Although the 2.4-liter four-cylinder under the hood of the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS retains the coupe version’s output of 162 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, the GT model’s V6 loses ponies and pull due to revised exhaust routing in the convertible version. However, with 260 horses at 5,750 rpm backed by 258 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, power is still plentiful. Just be advised that premium fuel is recommended for the V6.

Both of the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder’s powerplants employ MIVEC, Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control. When these engines spin below 3,500 rpm, MIVEC tailors itself to provide better throttle response, while at higher speeds it increases power by adjusting airflow into the combustion chambers.

A manual transmission sends power to the Eclipse Spyder’s front legs…er, wheels. The GS gets five forward gears, while the GT is equipped with six cogs. Customers opting for either automatic transmission get Sportronic shifting, which provides responsive manual control of gear changes. With a manual transmission, the shift knob is covered in handsome baseball-stitched leather. Fuel economy ratings for the GS are expected to be 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Estimates for the GT aren’t set, but Mitsubishi says they will be “slightly lower” than the GS. Based on the Eclipse GT Coupe’s figures, this translates to about 18 in the city and 27 on the highway.

The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse also comes with a fully independent suspension equipped with front and rear stabilizer bars, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD, and P225/50R17 tires wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels to ensure proper balance and road holding ability. GT models include a thicker rear stabilizer bar and four ventilated rotors in place of the GS model’s ventilated front and solid rear discs.