‘08 Chicago: Mitsubishi Debuts the 2009 Eclipse Coupe and Spyder

Mitsubishi showed its refreshed versions of both the Eclipse and Eclipse Sypder today at the Chicago Auto Show, highlighting both the visual and aural refinements made to the sporting coupe.

Both hard and soft-top examples of the 2009 Eclipse get a bold new version of the Mitsubishi grill, one that seems to ape the hulking maw found first on the company’s newest Lancer Evo. Mitsubishi describes the front fascia as being “road-hungry,” which seems entirely appropriate for a treatment that resembles a large voracious fish.

The new Eclipse is also equipped with a new and louder exhaust system, complemented nicely by a booming 650-watt, Rockford-Fosgate sound system.

Below you’ll find our rather large gallery of 2009 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder images, as well as Mitsubishi’s official press releases after the jump. Be sure to share your opinion of the refreshed car in comments as well.

MITSUBISHI MAKES ECLIPSE MORE “VISIBLE” AND “AUDIBLE” FOR 2009Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is introducing its revised 2009 Eclipse, which arrives in dealerships this summer. Restyled front and rear bumper fascias distinguish the Eclipse models for 2009, with the GT also now sporting a new large rear spoiler. The GT model also gains standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps for 2009, further sharpening front styling while aiding visibility for nighttime driving.
The 2009 Eclipse GT will announce its presence a bit more strongly for 2009, thanks to a new dual exhaust system that yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263). Already equipped with a full array of proven safety technology, the Eclipse GT for 2009 gains Active Stability Control (ASC) as standard equipment.
Newly styled single-color front and rear bumper fascias lend a more defined appearance to the Eclipse GS, while the new two-tone bumper fascias for the GT model further emphasizes its road-hungry stance. The “attainable exotic” design of the fourth-generation Eclipse is further underscored for 2009 by the availability of three new colors, Maizen Blue pearl, Quick Silver metallic and Solar, a vibrant new yellow. Models with the standard cloth interior feature upgraded fabrics.

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Audio Superpower
The Rockford-Fosgate 650-watt (max.)audio system that is part of the optional Sun & Sound Package available for the GS and GT models is among the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems in the market today. The option features a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer that can play MP3 CDs, and also includes SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription. SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides digital sound quality, seamless coast-to-coast coverage, and nearly 200 channels of programming, many of them commercial-free.
The Rockford-Fosgate system plays through nine speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer. The PUNCH® control and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) give the user total control over the subwoofer’s “punch” level and provide custom music-genre equalization as well as sound field image settings, including: Normal, Stage, Live and Hall. A DSP sound setting memory function allows users to configure all eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for favorite CDs, artists, or music genres.
The Sun & Sound Package, as its name might suggest, also adds a power sunroof with sunshade. In addition, the package includes an array of comfort and convenience features, including steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror. On the GS, the package also adds a glove box with damper, illuminated ignition key cylinder and a windshield shade band, all of which are already standard on the GT model.
The optional Premium Sport Package for the Eclipse GT combines all the features of the Sun & Sound Package with automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. Also with this package, the GT’s 18-inch alloy wheels feature a distinctive machine finish with argent background.

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Eclipsing the Competition
Eclipse is offered in two trim and performance levels. The GS model is powered by a 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. With a 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the Eclipse GT plays in a serious league of performance cars. Both Eclipse engines employ the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. The GT’s 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm provides forceful off-the-line thrust. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the Eclipse GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about six seconds.
The Eclipse GS features a standard 5-speed manual transmission and offers an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT offers an optional 5-speed automatic. In both Eclipse models, Sportronic™ console shifters allow manual gearshift control.

Curve-Taming Chassis Tuning
A rigid platform enables the 4-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride. The front suspension uses a proven MacPherson strut design with a 22-mm stabilizer bar.
On the Eclipse GT, a strut tower bar supplements chassis rigidity. The low-mounted multi-link rear suspension is equipped with either a 20-mm (GS) or 21-mm (GT) rear stabilizer bar. All Eclipse models come equipped with standard 4-wheel disc brakes with 11.6-inch ventilated front discs, anti-lock (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Rear brakes are 10.3-inch solid discs on the GS, and 11.2-inch ventilated discs on GT.
The Eclipse GS rolls on standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50R17 V-rated tires (18-in. with SE). The GT features standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45R18 V-rated tires. A standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on all models can alert the driver to the potentially hazardous condition of having too-low air pressure in one or more tires.

Comprehensive Safety
All Eclipse coupe models are equipped with advanced dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The front seat belts integrate pre-tensioners with force limiters. Energy absorbing materials cover the inside of the front, center and C-pillars to help reduce the possibility of injury during a collision.
The Eclipse unibody structure features extensive reinforcement, including front and rear crumple zones, for passenger protection in the event of a collision. Robust front subframe members are connected with a dash panel crossmember and strong, front steel crossmember to help create a rigid boxed section front subframe area. Reinforced side sill members also help disperse collision energy, and high-strength steel cross members across the floor help absorb side impact energy.

Exotic Style with Everyday Comfort
Eclipse combines exotic-inspired interior design with long-distance comfort. The dash and door panels are covered in upscale, modern, padded and textured materials that match the seat coverings. The center dash features a prominent climate and audio control stack with large control knobs and fin-shut vents. Atop the center panel, a signature Mitsubishi LCD screen provides radio and clock displays plus compass and ambient temperature indicators in certain models. At night, the gauges, interior control knobs, and switches are illuminated by striking ice-blue LED lamps.
Eclipse’s high-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. A large-capacity glove box and numerous cubbies and storage compartments highlight everyday usability. With both the 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks lowered, the Eclipse provides a generous 15.7 cu. ft. of carrying capacity, and the hatch features a wide opening and a low lift-over.

Mitsubishi Value
On all Eclipse models, the long list of standard equipment includes air conditioning, auto-off head lamps, cruise control, engine immobilizer, keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors. In addition to GS-level equipment, the GT adds Active Stability Control (ASC), HID head lamps, electronic traction control, fog lamps and a standard outside temperature and compass display (the last item included in the optional GS Sun & Sound Package, as well).
The Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder sports models, along with the Galant midsize sedans and the Endeavor crossover SUV, are all built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill. One of the industry’s most flexible assembly plants, the Mitsubishi manufacturing facility is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary of vehicle production in 2008.

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 ECLIPSE SPYDER GETS A FRESH FACE, A DEEPER “VOICE”
AND NEW SAFETY FEATURES FOR 2009

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is giving its “attainable exotic” Eclipse Spyder a deeper sound, a bit more power and new safety features for 2009. Restyled front and rear bumper fascias distinguish the Eclipse Spyder models for 2009. With the freshened styling comes a deeper “voice” from a new dual exhaust system for the V6-powered Eclipse GT Spyder. The more powerful sound is accompanied by a minor boost in horsepower to 265 (up from 260). The Eclipse Spyder GT also gains standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps for 2009, further sharpening front styling while aiding nighttime visibility. Already equipped with a full array of proven safety technology, the Eclipse GT for 2009 gains Active Stability Control (ASC) as standard equipment.
The Eclipse Spyder continues to win over customers with its unique combination of striking design, thrilling performance, high-quality convertible top and excellent value. Sales of the Spyder increased by 8% in 2007 over 2006. Newly styled single-color front and rear bumper fascias lend a more defined appearance to the 4-cylinder Eclipse Spyder GS, model while the new two-tone bumper fascias for the GT model further emphasize its road-hungry stance.

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The Eclipse Spyder echoes the concept-car design of its coupe sibling with sleek, taut, muscular lines and engaging details. The “attainable exotic” design of the fourth-generation Eclipse is further underscored for 2009 by the availability of three new colors, Maizen Blue pearl, Quick Silver metallic and Solar, a vibrant new yellow. Inside, all Eclipse models feature new interior cloth fabrics for a richer feel and appearance.

Two Levels of Spyder Performance
The Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels. The GS model is powered by a 162-hp 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 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine teamed with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic.
The GT’s 260 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. Both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ console shifters to allow manual gear shift control for a more engaging driving experience. The 4-cylinder and V-6 Eclipse Spyder engines both feature the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize engine efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.

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.

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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 standard 18-inch alloy wheels, fitted with 235/45R18 V-rated all-season tires.

Exotic-Inspired, Internationally Praised Design
The Eclipse 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 integrated rear lip 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 Eclipse Spyder was one of two production cars to receive the GOOD DESIGN award from the renowned Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in 2006, its debut year. (The other was the BMW Z4 coupe.) An international jury selected entries in 18 categories from 25 countries.

Premium 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. 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.

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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. High-back front bucket seats use open headrests for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility.

High-Power Music Machine
Both Eclipse Spyder 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 audio system is specifically tuned for the Eclipse Spyder and provides automatic sound equalization for top-up or top-down driving. An eight-inch subwoofer is integrated into the rear seat area as a design element.
The PUNCH® control and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) give the user total control over the subwoofer’s “punch” level and provide custom music-genre equalization as well as sound field image settings, including: Normal, Stage, Live and Hall. A DSP sound setting memory function allows users to configure all eight DSP settings and save them in six preset locations for favorite CDs, artists, or music genres.

Mitsubishi Value
On both the Eclipse Spyder 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 Active Stability Control (ASC), high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps, 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, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, automatic climate control system, aluminum pedals, and a machined wheel finish.
The Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder, along with the Galant midsize sedans and the Endeavor crossover SUV, are all built in the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill. One of the industry’s most flexible assembly plants, the Mitsubishi manufacturing facility is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary of vehicle production in 2008.

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.
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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.