The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse comes either as a sporty coupe or a convertible (called the Spyder). Two trim levels are offered. The GS is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder making 162 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The GT is powered by a 265-horsepower, 3.8L V6. The GS puts power to the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed Sportronic automatic with manual mode. The GT utilizes a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Sportronic automatic with manual mode.
Anti-lock disc brakes are standard across the line, along with seat-mounted side airbags and front side-curtain airbags, plus high-back front bucket seats. In coupes, the rear seat is split 50/50 and can fold forward to expand cargo space. Spyder models have a power-operated soft top and space for two small adults.
Standard features on the GS include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Aside from the powerful V6, the GT brings 18-inch wheels, an upgraded braking system, standard stability control, HID headlights, and fog lamps.
A Sun & Sound Package is available on both GS and GT cars. It features a power sunroof, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo system with in-dash 6-CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, alloy pedals, and Sirius satellite radio.
A GT Premium Sport Package includes many features of the Sun & Sound equipment, and adds heated leather seats, heated mirrors and climate control.
Practical Yet Sporty
Open-air Spyder Soft-top Model Available
Extensive Feature List.
For 2009, the Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe and Eclipse Spyder convertible get a noticeable facelift. The cars now feature a dark, trapezoidal fascia borrowed from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The rear end is slightly revised as well.
The GT V6 Eclipse sees the most changes overall, and features a new dual exhaust that adds 2 horsepower and 2 ft-lb of torque, pushing output to 265 hp and 262 ft-lb. Also new to the GT is standard stability control and improved larger vented rear disc brakes. High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are also standard.
Three new colors available across the line: Maizen Blue Pearl, Solar Yellow, and Quick Silver Metallic. New interior fabrics appear as well, and the Sun & Sound Package on the GS model comes with aluminum pedals.
The SE trim level has been dropped, leaving only the GS and GT in both coupe and Spyder.
Mitsubishi's 2009 Eclipse coupe and Spyder convertible offer sporty performance with a front-wheel-drive layout, providing better year-round traction and efficiency than rear-wheel-drive roadsters. The Eclipse's front-wheel-drive layout also allows a roomier interior than competing rear-wheel-drive convertibles, and the coupe's fold-forward seats allow good cargo versatility.
