Packing as much firepower as the looks and the stereo system, a 3.8 litre V6 engine cranks out 260 horsepower on the GT V6 model. With its free flowing exhaust, it creates a deep and mellow growl at low revs giving way to an excited tune as the tachometer points towards its redline. Acceleration is swift and confident though not neck-snapping and downshifting the six-speed manual transmission to pass slower traffic is optional. This is partly due to the engines MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Electronic Control) system which adjusts valve timing to ensure a proper balance of economy and performance for any situation. It seems to
have worked, because despite the robust acceleration, my father-and-son roadtrip (most of which occurred at over 125 kph) saw mileage of just 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The shifter is precise, though a touch flimsy as far as a Japanese sports car goes.
They say that stepping on a spider will bring rain, and I wonder if stepping on it in a Spyder has the same effect. If so, maybe my heavy foot was to blame for the nasty weather that plagued most of my time with it. With the roof up, I found an interior that I could stretch out and lounge back in, and plenty of headroom. It's typical Mitsubishi inside- charming in an old-school sort of way that makes twenty-something guys like me think of eight or ten years back when imported cars started to push the styling envelope. It reminds me of the Tiburon- one of the edgiest looking cars (and interiors) of its day.
The ride is fantastic too, and I've never encountered a car this much fun with such a great ride in the price range.
That doesn't mean the handling suffers either. The all-wheel-drive system from Eclipses in the nineties is gone, so the 18 inch wheels up front have their work cut out for them. Putting power down quickly results in a tug of war with the steering wheel, and premature throttle application while
exiting a corner lights up the inside tire with a delightful squeal. Its fun stuff, and the car holds its line well in that situation, but a firm hand and patient right foot will be rewarded by a lovely corner carving experience on empty backroads.
As a package, this machine is hard to beat. There are no excessive gadgets or distractions, no fancy electronics, and no annoying driver aids that can't be shut off. Mitsubishi isn't a huge company, so they stick with the basics and they do it well. So well, in fact, that they offer a 160,000 kilometre or 10-year powertrain warranty, which includes towing to the nearest dealer for repair if needed.
Driving home after the concert I wondered if Eric Clapton might enjoy a car like this. After so many years on the road, entertaining millions of fans and making millions of dollars, he's still at it. Not because he has to, but if I'm right, every note in his performance seemed to lead on that he was doing it out of pure enjoyment and fun. Because he could, because he liked to, and because sometimes there are more important things than making money and meeting deadlines. That sort of attitude is what convertible driving is all about- even if it's during a rainy week in mid-September.
What's Hot: balance between economy and power, great ride, roomy interior, engine sound, gorgeous nighttime illumination, visibility
Concerns: Awkward placement of window switches, miniscule rear seat and trunk space, clumsy shifter
Worthy Competitors: Pontiac G6 GTP, Hyundai Tiburon, Toyota Solara, Acura RSX type S
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| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
They say that stepping on a spider will bring rain, and I wonder if stepping on it in a Spyder has the same effect. If so, maybe my heavy foot was to blame for the nasty weather that plagued most of my time with it. With the roof up, I found an interior that I could stretch out and lounge back in, and plenty of headroom. It's typical Mitsubishi inside- charming in an old-school sort of way that makes twenty-something guys like me think of eight or ten years back when imported cars started to push the styling envelope. It reminds me of the Tiburon- one of the edgiest looking cars (and interiors) of its day.
The ride is fantastic too, and I've never encountered a car this much fun with such a great ride in the price range.
That doesn't mean the handling suffers either. The all-wheel-drive system from Eclipses in the nineties is gone, so the 18 inch wheels up front have their work cut out for them. Putting power down quickly results in a tug of war with the steering wheel, and premature throttle application while
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
As a package, this machine is hard to beat. There are no excessive gadgets or distractions, no fancy electronics, and no annoying driver aids that can't be shut off. Mitsubishi isn't a huge company, so they stick with the basics and they do it well. So well, in fact, that they offer a 160,000 kilometre or 10-year powertrain warranty, which includes towing to the nearest dealer for repair if needed.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Concerns: Awkward placement of window switches, miniscule rear seat and trunk space, clumsy shifter
Worthy Competitors: Pontiac G6 GTP, Hyundai Tiburon, Toyota Solara, Acura RSX type S
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