Getting the most out of the current success of convertible sports cars, Mitsubishi set loose a topless edition of its triumphant pocket rocket in the spring of 1996. Nothing like nearly all convertibles, the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is not simply a hacked edition of the Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe. Instead, it was designed from the beginning to be a convertible. This results in a drop-top that is exceptionally rigid with only a 50-pound weight increase over its hardtop sibling.

 

Offered in base GS or performance-hungry GS-T trim levels, the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is predestined to electrify the most demanding of car-nuts and fault finders. Instead of the shabby, Chrysler-made 2.0-liter engine ordinary to the GS coupe, the 1999 GS Spyder obtains a 2.4-liter engine taken from the Mitsubishi Galant. Horsepower numbers are nearly indistinguishable for both powerplants, but the 1999 Spyder's engine has the clear-cut edge in torque; 14 percent more is accessible at a moderately low 3,000 rpm.

 

The real blood-rusher though is offered by the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T. Utilizing an established Mitsubishi 2.0-liter intercooled turbo engine capable of producing 210 horsepower, the GS-T proffers more power than its convertible competitors in the market. Nothing more can be said for the 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, it possesses all the qualities a sports car convertible should have. Great handling, good interior and a fantastic exterior.