WOT | News
Mitsubishi SST Spyder
Mitsubishi SST Spyder
We Drive The Turbocharged Roadster Of Tomorrow
From the July 1998 issue of Motor Trend
Power comes from an enhanced turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder producing an estimated 250 horsepower, rising 40 healthy ponies above the current top Eclipse offering through modified intake, turbo, intercooler, and exhaust. The potent engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode, permitting clutchless manual up/down shifting when the aluminum lever is pushed into the right-hand gate. Climbing through the gears with a tap of the auto-shifter, the eager turbo force-feeds air into the tweaked powerplant delivering acceleration that climbs exponentially relative to throttle input. Coming on fairly strong at low rpm, the modified motor screams to redline with noticeably more verve than its production donor, creating twisted grins as arced as the sculpted fenders. Massive Bear Racing brakes (14-inch-diameter front, 11.6-inch rear) provide both metallic art behind the thin-spoked wheels and halting power. Production versions of this design theme would no doubt wear a less exotic wheel/tire/brake package.
More on Motortrend.com:
Video Find: Last Mitsubishi Eclipse Rolls Off The Line
The secretive Mitsu group wouldn't indicate if the SST concept represents the future Eclipse or 3000GT replacement, rather stating that it embodies elements to be found on a next-generation 2+2 sports car. Reading between the lines with some creative license, the SST concept could serve as a single replacement for both models. Mitsubishi confesses that the Diamante's 3.5-liter V-6 fits comfortably between the arched fenders, and we suspect a pair of turbos may squeeze in, as well. A single model could span the range from naturally aspirated 2.0-liter/140-horse entry level to twin-turbo 320-plus-horse, all-wheel-drive grand tourer. Sharing a single platform would reduce the initial investment and risk while delivering a power-packed enthusiast car to rival today's hottest offerings.
Mitsubishi sees the Eclipse as the modern equivalent of a classic ponycar, doing battle among today's hot rodders driving modified Honda and Acura coupes, much like how the Mustang has faced the Camaro/Firebird duo for over 30 years. A determination to transcend trends to create next-generation super sports car can only mean good things, especially with insiders keeping a close eye on the blossoming aftermarket.
More on Automobilemag.com:
Feature Flick: Mitsubishi Says Farewell To The Eclipse
Given that the Eclipse is due for replacement in late '99 as a 2000 model and that the 3000GT is pushing eight years old, we won't have long to wait for the official answer.
More on Automotive.com:
Rumor Mill: Mitsubishi Eclipse Getting Second Chance?
Quick Drive: 1999 Bentley Arnage
2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat First Look
2015 Acura TLX First Drive
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe First Drive
Future Cars! 2015 and Beyond
download our mobile apps
new car buyer's guide
Research or price cars easily on MT
Research & Reviews
subscribe and save
Smart Savings for Your Car