2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder - body structure and passive safety
The unibody construction of the 2007 Eclipse Spyder is built upon Mitsubishi's versatile PS platform. As with previous-generation Spyder models, this platform was engineered from the start for coupe and convertible body styles. Four-wheel independent suspension attaches to flex-resistant reinforced steel front and rear subframes that are joined by supports spanning the length of a reinforced floorpan.
This all-steel structure is made even stronger with strategically placed support members that help create a stiffer, safer unibody. Modern construction techniques include MASH seam welding to improve structural rigidity. Larger side member reinforcements absorb impact energy, dissipating the load toward the rear of the side members.
Strategic reinforcements applied to the main body joints result in an overall increase in bending and torsion resistance compared to the previous-generation Eclipse Spyder. As an added benefit, these reinforcements also help yield higher-quality audio output and solid bass response from the standard high-powered Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.
The Eclipse Spyder meets or exceeds the federally mandated performance criteria in the 30-mph frontal crash test and is anticipated to perform well in other crash tests.
| Design Element | Effect |
| Large, straight, frontside members | The linear geometry of these large load-bearing members helps to add strength and efficiency in crush mode. |
| Steel dash brace reinforcement | Adoption of a design that provides optimal strength for the dash and side member to achieve higher twisting rigidity, and help improve frontal impact safety. |
| Rear shelf brace and rear floor cross member | Such steel reinforcements aid in improving the platform's twisting rigidity to improve handling. |
| Reinforced side sills | These help preserve the integrity of the passenger cabin in the event of a collision, and it improves sound insulation. |
Restrain Systems
All Eclipse models come equipped with dual-stage front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with front passenger occupant sensors. In addition, the Eclipse Spyder features front seat-mounted, side-impact air bags. (Eclipse coupe models also feature curtain side air bags.) Front seat belts are equipped with pretensioners and force limiters to help control occupant motion during a collision and to help to minimize the potential for serious injury.
Bumper System
The Eclipse Spyder's bumpers utilize highly rigid steel bumper beams covered with energy-absorbing foam to enhance the energy absorption in minor impacts. The material's effectiveness at protecting the structural integrity of the rigid steel bumper beams can help reduce body deformation - and thus potentially costly repairs - in the event of a 5-mph or similar low-speed collision.
Corrosion Protection
Enhanced corrosion-protection techniques are used on the Eclipse unibody and undercarriage. Galvanized, rust-resistant steel is used for all exterior and unibody structure below the vehicle's beltline. Water drainage channels in the vehicle's body have been carefully designed to minimize the possibility of blockage by debris that could lead to an accumulation of moisture and result in rust formation
