Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT: sexy, economical arachnid

The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT is one of the fun cars of the year, and could be one of the best bangs for the buck you’ll find in 2006-07.

The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT uses its 260 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of peak torque to blast from zero to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.
By: Mike Blake Carlisle Events
   We have been testing 2006 model-year cars for nearly a year now, so when the first 2007 came into the press fleet, it was going to be an exciting test anyway. Well, that expected excitement was "eclipsed" by automotive thrills when the vehicle in question was a hot, sexy, sensibly priced vehicle that slid into the summer with its convertible top down and its fuel-injected engine purring.
   With its Satin Meisai (akin to Sunset Orange) paint sparkling in the sun, its black convertible top nestling down within its framework, the six-speed stick emphatically and adroitly changing gears with power and precision, the gray leather interior bathing you in lavishness, the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT is one of the fun cars of the year, and could be one of the best bangs for the buck you’ll find in 2006-07.
   We’ve seen the striking exterior orange color before, in last year’s Mitsu Eclipse, as well as the Corvette C6 and several other vehicles. It screams excitement and auto passion, and the hue could be for the 21st century what red was to sports cars in the 20th.
   At 3,693 pounds, this front-driver with 60 percent of its weight up front is a quick, powerful ride. Powered by a 3.8-liter V-6, mated to a responsive six-speed manual transmission, this Spyder does not crawl. It adeptly uses its 260 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of peak torque to blast from zero to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. I was able to scamper down the quarter-mile in just 14.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of around 96 mph. Mitsubishi’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system) valve timing and lift technology helps optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad, flat range. Acceleration is nimble in all gears at all speeds, and I was able to coax 23 miles per gallon from the system that is EPA rated at 17/highway and 26/city.
   With its hefty mass and the majority of it up front, understeer affects the handling of this front-drive beauty, but a few mental and physical adjustments keep the Spyder in its web and makes your driving experience a pleasurable one that lives up to its ad campaign: Driven to Thrill.
   With the top up, visibility is better than with many convertibles, and even its small rear window doesn’t affect sightlines too severely, though tight parking maneuvers can be adventurous. With the top down, you can see forever and be seen by all who turn their heads.
   Built on a rigid platform, the Eclipse’s four-wheel independent suspension offers a sweet ride, and even on the Carlisle Fairgrounds autocross, the Eclipse handled tight turns, drifting and stop-and-start maneuvers with aplomb.
   This car was built for fun, and what’s the most fun you can have — automotively speaking — with a convertible? Taking down the top, of course. The Spyder’s sexy, black, space-age cloth top is automatic and folds completely out of sight after windows go down and the stowing compartment lid opens and then closes. This all takes a mere 19 seconds.
   Inside, you have a relatively quiet ride when the top is down and an aerodynamic wind pattern when the top is stowed. Thoughtfully placed controls and easy-to-read instrumentation are keys to human factors engineering. Motorcycle-inspired gauges and ice blue LED nighttime illumination make this arachnid a sporty Spyder indeed. My test vehicle’s interior was coordinated with its exterior paint via a two-tone Avante Garde (terra cotta and cream) color scheme that incorporated suede and plush leather throughout.
   High-back buckets show an attention to motorsports design; and for entertainment, last year’s 8-inch subwoofer was moved inside. The ’06 Eclipse had it neatly placed in the trunk, to the expense of cargo capability. This year, the sub is integrated into the rear seat, much to the detriment of any drivers or passengers over the age of 20. However, my teenage son and his buddies delighted in the rich bass sounds and vibrations. The subwoofer completes the sound package that features a nine-speaker, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, including a six-disc, in-dash CD changer. The set-up provides automatic sound equalization for either top-up or top-down driving and entertainment.
   Priced at a considerate $30,773 (base price of $28,269), this is one sports car that could be one of the buys of the year. With two rows of seating, this could be a family vehicle, though any tall teen-agers need a top-down ride and front seats scooted forward.
   Nearly everything is standard on this fine GT trim, with the premium leather interior package adding $1,730 for front seating upgrades, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto air conditioning, power driver seat, alloy pedals, heated front seats and heated side view mirrors. An accessory package pops in another $179 and destination charges increase the final price by $595.
   Safety is attended to well with such standard items as dual-stage front air bags with front passenger occupant sensors, front seat mounted side-impact air bags anti -lock brake system with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Also standard are electronic traction control, an outside temperature and compass display and larger ventilated rear disc brakes.
   The 2007 Mitsubishi Spyder Eclipse GT — this is one sexy, economical arachnid.
Visit www.carsatcarlisle.com for more on the automotive hobby. Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He’s been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.