Just in time for spring, the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder convertible got to dealerships in late March as an early 2007 model, after making its debut at the 2006 Detroit show. It boasts the same over-the-top styling as the hardtop model and a similar complement of standard and optional equipment. The two-plus-two convertible gets not only a fully automatic fabric top, but also a power-operated tonneau cover, usually found only on far more expensive droptops, for a sleek, smooth appearance once the top is down. The entire top-and-tonneau operation takes only nineteen seconds.
Like the Eclipse coupe, the Eclipse Spyder is offered in both 2.4-liter four-cylinder GS trim (162-hp, five-speed manual or four-speed automatic) and as the 3.8-liter six-cylinder GT (260 hp, six-speed manual or five-speed automatic). Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, and eighteen-inchers are optional on the GT. The 650-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo from the coupe will also be available here, and Mitsubishi even found space among all those power-top motors to package the subwoofer. Mitsubishi promises a base price of less than $26,000.