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2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Drops Its Top for a Worldwide Debut    

12 January 2000

2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Drops Its Top for a Worldwide Debut    

               With Attention-Getting 'Geo-Mechanical' Styling,
         Redesigned Convertible Is the Fun-To-Drive Open Air Vehicle

    DETROIT, Jan. 11 -- Mitsubishi Motors today held the world
debut of the 2001 Eclipse Spyder convertible at the North American
International Automobile Show.  Maintaining the youthful spirit that makes
Eclipse Spyder a top choice for open-air thrillseekers, Mitsubishi Motors
showcased improvements new from the ground up to the popular car's
performance, engineering and value.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000111/LATU019 )
    The all-new Eclipse Spyder features the same "geo-mechanical" design as
the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse sports coupe, which is setting sales records
driven by its style, value and everyday livability.  Like the coupe,
everything has changed except the attitude.  Beneath the attention-getting
looks are many detail changes from the previous Spyder:

    --  improved aerodynamics and better passenger protection from wind
        buffeting;

    --  more overall refinement including major improvements to structural
        rigidity that includes a racecar-inspired shock tower brace; and

    --  a longer wheelbase, wider track, enhanced interior room and more trunk
        space.

    Due to arrive in Mitsubishi Motors' dealerships this spring, the 2001
Eclipse Spyder looks and drives like a $40,000 roadster, but beats the
competition on price and value.  Two equipment levels are offered -- the GS,
which features a 2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with
147-horsepower, and the GT, which is powered by a smooth, refined 3.0-liter
SOHC 24-valve V6 with 200-horsepower.
    Both Spyder models are available with a 5-speed manual transmission or
Sportronic(TM) 4-speed automatic for "manumatic" shifting.  Generous equipment
levels include a power convertible cloth top, fully lined with a glass rear
window and rear defroster, power windows and door locks, 16-inch alloy wheels
and tires (GS), fog lights, air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD tuner
and anti-theft engine immobilizer for security.  Upgrades for the Spyder GT
include 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, twin-piston front brake calipers, and
traction control (with Sportronic transmission only).  Options include a
leather-trimmed interior, 3-in-1 Mitsubishi Infinity(R) AM/FM/cassette audio
system with in-dash, 4-disc CD changer, side air bags and ABS brakes.
    The interior is a functional melding of natural forms and engineered
elements, such as a radio/time readout on the upper central instrument panel
that provides easy visibility while keeping both eyes on the road.
    Mitsubishi Motors' new Eclipse Spyder is a smarter, more substantial and
sophisticated car that's still hot looking and streetwise -- with the extra
rush you get driving with the top down.
    Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles,
including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles.  Their
website is located at mitsubishicars.com.