Top down. Volume up. Foot down. As seen in Universal Pictures's summer blockbuster 2Fast 2Furious. While Mitsubishi does not recommend driving like the hero from an action movie, it does build the cars that action movies are made of.
"The 2004 Eclipse Spyder wears Hollywood good looks and charisma with an everyday price tag, delivering value, fun and a loyal, enthusiastic fan base,'' said Finbarr O'Neill, co-chairman and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA). "For 2004, Eclipse Spyder is a sequel not to be missed.''
NEW FOR 2004
The 2004, the Eclipse Spyder continues its success as a stylish sports convertible that combines outstanding dynamic performance with top-down fun. After an exterior freshening last year-which included revisions to the grille inlet, front bumpers, and both headlight and taillight arrangements-the biggest change to the 2004 Eclipse Spyder is the addition of two new colors for the soft top: a new Sand Blast-colored top can be matched with most colors, and a new blue-colored top is available with Dover White Pearl, Steel Blue Pearl, Torched Steel Blue, or Sterling Silver Metallic exterior colors.
The Eclipse is available in three trim lines: GS, GT, and GTS. The GS trim level is equipped with sporty, 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels. Given the more aggressive, sporty nature of the GT and GTS trims, these Spyders ride on aluminum, finned-spoke 17-inch wheels. For 2004, three new colors have been added to the exterior palette: Machine Green, Torched Steel Blue and Steel Blue Pearl.
Buyers have a choice between dressing their Spyder interior in either the attractive Midnight or Sand Blast themes. The 2004 Eclipse Spyder's interior is refreshed with new black dashboard trim for the Midnight theme. The Sand Blast interior consists of a black dashboard that's complemented by taupe-colored seats and matching taupe door panel inserts and console. The 2004 Eclipse Spyder's upholstery is covered in premium cloth, but optional leather front seating surfaces are available on the GS and GT models. Front leather seating surfaces are standard on the GTS.
The 2004 Eclipse Spyder is available with two different engines powering the three distinct trim levels: the well-equipped GS, the spirited GT, and the high-performance GTS. Spyder GS relies on a torque-rich, 2.4-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine. For the driver, that means 147 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 158 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm for quick acceleration.
The Spyder GT and GTS showcase a 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 with Mitsubishi Variable Induction Management (MVIM) that produces 210 horsepower at 5750 rpm, 205 pound-feet of torque at 3750 rpm, and a power band that starts building right above idle. From the clean, mechanical ring of the valvetrain to the mellow roar of the big-diameter exhaust, this engine runs up to the redline with a linear and refined rush of power. A variable runner length induction system that optimizes the length of the manifold runner for a given rev-range allows this V6 to rev freely, producing crisp, responsive power in every gear.
Committed to satisfying performance-oriented drivers, a five-speed manual transmission is standard on all three models. The Eclipse Spyder is equipped with a supple, responsive shift mechanism that provides direct linkage and a positive feel, helping drivers slot into their chosen gears with instinctive ease.
The available automatic transmission features Mitsubishi's Adaptive Shift Control system, which tailors performance to an individual's driving style-whether aggressive, relaxed or somewhere in between-for smooth operation and maximum fuel economy. For more driver involvement, the transmission incorporates Mitsubishi's Sportronic(TM) sequential shift auto-manual control. A flick of the shifter into the Sportronic(TM) gate and drivers can knock off rapid-fire, manual-style sequential shifts, heightening the driver's control over the power delivery.
The Eclipse Spyder shares the front strut and rear multi-link suspension of the Eclipse sports coupe, and adds a front strut tower brace and boxed rear control arms as standard equipment on GS, GT and GTS models for improved steering response and better unibody rigidity. Features like front and rear stabilizer bars-which are standard equipment on all Spyders-help this convertible cut a razor sharp pattern on the road. With 205/55R16 H-rated tires on the GS, and high-performance 215/50R17 V-rated tires on the GT and GTS, the Spyder has a vise-like hold on the road.
The convertible top employs innovative thinking and technology. The top stack assemblies are completed one at a time, just like on pricey European models. Pre-dyed fabric threads are used because of their ability to better hold color and shape. Twin-lip weather stripping is tailored to each vehicle so it matches perfectly with the windshield header and side glass.
The bows that support the fabric are made of extremely rigid extruded aluminum, and the power mechanism is an elegantly simple twin electric motor design that eliminates the need for hydraulics.
The Spyder's convertible top is a durable, quality roof assembly that will stand up to repeated bouts with harsh weather season after season. After a testing regime that includes three lifetimes' worth of up-and-down operation, hundreds of opening and closing cycles in minus-20-degree cold and 180-degree heat and 90-percent humidity, this top can withstand punishment in almost any weather condition. Better still, it has a snug fit and inner lining to keep exterior noise to a minimum when the top is up and the gas pedal is down.
TRIM LEVEL SUMMARY
In keeping with its flagship role atop the Eclipse line, even the base model Spyder is loaded with designed-in comfort and the latest features. The Spyder's long wheelbase provides plenty of passenger room inside.
Spyder GS
The well-equipped Spyder GS comes with such standard features as a 210-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) AM/FM/CD premium audio system, air conditioning, 16-inch aluminum wheels, keyless entry, security system with electronic engine immobilizer, power windows and door locks, cruise control, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, lighted glove box, leather-wrapped and height-adjustable steering wheel with available audio controls, premium fabric or optional leather front seating surfaces, height-adjustable driver's sport seat with lumbar support, rear spoiler and integrated front fog lights. With a responsive 2.4-liter, SOHC, four-cylinder engine under the hood, drop top excitement has never been so easy or fun.
Spyder GT
Spyder GT adds the 210-horsepower, 3.0-liter, SOHC V6 engine, a leather-wrapped shift knob, premium fabric, side air dams, large-diameter stainless-steel exhaust tip, four-wheel disc brakes, Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) premium stereo with power radio antenna and 17-inch wheels and tires. With the optional Premium Package, the Spyder GT can be enhanced with a collection of high-end features that includes a power driver's seat, leather front seating surfaces and even an available blue top stack.
Spyder GTS
The 2004 Eclipse Spyder GTS is a premium convertible, loaded with options and desirable features. The Spyder GTS adds ABS, traction control (on automatic models), dual front side-impact airbags, six-disc in-dash CD/cassette premium audio system, six-way power driver's seat, leather front seating surfaces, integrated fog lights, steering wheel audio controls, security alarm, compass/outside temperature display and finned design, machined finished 17-inch alloy wheels. This premium sports convertible elevates the Spyder to world-class drop-top sports car status, all for a fraction of the price of more exotic models.
All Spyders are covered by a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and seven-year or 100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. In addition, Mitsubishi provides 24-hour roadside assistance and free towing on all warranty-related repairs during the first three years or 36,000 miles.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of nearly 700 dealers throughout North America.
Source: Mitsubishi
