Mitsubishi Motors has issued the following press release:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its manufacturing and sales unit in the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) gave the Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV 4WD sport compact concept and the new Eclipse Spyder convertible their world premieres at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (Detroit Motor Show).
MMC and MMNA are displaying a total of 11 models including Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV and Eclipse Spyder, most of which are produced in the United States.
Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV walkaround
A concept for a new kind of sports compact that captures the essence of the Mitsubishi Motors brand as it combines driving pleasure with low fuel consumption.
(1) Exterior highlights
’ Using the same rear-midship layout as the new i minicar to be launched in Japan this month, the wheels on Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV have been moved to the corners of the vehicle yielding a stable and forceful looking stance within a compact 3800 mm length.
’ The overall design theme was inspired by the large scooters popular today. Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV's geometric lines impart an architectural look in creating a shape that promises to wrap its occupants in safety and comfort.
’ With no center pillars, double opening doors (with rear door hinges located in the rear portion of the body) allow enhanced entry and exit.
(2) Interior highlights
’ The instrument panel incorporates a new system wide-format screen stretching from driver's seat to passenger's seat that can display speedometer and fuel readings, on-board navigation and climate control information, entertainment functions and rear/side view mirror images all at the same time.
’ The center console houses a computer touch pad-like interface in a simple configuration to give the driver easy, ergonomic access to climate and audio controls.
’ The seats use a simple, ultra-slim design to emphasize their light weight. The front passenger seatback and rear seatbacks fold flat and together with the double opening doors and split-tailgate significantly enhance Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV's load carrying ability.
(3) Hybrid powertrain system
Specifications: Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV
Overall length: 3,800mm
Overall width: 1,700mm
Overall height: 1,430mm
Wheelbase: 2,600mm
Seating capacity: 4
Engine: 1.0liter 3-cylinder MIVEC
Transmission: Hybrid
Drive system: Series-parallel hybrid
Electric motor power: 80 kW (20 kW x 4)
Generator power: 40 kW
Engine power: 40 kW (1.0-liter 3-cyl.)
Battery power: 50 kW
Battery weight: 33 kg
Eclipse Spyder walkaround
Eclipse Spyder is the open-top model for the new fourth generation Eclipse coupe, which was introduced in 2005 and is acclaimed for its sporty, dynamic styling. Eclipse Spyder is the third generation open-top model. Eclipse Spyder is offered in two trim levels: the GT and the GS powered by 3.8-liter V6 and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC engines respectively.
(1) Design highlights
’ Eclipse Spyder uses sleek, taut and muscular lines to create a shape that is cool and aggressive whether the cloth top is up or down.
’ Large-sized headlamps crafted to flow into the bodylines, and chrome-look LED tail lamps distinguish the exterior and generate a sporty appearance with a strong sophisticated flavor.
’ Using an instrument panel that houses distinctive motorcycle-inspired gauges and ice-blue night illumination for better legibility, the interior styling projects the cool image and creates the feel-good space that convertible owners look for.
(2) Engine, transmission, and brakes
’ The Eclipse Spyder GT mates a 3.8-liter V6 MIVEC engine to either a six-speed manual transmission or a sport-mode equipped five-speed automatic. Pumping out a maximum of 195 kW (260 ps) and 35.7 kg-m (350 N-m) of torque, the Spyder GT accelerates from zero to 60 mph (zero to 96 km/h) in about seven seconds.
’ The Eclipse Spyder GS mates a 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder MIVEC engine to either a five-speed manual transmission or a sport-mode equipped four-speed automatic. Producing a maximum power of 119kW (162ps), the Spyder GS returns excellent fuel efficiency, rated to achieve 30 mpg (12.7 km/liter) in highway driving by EPA testing standards.
’ The GT employs 4-wheel disc brakes, while the GS uses a drum-in-disc system for the rear brakes.
(3) Trim & equipment
’ In a premium-level design that enhances its appearance and convenience, the third-generation Eclipse Spyder features an automatic soft top which smoothly folds completely out of sight under a flush-fitting hydraulic powered tonneau panel in about 19 seconds.
’ Both GT and GS trim levels come standard with 17-inch alloy road wheels, air conditioning, an advanced dual-stage driver and passenger seat SRS air bag system, head protecting seat-mounted side air bags, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD[4]), cruise control, engine immobilizer and keyless entry.
’ Featured in Eclipse launched last year and in Outlander sold in Japan, a highly acclaimed audio system was co-developed with Rockford Fosgate’ a leading American car audio system manufacturer. This premium audio system features a 650 Watt power amp with a six-disc, in-dash CD changer that can also play MP3 files.
For the Eclipse Spyder, this system features a subwoofer center-mounted under the rear seat. It provides unique automatic sound adjustment and equalization for the different sound conditions under top-up or top-down driving.
’ Leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors together with outside temperature and compass displays standard on the GT are available as options on the GS.
’ GT is available with a premium package that features 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires, a six-way power driver's seat, aluminum pedals and an automatic climate control system.
