2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Preview

Standard on the new Spyder are four-wheel disc brakes, the ones in front ventilated for less fade and therefore superior stopping power.

Mitsubishi offers performance upgrades to get the most out of the Spyder's fully-independant suspension. (Photo: Mitsubishi Canada)

When upgrading from GS to GT the rear discs also get the ventilation treatment, enhancing braking power further. ABS is standard too, with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

Like the coupe, the Eclipse Spyder GT can also be had with an optional Premium Sport Package, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels and 235/45 R18 tires for even better handling and greater stopping power. The package also includes a six-way power driver's seat, leather seating surfaces, aluminum pedals, an automatic climate control system, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors.

I probably

Both the Eclipse Spyder GS and GT models can be had with a Leather Package. (Photo: Mitsubishi Canada)

should have already mentioned that both Eclipse Spyder GS and GT models can be had with a Leather Package. When added to the GS it adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors, plus the outside temperature and compass displays that come standard with the GT.

And now that I'm going backwards, what comes standard? On both GS and GT models, standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, air conditioning, advanced dual-stage front airbags and seat-mounted side airbags, cruise control, an engine immobilizer, keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors. If you opt for the GT, electronic traction control, unique fog lamps and the aforementioned outside temperature and compass display come standard too.

And remember I was saying how nice the interior is? Well, terra cotta leather continues to be available in the Spyder, dubbed Avante Garde, as can the more conventional Techno-Sport (charcoal) and Hi-Q Sport (medium gray).

And

The Spyder boasts a clean, attractive, well-built cabin that features that motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster I like so much in the coupe, complete with ice-blue nighttime illumination. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

that Hi-Q Sport interior was what Mitsubishi chose for its show car, nothing overly radical here. No, it's just a clean, attractive, well-built cabin that features that motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster I like so much in the coupe, complete with ice-blue nighttime illumination. And that silver-gray paint scheme? It certainly melds nicely with the jewel-like headlamps and clear lens tail lamps, not to mention the ultra-cool smoked plastic rear decklid spoiler that spans from taillight to taillight.

Under that decklid hides a trunk that I previously called measly, at 147 litres (5.2 cu-ft) of volume, but when compared to some others in this class its really quite decent.

I

There's no shortage of features, but the Eclipse's true strength lies in how everything is so appealing to the eye and is so well put together. (Photo: Mitsubishi Canada)

really like the car's shoulder line, especially from the front three-quarter view. It visually seems to slope up from the front wheel cutouts, past the A-pillars, along the doors' topmost edges and then arcs around the rear seating compartment where it meets in what appears to be a perfect semicircle. The Spyder's rear haunches are as muscular looking as those on the coupe, mirroring the aggressive, yet curvaceous lines up front. In short, it's a winner, and should be popular amongst the wind-in-the-hair motoring crowd - that's often made up of wind-in-the-hairless types too.