This car has 485 Horse Power and 431 FT LBS of torque with 6 Cylinders engine. Now who wouldn't want to ride this nicest car.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT Convertible Shown
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a convertible version of the Eclipse coupe. In most regards, the Spyder provides a similar driving and ownership experience to the coupe, which means sleek styling, four-passenger seating, powerful engines and a reasonable amount of comfort.
In the affordable convertible segment, Mitsubishi has taken a balanced approach with the Spyder. With nimble and sporty two-seat roadsters on one end of the spectrum and four-seat family sedan-based convertibles on the other, the Eclipse sits comfortably in the middle. For most of its run, the Spyder's closest competitors have been convertible pony cars such as the Ford Mustang.
The Spyder has been available for all Eclipse generations except the first and has occasionally blipped out of existence as new generations of the Eclipse have debuted. Whether new or used, the Spyder should satisfy a shopper desiring a sporty two-door that provides plenty of wind-in-the-hair fun.
The latest Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a new arrival for 2007. Like the coupe, it's built on the same platform used for Mitsubishi's Galant sedan and Endeavor SUV. There are two trim levels: GS and GT. The Eclipse Spyder GS is reasonably well equipped and comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 162 horsepower. The main draw of the Eclipse Spyder GT is its 260-hp, 3.8-liter V6. Both models have a power-operated convertible soft top.
The GS can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission with a sequential-shift Sportronic mode. The GT comes with a six-speed manual, with a five-speed Sportronic automatic optional. All Eclipse Spyders are front-wheel drive.
In past Edmunds.com reviews, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has earned favorable commentary for its powerful V6 engine, comfortable front seating and well-suited nature for top-down cruising. Noted downsides include a hefty curb weight that dulls handling, sluggish acceleration on four-cylinder models, poor top-up outward visibility and a large turning radius.
There are two previous versions of the Eclipse Spyder. A Spyder was available for 2001-'05 model years of the third-generation Eclipse. Like the current model, it had underpinnings similar to the concurrent Galant and a power-operated top. This Eclipse is somewhat smaller than the current model, however, and less refined.
This generation's Spyder GS was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 147 hp. The GT had a 200-hp 3.0-liter V6. Both could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Though this Eclipse was fairly popular with consumers, it attracted little critical acclaim. In Edmunds.com tests, editors found that the car was not particularly fun to drive and had a noticeably low-quality interior.
The original Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder was available from 1996-'99 and corresponded to the second-generation coupe. The GS model had a 141-hp four-cylinder engine, and the turbocharged GS-T was capable of 205 hp. A five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic were offered. The Spyder's top was a particularly nice one, with excellent insulation, one-touch power operation and a heated glass rear window. Rearward vision was compromised severely when the top was up, but the rear seat was retained and the car's structural integrity was impressive.
Mini Cooper Clubman Review
Maxing the Mini: More room, more doors, still cuddly
Little distinguishes the new longer, roomier MINI Clubman's driving experience from that of the standard Mini. Which is great news: None of the coupe's quick reflexes, playful nature, or overall Mini-ness is diminished. The differences are all about space: 3.2 inches more wheelbase (which yields an equal bump in rear legroom), 9.6 inches of increased overall length, and a cargo hold that grows from 24.0 to 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Plus a few more doors. From the driver's seat, you'll hardly know there's more Mini behind you. But your rear-seat passengers, pets, surfboards, golf clubs, shopping bags, swap-meet treasures, and mall haul will really appreciate the extra room.
The Clubman notion isn't a new idea, but it remains a good one. It's the third body style in the reborn MINI lineup, alongside the second-generation coupe, which came to market early this year, and the convertible, still on the carryover gen-one platform for another year or so.
Mini's design job is clever. The longer roof appears flat at first glance, yet there's a gentle curve to it. Like Clubmans of old, access to the cargo bay is via two hinged "barn doors." Besides the squarer look, the exhaust pipes are no longer centered in the rear valance, instead splitting to the sides in a more conventional, dual-exhaust fashion. A spoiler at the top of the rear deck integrates the center high-mounted stoplight. In keeping with the Mini's USP of allowing the owner a wide variety of color combinations, there are many different ways to spec out the body, bumper, roof, and window-surround finishes.
Joining this club is all about space and access to it, so besides the split rear-cargo doors, there's a rear-hinged, half-door-size access panel on the passenger side that makes back-seat entry and egress a much easier proposition than in the coupe-all the better by which to enjoy the much-needed increased legroom. A squeege over three inches more room may not sound like much, but it's a world of difference in a car this compact. Full-size adults now sit comfortably in back, with plenty of head and knee room for six-footers.
This access door is well integrated into the exterior styling, with the door handle mounted inside so as not to spoil the smooth two-door look. In the name of safety, it can be opened only when the front passenger door is open. The split rear seats fold to create a commodious space for stuff-interesting in that packaging efficiency was one of the aspects that set the original Mini apart from other compact city cars of the 1960s. The centers of the two cargo area doors come together to form a pillar that bisects the driver's view out the rearview mirror, not so different from what the driver of a 1963 "Split Window" Corvette experiences. But the blockage isn't wide enough to hinder rearward vision, and it's something you quickly get used to.
No special structural reinforcement was required to accommodate the increased number of doors and hatches. Overall weight grows by about 175 pounds. Engine, transmission, and equipment levels are otherwise a direct carryover. We spent all our drive time aboard a turbocharged, 172-horsepower Cooper S version and could detect no meaningful decrease in acceleration. The extra ounces will, however, take a bit of sparkle off the naturally aspirated, 118-horsepower base model's straight-line punch. We'll verify this with instrumented testing as soon as we have the opportunity.
Same goes for handling. Overall, the Clubman S feels no different through a smorgasbord of cornering situations from the new Cooper S we just added to our long-term test fleet. One major difference in the Clubman's driving persona is ride comfort. Those three-plus inches of additional wheelbase really smooth out the standard Mini's tendency to hop on bad pavement, over railroad crossings, and the like. It's a dramatic improvement, and one that, combined with all the extra room, makes the Clubman a much happier long-distance car than the short-wheelbase model.
One bane that hasn't been exorcized, at least in the S, is torque steer. Power out of a corner, and the wheel wiggles in your hand. When the turbo boost kicks in, it wiggles worse. Perhaps Mini could have dialed out some of the effect, but steering feel would have diminished because of it. While this problem doesn't kill the Mini's fun factor, it knocks it back a notch or two. There'll never be a rear-drive Mini, but an AWD version might be fun, no?
The car's only other maddening trait, also shared with non-Clubmans, is the HVAC system's too small, too slippery, and just poorly designed fan and heat/cool controls. The tiny, click up-and-down fan switch is slick plastic and practically requires long fingernails to operate. Wearing gloves? Forget it. Why not some large, knurled knobs? And much of the center-stack lettering is too small. These are two instances where function followed form, and Mini ought to get to fixing them. Now.
MINI hasn't yet released the Clubman's pricing structure, but indicates it'll fall midway between the current coupe and convertible models. That translates to about $20,750 for a base Clubman and around $24,000 for a Clubman S, reasonable enough if you fancy the new model's design and extra space.
Besides being a blast to drive, reasonably economical, and a cheeky fashion statement, the Clubman's most significant accomplishment is that its increased passenger comfort and extra cargo room make the Mini a real car for more people. For many buyers, this functionality will more than offset the few extra dollars and the few extra pounds the Clubman packs over the standard models. Mini USA estimates that 15 percent of the cars it sells will be Clubmans. We say it had better be prepared to build more than that.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Review
When the Mazda
MX-5 Miata roadster debuted in 1989, this snazzy little convertible
was an instant hit. Marking a revival of the affordable roadster format
that was once dominated by British automakers, the Mazda Miata
introduced a modern approach to reliability and engineering. Buyers
lined up outside Mazda dealerships and gladly paid sticker
price-plus-some for the fetching new Miata.
Though the initial mania has long since faded, the Mazda Miata continues to be a very popular convertible. Over the years, Mazda's little roadster has gotten bigger and heftier due to the addition of comfort and safety equipment. But it's also gotten more powerful and capable. The first major redesign came in 1999. Our editors found that Mazda improved the second-generation Miata with a larger interior, a stiffened chassis, exposed headlamps and more aggressive styling, without bumping up the price or diluting its perky personality.
The third-generation car continues the trend. It still changes direction like a go-kart, communicates clearly to the driver and accelerates with an inspiring inline-4 growl. If you're in the market for an affordable car that provides plenty of top-down, open-road thrills, we highly recommend putting a new or used Mazda Miata on your list.
The current MX-5 Miata has gone upscale with the inclusion of an available power hardtop on Grand Touring, Touring and Sport models, with regular power soft tops standard in these models, as well as a value-filled Base version. This somewhat simplified new lineup replaces the six multiple personalities -- Club Spec, Base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring and Limited -- previously offered since the third-generation redesign in 2006.
All Mazda Miatas are powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine good for 170 horsepower -- nearly as much as previous turbocharged Mazdaspeed high-performance models. Depending on trim levels you'll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission, or an available six-speed automatic for shiftless types -- though with the automatic, horsepower drops to 166.
In terms of options, luxurious items like leather seats and a seven-speaker Bose audio system are available. But with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, we feel "less" may actually be "more." If you're piling a ton of extras on this little sports car, you're missing the point: The essence of this Mazda roadster is about simplicity in design and operation, and about having fun and feeling unencumbered behind the wheel on a warm summer night.
If you're such a purist (or a racing enthusiast) and shopping for a used Mazda Miata, we suggest you save a few bucks and shop for a non-special edition or Club Spec model with just the basics like a five-speed manual, tilt wheel, CD player and power windows/mirrors -- or a simple Base model, which adds air-conditioning and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to the mix.
To meet the ever-increasing demand for comfort and safety equipment, the MX-5 Miata was carefully redesigned in 1999 and improved over the original in almost every way. The following year, a streamlined model lineup included the Miata and Miata LS with three simplified option packages available. In 2001, horsepower was bumped again to 155 and a six-speed manual was optional on the Miata LS. The MX-5 received a Mazdaspeed makeover and newfound life in 2004, featuring a 178-hp turbocharged engine, high-performance suspension and exterior styling enhancements.
The original Mazda Miata roadster of 1990 offered one engine, one transmission and three colors: red, white and blue. Detail improvements saw the Miata through its first several years, with revised option packages, more power and a stunning M-edition with Merlot Mica paint, tan top and matching leather interior and 15-inch BBS wheels available in 1995. Competition-minded individuals might want to focus on R-Package-equipped Miatas introduced in 1994, which turned the Miata into a race-ready street machine with drivetrain and suspension modifications. The final year for this model was 1997, and there was no 1998 model.
Though the initial mania has long since faded, the Mazda Miata continues to be a very popular convertible. Over the years, Mazda's little roadster has gotten bigger and heftier due to the addition of comfort and safety equipment. But it's also gotten more powerful and capable. The first major redesign came in 1999. Our editors found that Mazda improved the second-generation Miata with a larger interior, a stiffened chassis, exposed headlamps and more aggressive styling, without bumping up the price or diluting its perky personality.
The third-generation car continues the trend. It still changes direction like a go-kart, communicates clearly to the driver and accelerates with an inspiring inline-4 growl. If you're in the market for an affordable car that provides plenty of top-down, open-road thrills, we highly recommend putting a new or used Mazda Miata on your list.
The current MX-5 Miata has gone upscale with the inclusion of an available power hardtop on Grand Touring, Touring and Sport models, with regular power soft tops standard in these models, as well as a value-filled Base version. This somewhat simplified new lineup replaces the six multiple personalities -- Club Spec, Base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring and Limited -- previously offered since the third-generation redesign in 2006.
All Mazda Miatas are powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine good for 170 horsepower -- nearly as much as previous turbocharged Mazdaspeed high-performance models. Depending on trim levels you'll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission, or an available six-speed automatic for shiftless types -- though with the automatic, horsepower drops to 166.
In terms of options, luxurious items like leather seats and a seven-speaker Bose audio system are available. But with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, we feel "less" may actually be "more." If you're piling a ton of extras on this little sports car, you're missing the point: The essence of this Mazda roadster is about simplicity in design and operation, and about having fun and feeling unencumbered behind the wheel on a warm summer night.
If you're such a purist (or a racing enthusiast) and shopping for a used Mazda Miata, we suggest you save a few bucks and shop for a non-special edition or Club Spec model with just the basics like a five-speed manual, tilt wheel, CD player and power windows/mirrors -- or a simple Base model, which adds air-conditioning and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to the mix.
To meet the ever-increasing demand for comfort and safety equipment, the MX-5 Miata was carefully redesigned in 1999 and improved over the original in almost every way. The following year, a streamlined model lineup included the Miata and Miata LS with three simplified option packages available. In 2001, horsepower was bumped again to 155 and a six-speed manual was optional on the Miata LS. The MX-5 received a Mazdaspeed makeover and newfound life in 2004, featuring a 178-hp turbocharged engine, high-performance suspension and exterior styling enhancements.
The original Mazda Miata roadster of 1990 offered one engine, one transmission and three colors: red, white and blue. Detail improvements saw the Miata through its first several years, with revised option packages, more power and a stunning M-edition with Merlot Mica paint, tan top and matching leather interior and 15-inch BBS wheels available in 1995. Competition-minded individuals might want to focus on R-Package-equipped Miatas introduced in 1994, which turned the Miata into a race-ready street machine with drivetrain and suspension modifications. The final year for this model was 1997, and there was no 1998 model.
Maybach Zeppelin 2010 Review
The Maybach brand is bringing out the
new Maybach Zeppelin to spearhead its luxury saloon model range. The
new model, which is receiving its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show,
represents the absolute zenith in the high-end luxury saloon segment.
This makes it a worthy successor to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin,
which was revered worldwide as the ultimate in high-class automotive
engineering in the 1930s. The hallmark features of the new Maybach
flagship's unique sense of style include a stunning paint finish,
featuring a shoulderline in a contrasting colour, as well as the
exquisite, meticulously crafted materials in the interior, whose long
list of optional extras includes a world first - a highly sophisticated
perfume atomiser. The new model's performance even outclasses the rest
of the Maybach range, making it the most powerful Maybach ever. In a
nutshell: the Maybach Zeppelin epitomises stylish elegance and the art
of vehicle manufacture at its most refined as no car has ever done
before. The new Maybach Zeppelin is being built in a limited edition of
just 100 worldwide.
Even today, the name "Zeppelin"
has an incomparable ring to it in the realm of high-end luxury cars.
As in bygone times, Maybach is once again building the Maybach Zeppelin
for drivers who are seeking something extra special, even in this most
luxurious of automotive segments. Not only do the Maybach 57 Zeppelin
and Maybach 62 Zeppelin stand out for their exquisite elegance,
inventive ideas and phenomenal performance, only one hundred of these
special model versions of the high-end luxury saloons will be made
worldwide.
