PERFORMANCE: You won't miss the turbo. The new Eclipse GT's 3.0-liter V6 makes 200 horsepower at 5500 rpm, with maximum torque of 205 lb-ft at 4000, which compares favorable with the old turbo's 210 hp and 214 lb-ft. Because of chassis modifications to make up for rigidity lost with the roof, the Spyder weighs 188 lbs more than the equivalent coupe, so it accelerates slightly less quickly than the coupe. But it is still far from underpowered. It's fast enough to be fun, and, because of the engine's responsiveness, linear power delivery, and broad torque range, either the standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed manually-shiftable automatic transmission works well. The manual has very good shift linkage, especially for a front-wheel drive car. The "Sportronic" automatic is, likewise, one of the best such, and an excellent choice for anyone who has wretched urban traffic to deal with on a regular basis. Convertible fans with a lower budget shouldn't forget the Eclipse GS Spyder, with a torquey 147-hp 2.4- liter four-cylinder engine. 
CONCLUSIONS: Mitsubishi's new Eclipse Spyder is a sports car that is real car for everyday use. by Carey Russ