traditional, conservative or retro styling seen on some convertible sport models. With athletic fender arches, a wind tunnel-inspired front fascia and integrated rear lip spoiler, Eclipse Spyder carves out its own unique style.

Where the designs of other sport coupes and convertibles might attract attention for a brief time and then fade, the Eclipse design was recognized for its potential to endure. The Eclipse Spyder was one of two production cars to receive the GOOD DESIGN award from the renowned Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in 2006, its debut year. (The other was the BMW Z4 coupe.) An international jury selected entries in 18 categories from 25 countries.

Premium Automatic Top


Perhaps most impressive about the Eclipse Spyder’s automatic top is that it folds completely out of sight under a flush-fitting powered tonneau cover in about 19 seconds. When raised, the top design gives the Eclipse a distinctive “chopped” speedster appearance. The Spyder’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. The top is designed to resist “ballooning” at highway speed, and the glass rear window features a defroster.

Interior Designed to be Seen


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 Eclipse Spyder’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. The customer can choose from three available color schemes: Techno-Sport (charcoal), Hi-Q Sport (medium gray) and Avante Garde (terra cotta). The interior leather-wrapped steering wheel features audio system remote controls. High-back front bucket seats use open headrests for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility.

High-Power Music Machine


Both Eclipse Spyder models feature as standard a 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer that can play MP3 CDs, plus SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a 3-month pre-paid subscription, and new for 2010, an auxiliary input jack for iPod and MP3 connections. The audio system is specifically tuned for the Eclipse Spyder and provides automatic sound equalization for top-up or top-down driving. An eight-inch subwoofer is integrated into the rear seat area as a design element.

The PUNCH® control and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) give the user total control over the subwoofer’s “punch” level and provide custom music-genre equalization as well as sound field image settings, including: Normal, Stage, Live and Hall. A DSP sound setting memory function allows users to configure all eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for favorite CDs, artists, or music genres.

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Specifications

ENGINE

Engine Type 2.4L MIVEC 3.8L MIVEC
Engine Code 4G69 6G75
Valve Train SOHC 16VALVE SOHC 24Valve
Displacement (cu. in./cc.) 145.1/2378 233.6 / 3828
Bore x Stroke (in./mm) 3.43x3.94/87.0x100.0 3.74 x 3.54 / 95.0 x 90.0
Compression Ratio 9.5 : 1 10.5 : 1
Horsepower @ RPM (BHP) 162@6000 265@5750
Torque @ RPM (lbs-ft) 162@4000 262@4500
Engine Block Cast Iron Cast Iron
Cylinder Heads Aluminum Aluminum
Redline RPM 6500 6500
Fuel System MPI MPI
Recommended Fuel Uleaded (Regular) Unleaded (Premium)
Radiator Core size 747x350x16 (mm) 747x350x16 (mm)
Engine Oil Type 5W-20 5W-20
Engine Oil Capacity (qt/L) 3.2-4.2/3.0-4.0 3.2-4.2/3.0-4.0

TRANSMISSION

Drive Train 2WD 2WD
Transmission S-4AT S-5AT
1st 2.842 3.789
2nd 1.573 2.162
3rd 1.000 1.421
4th 0.688 1.000
5th N.A. 0.686
6th N.A. N.A.
Reverse 2.214 3.117
Final Drive Ratio 4.212 3.325

Key Specifications

  • Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
  • Length: 180.4 in.
  • Height: 54.4 in. (54.7 in., 18-in. wheels)
  • Width: 72.2 in.
  • Curb weight: GS - 3,516 lbs. / GT - 3,763 lbs.


EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

  • Wheelbase (in/mm)     101.4 / 2575
  • Length (in/mm)     180.4 / 4583
  • Width (in/mm)     72.2 / 1835
  • Height (in/mm)     54.4 / 1381
  • Track, Front (in/mm)     61.8 / 1570
  • Track, Rear (in/mm)     61.8 / 1570
  • Min. Ground Clearance (in/mm)     5.8 / 148


INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

  • Interior Volume (cu ft)     81.3
  • Passenger Volume (cu ft)     76.1
  • Cargo Area (cu ft)     5.2
  • Maximum Seating Capacity     4
  • PASSENGER SPACE
  • Head Room (Front) (in/mm)     39.6 / 1007
  • Shoulder Room (Front) (in/mm)     54.2 / 1377
  • Hip Room (Front) (in/mm)     53.7 / 1363
  • Leg Room (Front) (in/mm)     42.8 / 1088
  • Head Room (Rear) (in/mm)     35.7 / 906
  • Shoulder Room (Rear) (in/mm)     40.0 / 1015
  • Hip Room (Rear) (in/mm)     40.3 / 1024
  • Leg Room (Rear) (in/mm)     27.7 / 704


Major Standard Features

  • 17-in. alloy wheels (GS)
  • 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system, including SIRIUS Satellite Radio
  • Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition
  • Rearview camera system
  • Air conditioning
  • Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Active Stability Control (ASC)
  • Electronic traction control
  • Cruise control
  • Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors
  • Front seat mounted side-impact air bags
  • Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
  • Fog lamps
  • Keyless entry
  • Auxiliary input jacks
  • Power cloth soft top with powered tonneau cover
  • Power windows, locks and mirrors
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)


Eclipse Spyder GT adds:

  • 265-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine
  • 18-in. alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
  • Center display with outside temperature and compass
  • High-intensity discharge (HID) head lamps
  • Larger ventilated rear disc brakes
  • Aluminum pedals
  • Aluminum scuff plates
  • Automatic climate control system
  • Heated exterior mirrors
  • Heated front seats
  • Leather seating surfaces
  • Six-way power driver's seat
  • Wind deflector (removable)

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Prices

Order Code Description (Eng./Tran) Suggested Retail Price Comments
EC28-B Wclipse Spyder GS SOHC 16 Valve I4 MIVEC (2.4L/4S) $27,799.00 2-Door Convertible 4-Speed Sportronic
EC28-G† Eclipse Spyder GT SOHC 24 Valve V6 MIVEC (3.8L/5S) $32,599.00 2-Door Convertible 5-Speed Sportronic

Options

Option Code Option Name Price
FD 1 Sport Aero Kit $1,299.00
FY 1 Accessory Package
Alloy Fuel Door, Wheel Locks, Sport Floor Mats
$229.00
M03 2 Premium Paint Charge (Sunset Pearlescent) $150.00
Y19 2 Premium Paint Charge (Solar) $150.00
F5 1 Accessory Remote Engine Start $599.00
F7 1 Accessory I-Pod Adapter $199.00
FD 1,3 Accessory Sport Aero Kit $1,299.00
FR 1 Accessory Mesh Windscreen $450.00
FY 1,2 Accessory Package
Alloy Fuel Door, Wheel Locks, Sport Floor Mats
$229.00
GD 1,2 Accessory Wheel Locks $49.00
GE 1,3 Accessory Mudguards $110.00
GL 1 Accessory All Weather Floor Mats $75.00
GP 1 Accessory Cargo Organizer $59.00

The Spyder GT version comes with a GT Premium Sport Package included that adds:

  • Leather Seating Surfaces W/ Heated Front Seats,
  • HID Projector-Type Headlights,
  • Power Drivers Seat,
  • 18" Alloy Wheels w/ 235/45/ R18 All Season-Tires,
  • Aluminum
  • Scuff Plate and Pedals,
  • Automatic Climate Control,
  • Mesh Windscreen,
  • Bluetooth
  • Hands-Free Phone System,
  • Electrochromic Rearview Mirrior w/ Monitor
  • Rearview Camera System

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Competitors and press reviews

"The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder handles well for a front-drive convertible and delivers a fairly supple ride given its sporting pretensions. There is a little more chassis flex over bumps than we'd like and the car's turning circle is a shade south of nautical, but that's not enough to spoil an otherwise enjoyable driving experience. The base four-cylinder engine found in the Spyder GS will get you where you need to go, but the GT's V6 is a better choice." (Edmunds)

"Roll on the throttle too early, or too heavily, and the front end washes out catastrophically on all but the most mundane corner exit. Of course, then there’s the problem of body roll, which isn’t completely quelled by the GT-P’s uprated suspension. Piling into a corner with some aggression, and the tires will struggle to maintain their hold on the earth’s crust under braking. Roll in towards the apex and the whole thing pitches just a degree or two too far, making any mid corner bumps or adjustments just a wee bit unsettling." (CarGuideWeb)

"I know I keep harping about how important the sound of an engine is to a sports car's ambiance and the Eclipse proves this in spades. Those 265 ponies mean it is merely adequately sporty, but it sounds super. Rev the engine at a stoplight and it sounds like Mitsubishi has slipped a baby Ferrari engine up there. The exhaust note rasps (all very legally, of course) and the engine revs as if the V6's flywheel has been completely eliminated. Were Mercedes' V6 so melodious, the SLK would be an even bigger seller. Of the relatively inexpensive convertibles on the market, the Eclipse certainly most sounds the part." (Driving Canada)

Competitors

Volkswagen Eos

The 2010 Eos is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine that delivers a total of 200hp and a peak torque of 206 lbs-ft. The engine is mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission, or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission w/ tiptronic one. In either manual or automatic version the car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7,4 seconds, while top speed is limited to 130 mph. The car is offered in two trim levels: Komfort or Lux, with prices ranging from $31,990 to $35,490.

Volvo C70

The facelift version of the Volvo C70 convertible will be offered on the US market as a 2011 model. It will feature a powerful 227 hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine that’s mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission with driver selectable Geartronic shifting. The 2011 Volvo C70 is offered at a starting price of just $39,950.

Toyota Camry Solara->ke246

The US market only gets the SLE trim version of the Toyota Solara Convertible. It features a 3.3-liter V6 engine with a total output of 210 hp at 5,600 RPM and 220 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The convertible is priced at $30,710.

Conclusion

When you hear the word "eclipse" the first thing that comes to you mind is the astronomical event that occurs when one celestial object moves into the shadow of another. Now, when you hear "Eclipse Spyder" you think of a Mitsubishi model with an aggressive look and the front inspired by the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

The Eclipse Spyder comes in two trim levels: GS and GT. But its the GT the one you want to buy. And the reason is quite simple: the engine makes all the difference! Now, before going to your dealer you should know what you are going to buy. The Eclipse Spyder is a car placed somewhere between a comfortable cruiser and a sporty convertible. That's a good thing, as you will get a little bit from both of them. It has a few disadvantages too: the rear seats do not offer enough room and you will have poor outward visibility with top raised.

Bu if you will just lay back and enjoy you ride, without pushing the car to its limits, with the top down and the wind blowing smoothly in your hear you will understand why the Eclipse Spyder was the right choice for you.