Detroit, Mich.(January 11,2000)-Mitsubishi Motors today held the world debut of the 2001 Eclipse Spyder convertible at the North American International Automobile Show.
Maintaining the youthful spirit that makes Eclipse Spyder a top choice for open-air thrillseekers, Mitsubishi Motors showcased improvements new from the ground up to the popular car's performance,engineering and value.

2001 Eclipse Spyder

The all-new Eclipse Spyder features the same "geo-mechanical" design as the 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse sports coupe,which is setting sales records driven by its style,value and everyday livability.Like the coupe,everything has changed except the attitude.Beneath the attention-getting looks are many detail changes from the previous Spyder:

• improved aerodynamics and better passenger protection from wind buffeting;
• more overall refinement including major improvements to structural rigidity that includes a racecar-inspired shock tower brace;
• a longer wheelbase,wider track,enhanced interior room and more truck space

Due to arrive in Mitsubishi Motors' dealerships this spring,the 2001 Eclipse Spyder looks and drives like a $40,000 roadster,but beats the competition on price and value.Two equipment levels are offered-the GS,which features a 2.4-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with 147-horsepower,and the GT,which is powered by a smooth,refined 3.0-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 with 200-horsepower.

Both Spyder models are available with a 5-speed manual transmition or Sportronic^TM 4-speed automatic for "manumatic" shifting.Generous equipment levels include a power convertible cloth top,fully lined with a glass rear window and rear defroster,power windows and door locks,16-inch alloy wheels and tires(GS),fog lights,air conditioning,cruise control,AM/FM/CD tuner and anti-theft engine immobilizer for security.Upgrades for the Spyder GT include 17-inch alloy wheels and tires,twin-piston front brake calipers,and traction control(with Sportronic transmission only).Options include a leather-trimmed interior,3-in-1 Mitsubishi Infinity(R) AM/FM/cassette audio system with in-dash,4-disk CD changer,side air bags and ABS brakes.

The interior is a functional melding of natural forms and engineered elements,such as a radio/time readout on the upper central instrument panel that provides easy visibility while keeping both eyes on the road.

Mitsubishi Motors' new Eclipse Spyder is a smarter,more substantial and sophisticated car that's still hot looking and streetwise-with the extra rush you get driving with the top down.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America,Inc.was established in 1982 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation,Tokyo,and markets a full line of vehicles,including coupes,convertibles,sedans and sport utility vehicles.Their website is located at mitsubishicars.com.