Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) last year introduced the all-new Eclipse Spyder and for 2008 upgrades this popular model with newly standard SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (including 6-month pre-paid service), standard 18-inch alloy wheels on the GT model, plus a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System on all models.

The addition of the standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio system is the ideal complement to the Spyder's already-standard Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, which is among the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems in the market today. SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides digital sound quality, seamless coast-to-coast coverage, and about 120 channels of programming, many of them commercial-free.

Based on the fourth-generation Eclipse coupe, the Eclipse Spyder combines striking design and thrilling performance with a high-tech, high-quality convertible top and outstanding value. The Eclipse Spyder echoes the concept-car design of its coupe sibling with sleek, taut, muscular lines and engaging details such as bright finish LED tail lamps and monocle-lens head lamps.

"The Eclipse Spyder perfectly captures the essence of Mitsubishi by combining stand-out design and performance at an affordable price," said Dan Kuhnert, vice president for marketing and sales, Mitsubishi Motors North America. "The high-quality automatic top makes Eclipse Spyder a convertible for all seasons, and the Spyder offers features you would expect to see on a $40,000 luxury-brand model rather than one that starts under $26,000."

The Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels. The GS model is powered by a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The Eclipse Spyder GT challenges more expensive sports cars with its 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine teamed with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic.

The GT's 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque gives this model immediate and forceful off-the-line response. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Spyder GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. To offer the driver a more lively driving experience, both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ shifters to allow manual gear shift control.

Both the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines feature the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. The exhaust systems for both Eclipse Spyder models have been specially tuned to project a powerful, deep note through the oversize tailpipe (chrome on GT).

A Design to Endure
Eclipse Spyder has always stood apart with its striking design, and the Spyder convincingly distinguishes itself from traditional, conservative or retro styling seen on some convertible sport models. With athletic fender arches, a wind tunnel-inspired front fascia and long, arching C-pillar and integrated rear spoiler, Eclipse Spyder carves out its own unique style.

Where the designs of other sport coupes and convertibles might attract attention for a brief time and then fade, the Eclipse design was recognized for its potential to endure. The new-generation Eclipse Spyder was honored with a GOOD DESIGN™ award from the renowned Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. It is the only museum of architecture and design in the United States in conjunction with Metropolitan Arts Press, Ltd. An international jury selected entries in 18 categories from 25 countries. In 2006, the Eclipse Spyder was one of two production cars to receive the GOOD DESIGN award (the other was the BMW Z4 coupe).

Premium-Level Automatic Top
Perhaps most impressive about the Eclipse Spyder's automatic top is that it folds completely out of sight under a flush-fitting powered tonneau cover in about 19 seconds. This premium-level design eliminates a visible top stack that gives some convertibles a "baby buggy" look. When raised, the top design gives the Eclipse a distinctive "chopped" speedster appearance. The Spyder's top is made of cloth, compared to vinyl used on some cars in this price segment. Its advanced multi-layer construction includes a full headliner to provide the quiet, snug interior feeling of a coupe when it is raised. The top is designed to resist "ballooning" at highway speed, and the glass rear window features a defroster.

Interior Designed to be Seen
Convertible owners expect interior styling to be attractive in its own right - something to enhance pride of ownership when driving top-down. To that end, the Eclipse Spyder's "attainable exotic" design theme continues inside. The wave-form instrument panel houses easy-to-reach controls and features distinctive motorcycle-inspired gauges and ice-blue nighttime illumination.

The customer can choose from three available color schemes: Techno-Sport (charcoal), Hi-Q Sport (medium gray) and Avante Garde (terra cotta). The interior leather-wrapped steering wheel features audio system remote controls. One-piece high-back front bucket seats use open headrests for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility.

High-Power Music Machine
Underscoring the Spyder's value, both models feature as standard a 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer that can play MP3 CDs, plus SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription. The system is specifically tuned for the Eclipse Spyder and provides automatic sound equalization for top-up or top-down driving. The eight-inch subwoofer is integrated into the rear seat area as a design element.
Mitsubishi Value

The Eclipse Spyder continues the brand's renown for providing excellent value. On both the GS and GT models, the long list of standard equipment includes advanced dual-stage front air bags and seat-mounted side air bags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), air conditioning, the 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, cruise control, engine immobilizer, fog lamps, keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors.

In addition to GS-level equipment, the V-6-powered Eclipse Spyder GT features 18-inch alloy wheels, electronic traction control and a standard outside temperature and compass display.

The Eclipse GS and GT models each offer an option package that enhances interior comfort. The Leather Package for the Spyder GS combines leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors, along with the outside temperature and compass displays that are standard on the GT.

The Eclipse Spyder GT's optional Premium Sport Package lives up to its billing by equipping this model with a 6-way power driver's seat, leather seating surfaces, aluminum pedals, automatic climate control system, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors and a Sword Silver wheel finish.

Rigid Body Structure, Sporty Chassis
Mitsubishi engineered the Eclipse platform to be built as a coupe or convertible. The rigid platform enables the four-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse Spyder both sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride.

The multi-link rear suspension uses either a 20-mm (GS) or 21-mm (GT) stabilizer bar. Commensurate with its higher performance potential, the Spyder GT also uses larger ventilated rear disc brakes in place of the GS model's solid rear brake discs. The GS model is equipped as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/50R17 V-rated all-season tires; the GT model gets newly standard 18-inch alloy wheels for 2008, fitted with 235/45R18 V-rated all-season tires.

All Eclipse models are built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., one of the industry's most flexible assembly plants. This facility produces four different models: Eclipse coupe and Spyder, the Galant mid-size sedan and the Endeavor SUV.

Premium Warranty
Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer, Galant, Endeavor and Outlander vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The high-performance Lancer Evolution is covered by a 5-year, 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components.

All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 500 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.