More scoops than an ice cream cone set the wider-wheelbase 2007 Eclipse coupe and Spyder convertible apart from other cars on the road. After 16 years of turning drivers into fans, things are looking up for the fourth incarnation of the Eclipse, but the stakes are still high for Mitsubishi. When the Eclipse first debuted in 1990, it became an instant hit with the enthusiastic young car buyer demographic, helping Mitsubishi launch additional models, including the midsize Gallant and compact Lancer Evolution. In 1995, the car was redesigned to compete more aggressively with the Honda Civic and Acura Integra. Although the 2007 Eclipse has curb appeal, with shapely wheel wells, a richly appointed interior, and a torquey engine (263 horsepower in the GT and 162 horsepower in the GS), there are plenty of cars in the price range. from $19,669 to $25,389. Facing competition from the Acura RSX, Mazda RX-8, and Toyota Scion, the 2007 Eclipse has been extensively reworked to retain its youth market share.
To open. Communicate your way. Don’t just go through the world, be part of it. This is the premise of the redesigned 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe and Spyder. The wheel arches are more stylish, hinting at the improved, higher-output engine that delivers 23 mpg city; 30 mpg hwy. Get behind the wheel and the car feels different than previous models. The ergonomically contoured cockpit is well designed, with dual Alfa Romeo-style speed/rpm dials and supportive seats that provide an exceptional driving position. The cabin is elegant with tactile buttons. The engine is loud, which can be good if you like auditory feedback, or bad if you prefer a quieter ride.
Overall the new Eclipse has a very clean fit and finish. But there are few things that could be improved. The car’s turning radius, for example, has grown to a whopping 40 feet. A two-door sports coupe should be able to turn more succinctly. Also, the car with its front-mounted engine and front-wheel drive has 62% of its weight in the front, rather than towards the center, which compromises cornering. In addition, the 2006 Eclipse does not have traction control for better handling to compensate for this imbalance on wet or slippery surfaces on all models. (Traction control is only available as an option on the more expensive GT.) Finally, the new Eclipse has gained weight. At 3,450 pounds, it’s not the pared-down, agile two-door sports car it’s meant to be.
Two excellent engines are at the heart of the 2007 Eclipse. The GS features the 2.4-liter inline-four with 162 horsepower, and the GT has a more powerful 3.8-liter V6 with 263 horsepower. force. Peak output comes at 4,500 rpm, which propels the GT from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. In addition, the new car is packed with a variety of safety innovations such as front and side airbags, ABS brakes, impact-absorbing cabin that detract from the more spartan racing feel of the predecessor.
One look at the 2007 Eclipse Coupe or Spyder proves that life doesn’t have to be boring. On the Spyder, the roof can be lowered in 19 seconds to instantly improve your perspective. And the coupe, with its quintessential high-performance flourish, invites you to always be on the move. While the 2007 Eclipse may not be the latest of the latest, its torque-loving engine, sophisticated interior, and engaging body language all have the “look at me baby” factor that favors the hyperreal driving enthusiast. Drive in.