Description
Mitsubishi introduced in 2006 the fourth generation of the Eclipse as a coupe or a convertible, which was named Spyder.
While the first two Eclipse generations built a big fan base around them thanks to the all-wheel-drive and turbocharged engines, their successors were less successful, heavier, and slower. The only good part was that they came with V-6 engines under the hood. Mitsubishi built it on a Galant platform, and that was not the best idea for a sports coupe or convertible.
The Japanese carmaker tried to get rid of the boy-racer status it gained with its first three generations and tried to evolve into a mature, open-top near-premium coupe and convertible. That's why the fourth Eclipse generation didn't look that aggressive anymore. Its rounded shapes were part of the bio-design trend, which was already dead when the 2007 Eclipse Spyder came on the market. With its rag-top up, the car had wide blind spots and a narrow rear windscreen. But, at least, the canvas roof was completely retractable under a special cover placed behind the rear seats.
Inside, the Eclipse Spyder offered seating for four, with sport bucket seats at the front that offered good side support. Their design reminded of boy-racer cars, not by more upmarket convertibles. The Eclipse featured a symmetrical cockpit. Although functional, the interior's design was rather dull, and the aluminum pedals were just not enough to save the appearance.
Under the hood, the carmaker offered the Spyder a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 3.8-liter V-6, both developed by Mitsubishi. It was the last Eclipse Coupe and Spyder generation.
