2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse

NEW FOR 2008:

- New 18-inch alloy wheel Sword Silver finish and aluminum entrance scuff plate for GT-P

- Standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio and tire pressure monitoring system

- Spyder adds standard Rockford Fosgate audio system with automatically-adjusting sound frequencies when top up or down

- Exterior colours: Satin Meisai Gray, Sunset Pearlescent, Optimist Green, Rave Red, Northstar White, Kalapana Black and Liquid Silver added; Ultra Red Pearl, Pure Red and Frost White Pearl deleted

For 2008, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder (convertible) receive changes to their lists of standard and optional features.

Both body styles come as the GS, with 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission; or as the GT-P, with 3.8-litre V6 engine that uses a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic.

Features on the GS include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, variable intermittent wipers, heated mirrors, power windows, leather-wrapped wheel with tilt column, cruise control, floor mats, power locks with keyless entry, manual driver's seat height adjustment, heated cloth seats, tire pressure monitoring system, and CD/MP3 stereo. The Spyder adds premium Rockford Fosgate CD/MP3 stereo with wheel-mounted audio controls, along with soft top with heated glass rear window.

The GT-P adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, traction control, windshield shade band, aluminum pedals, illuminated ignition key cylinder, leather seats with six-way power driver's adjustment, and premium Rockford Fosgate CD/MP3 stereo with wheel-mounted controls. The coupe includes a power sunroof.

Stunningly styled, the Eclipse is a tight fit. It's a powerful car in GT-P configuration, but there's a lot of torque steer and a wide turning circle. The manual gearboxes are well done, and the automatics are smooth, and the Spyder includes the pleasure of top-down motoring.