Continuing their new-product growth plans, Mitsubishi Motors North America unveiled the 2007 Eclipse Spyder at the Detroit Auto Show. This open-air roadster is based on the fourth-generation Eclipse coupe introduced in 2005, and features an automatic top-down soft top. It folds completely out of sight under a flush-fitting powered tonneau cover in 19 seconds. Built and designed to appeal to convertible and sports car enthusiasts of all ages, the 2007 Eclipse Spyder echoes the concept-car design of its coupe sibling with sleek, taut, muscular lines and engaging details such as bright finish led taillamps and monocle-lens headlamps.

The Eclipse Spyder will be offered in two trim levels. The GS model is powered by a 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The Eclipse Spyder GT comes with a 260-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the Spyder GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in roughly seven seconds. Expect base prices to start around $26,000 when the car arrives in dealerships this April.

The compact Concept-CT was designed at the Mitsubishi motors design center in Cypress, California. It introduces an innovative hybrid powertrain packaged in an entirely new type of vehicle architecture. The hybrid drive in the Concept-CT uses a special transmission to harness the 50kw (67 horsepower) output of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine to drive the rear wheels and the generator. Engine power is 20kw per wheel. A 40kw (54 horsepower) generator charges the high-energy lithium-ion batteries.

Mitsubishi's goal was to combine practicality, fun-to-drive performance, and low fuel consumption into this four-door hatchback. The Concept-CT interior main controls take inspiration from motorcycle front forks and are supported by a structure fashioned in parallel strips. Further building on its clean, modern image, the interior features pearl finish, ribbed vinyl, and soft-touch surfaces with copper accents. The Concept-CT instrument panel features a wide format "wall to wall" navigation, entertainment, audio information, and climate control screen. Flat-screen gauges are placed well forward of the driver for optimal visibility. Reflecting Concept-CT's futuristic theme, the ultrathin center console houses a fingerprint-reading security key and computer touch pad interface.

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