2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Eclipse Spyder comes in three different editions for the 2012 model year. The amply-equipped entry-level GS Sport (starting MSRP $27,999), the distinctively styled SE special edition (starting MSRP $28,299) and the full-tilt GT (starting MSRP $32,599) version that possesses a stirring V-6 engine beneath its hood.

The Eclipse Spyder GS Sport and SE vehicles are powered by a refined dynamo of a drivetrain – a 162 horsepower 2.4-liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine that makes use of the Japanese auto manufacturer’s elaborate Mitsubishi Intelligent Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-timing system that helps elevate both the power output and fuel economy while simultaneously reducing harmful exhaust emissions. This engine features a fortified cast-iron engine block, a bore and stroke measuring 3.43 x 3.94 inches, and a lofty compression ratio of 9.5:1 that help it to produce a full 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite all of this horsepower and torque, the Eclipse Spyder still manages to achieve exceptional fuel mileage within the EPA-rated fuel consumption of 20 mpg city/ 27 mpg highway. What’s more, this engine achieves this level of power production and fuel efficiency on regular unleaded gasoline – a helpful design feature that can help the car’s owner to save more money at the gas pump. This engine delivers its power to the vehicle’s front wheels through a slick 4-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission.

For the enthusiast driver that demands even more potency and speed, the 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT is the obvious choice as it offers a substantially higher 40% more power output than the previously mentioned 4-cylinder powerplant in the form of a souped-up 265 horsepower 3.8-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6 engine that, just like that of its GS Sport and SE siblings, that includes Mitsubishi’s impressive MIVEC variable valve-timing system. Key design elements of this V-6 engine include a peek torque figure of 262 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm, a bore and stroke of 3.74 x 3.54 inches, a compression ratio of 10.5:1, with the engine’s redline occurring at 6,500 rpm. The 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT gets an EPA-rated 16 mpg city/24 mpg out on the highway on premium gasoline, which is recommended to maximize performance.