Under the skin, the biggest change is in engines. The suspension has been redesigned, with front struts and a multi-link rear setup. Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD player, power windows, tilt steering column, tinted glass and a height-adjustable driver's seat. The power sunroof becomes an extra-cost option. On the safety front, anti-lock brakes and side air bags are optional on all models.
Traction control is available only on models equipped with automatic transmission.
The 2000 Eclipse's instrument panel is a collection of large pods. If anything, the drop-top version of the new Eclipse looks even better than the coupe. The next-generation Eclipse Spyder, like its hardtop sibling, was created at Mitsubishi's California design studio. It is slated to go into production early next year at the company's factory in Normal, Ill., and should arrive in dealerships in April. It will be sold as an early 2001 model.