At the forefront of the Mitsubishi presence for 2009 are the brilliantly conceived Eclipse Coupe and Eclipse Spyder. Originally introduced in the spring of 2006 and designed and built expressly for the North American market, these two door, four passenger, high performance luxury sports cars boast beautifully executed styling revisions, a bold new sound and more horsepower for V6 models, and additional safety features. Sleek and stunning visually, for 2009, both body styles are available in two distinct trim levels, the well equipped GS and the seriously powerful and luxurious GT-P version.
Eclipse Coupe & Spyder – Both the front and rear bumper fascias are redesigned with the new front end sporting an aggressive look reminiscent of the Lancer Evolution. GS models feature single colour fascia treatments, while GT-P models have a two tone look. And the rear of the Coupe GT-P only will also feature a large, body coloured wing spoiler, which is certain to make some heads turn. Complementing the new rear fascias nicely is a new dual exhaust system for GT-P models, which has the added benefit of yielding a more powerful sound while boosting the V6 power slightly to a very respectable 265 hp for this silky smooth MIVEC equipped engine. Both Coupe and Spyder GT-P models also gain standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps for 2009, further sharpening the front styling while aiding visibility for nighttime driving. Additionally, GT-P models feature Active Stability Control (ASC) as standard equipment for 2009.
And the new design of the 2009 Eclipse Coupe and Spyder is further underscored by the availability of three new colors, Maizen Blue pearl, Quick Silver metallic and Solar Yellow, a vibrant new addition.
Their exotic good looks and taut profiles aside, Eclipse Coupe and Eclipse Spyder for 2009 offer an exceptional performance range, superb and predictable handling, room for four, and a host of safety features and luxury amenities. – qualities that compare favourably with competitive products that retail at twice the price.
Chassis & Suspension – An incredibly strong and rigid unibody structure, reinforced body openings and high tensile steel panels contribute to a extremely stiff and robust chassis. A chassis that is the key to ride quality, handling, precise steering inputs and a class leading level of safety and sophistication. Eclipse's fully independent suspension provides superior stability, excellent ride quality and precise, predictable handling. The front end uses MacPherson struts with the addition of a large rigid cross-member to help control torsional flexing. The rear utilizes a multi-link configuration with trailing arms and coil springs. Anti-sway bars are employed at both front and rear. The 2009 Coupe and Spyder use a proven rack-and-pinion power steering design which provides direct feeling and response, while effort multiplication allows low speed steering control that makes parking and tight maneuvering easy.
Powertrain & Safety – The Eclipse GS is powered by Mitsubishi's acclaimed 2.4 litre, 16 valve, SOHC four cylinder engine equipped with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) technology and producing 162 hp @ 6000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm, for excellent overall performance and fuel economy. The sizzling GT-P models come standard with a 3.8-litre, 24 valve, SOHC V6, also enhanced by the MIVEC system, which produces a whopping 265 hp @ 5750 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque @ 4500 rpm, providing superior acceleration and instant throttle response at all times. Available transmissions include a standard 5 speed manual or optional 4 speed Sportronic® automatic for the GS model, and a 6 speed manual or optional 5 speed Sportronic® automatic for the more performance oriented GT-P.
Standard safety equipment includes advanced driver and front passenger airbags with Dual Stage inflators and driver's seat position occupant sensors, front passenger seat occupant weight sensors and front seat mounted side-impact airbags. All seating positions have 3 point safety belts. Front seats have pretentioners and force limiters for the front safety belts. Four wheel disc brakes are standard on every Eclipse. The large front ventilated discs measure 294mm in diameter. Rear brakes are 262mm solid discs on the GS, and 284mm ventilated discs on GT-P models. Coupled with standard anti-lock braking (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), the Eclipse Coupe and Spyder have powerful, fade resistant brakes that provide excellent control during high speed braking and on rain soaked or low traction roads.
Comfort, Convenience, Luxury – The complete list of standard and luxury features on the Eclipse Coupe and Spyder is much too long for this forum so the following touches on some highlights. Large, easy to read instruments and gauges are motorcycle inspired and feature exotic, Ice Blue nighttime illumination. The wave-form shaped instrument panel and dash houses convenient, intuitive, ergonomic controls. The centre stack features a climate and audio control area designed to resemble a modern entertainment interface. The customer may choose from two available instrument panel and dash colour schemes. A Sport Touch steering wheel is complemented by a leather wrapped shift knob. One piece high back front buckets, inspired by Mitsubishi rally cars, have open headrests for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. Standard on Eclipse Coupe GT-P (optional on GS) and standard on all Spyder models is a 650W Rockford Fosgate® premium audio system with 6 disc, in dash, CD/MP3 player, 9 speakers including an 10" subwoofer (8" in the Spyder), PUNCH® Audio Dynamics, with steering wheel mounted controls. This spectacular sound also features a, unique to Spyder, automatic sound equalization system, for top up or top down driving. Additional standard features for GT-P models include automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces, adjustable 6 way power driver's seat, aluminum pedals, and 18" Lipless multi-spoke alloy wheels.
The Eclipse Spyder Top – Almost magically the convertible top in the 2009 Eclipse Spyder disappears, completely. Once activated the automatic power top folds completely out of site, underneath a flush fitting powered tonneau cover. The entire operation, from start to totally hidden, takes about 19 seconds. Viewed from the side there is no unsightly "baby buggy bump", just a graceful profile. Unlike some others, the Spyder's top is made of high quality woven cloth, not vinyl. Its advanced multilayer construction includes a full headliner which provides a cozy, snug feeling when raised. The Spyder top is very carefully engineered to resist ballooning at speed and to provide a quiet inside environment with a minimum of wind noise. It also features a glass rear window with a timed defroster.
New for 2009 – Eclipse Coupe and Spyder Summary
- New monotone front and rear fascias for GS Coupe and GS Spyder
- New two tone front and rear fascias for GT-P Coupe and GT-P Spyder
- Large, body coloured rear spoiler for Coupe GT-P only
- Dual exhaust for GT-P V6 models, with better sound
- Horsepower increase to 265 @ 5750 rpm for GT-P V6 models
- Torque increase to 262 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm for GT-P V6 models
- High intensity discharge (HID) head lamps for GT-P V6 models
- Active Stability Control (ASC) as standard equipment for GT-P V6 models
- Three new colors – Maizen Blue pearl, Quick Silver metallic, Solar Yellow
Source: Mitsubishi
