The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

SNEAK PREVIEW

The 2001 Eclipse Spyder & Montero

 

(The friendly folks at Mitsubishi invited us down to Tucson for a sneak preview
of these two exciting vehicles, and here's the latest info...
- MFulmer, Editor-In-Chief)


PHOTO GALLERY
gt1 gt2 gt3 gt4
click on thumbnail for fullscreen version

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder: What's New For 2001

spyder

From the improved convertible top to the reinforced chassis, the 2001 Spyder is a completely new vehicle. Following is a list of the major changes compared to the first-generation, 1996-1999 model-year Spyder.

SEE ALSO: Mitsubushi Buyer's Guide

Chassis/Exterior

· All-new convertible top

· All-new convertible top seals

· All-new unit-body and chassis structure

· All-new passenger safety cage construction

· All-new front strut suspension

engine

· New front strut tower brace

· Larger standard wheels and tires (16-inch GS/17-inch GT)

· Increase in chassis bending strength: + 65 percent

· Increase in chassis twisting strength: + 9 percent

· Longer wheelbase: + 2 inches

Drivetrain

· New 3.0-liter V6 engine (GT)

· New optional SportronicTM Sequential Shift 4-speed automatic

Interior Features

conv

· New interior design and packaging

· Improved interior ergonomics

· More overall passenger room: + 1.5 cubic feet

· More rear leg room: + 1.0 inch

· More trunk space: + 2.1 cubic feet

· Standard Mitsubishi/Infinity~ Premium Audio System

· Standard engine immobilizer anti-theft system

· Standard dual accessory power outlets

Safety Features

· New optional side air bags (GT)

· New optional traction control (GT)

· New front passenger seatbelt force limiters

· Greater frontal- and offset-frontal-impact protection

· Greater side-impact protection

· Improved outward vision


Mitsubishi Montero: What's New for 2001

montero

From the new unibody chassis to the 4-wheel fully independent suspension, the 2001 Montero is a completely redesigned sport utility vehicle. Following is a list of the major changes compared to the second generation, 1992-2000 model-year Montero.


PHOTO GALLERY
LTD1 LTD2 LTD3 LTD4
click on thumbnail for fullscreen version

Chassis

· Unitized body/chassis structure

· Fully independent front double wishbone/coil spring and rear multi-link/coil spring suspension

· Rack-and-pinion steering

· 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes

· MultiModeTM 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS)

· Electronic front-to-rear brake-force distribution (EBD)

· 16-inch alloy wheels

· 265/70R-16 tires

Drivetrain

· 4-speed automatic w/driver-adaptive shift controls (XLS)

· SportronicTM Sequential-Shift 5-speed automatic w/driver-adaptive shift controls (Limited)

· Water-to-oil automatic transmission cooler

· Part-time 4WD with 2-speed transfer case and shift-on-the-fly (XLS)

· ActiveTracTM 4WD with electronic engagement: 2WD/AWD/4WD with two-speed transfer case (high/low range) (Limited)

· Torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential w/viscous coupler (Std. Limited, Opt. XLS)

Enqine

engine

· Horsepower: 200 @ 5000 rpm (50-state rating)

·Torque: 235 @3000 rpm (50-state rating) + 7 lb.-ft. vs. '00 Montero

·Cold-air induction system

· Large-capacity exhaust system

· Single serpentine accessory drive belt

· Larger-diameter, lower rpm cooling fan

· Metal matrix head gaskets

· Reprofiled torque-enhancing camshafts

· Liquid-filled motor mounts

· Structural aluminum oil pan

Safety Features

· Standard front passenger-side air bags

· Front and rear crumple zones

· Safety cage construction

· Center chassis-mounted fuel tank

· Carbon fiber, impact-absorbing driveshaft

· Head impact-protecting interior roof pillar material

· Spare tire repositioned for better outward rear vision

Interior Features

interior · Stow & Go
TM fully retractable and removable 3rd-row bench seat

· Fully automatic climate control (Opt. Limited)

· Rear air conditioning/heating system (Opt. Limited)

· Forward located power glass sunroof (Std. Limited, Opt. XLS )

· Removable cargo door-mounted tool kit

· LCD center information display w/compass, outside temp., distance to

· empty, date and time (Limited)

· Fore-and-aft-adjustable front center arm rest

· Fold-down 2nd-row center arm rest with dual cup holder

· Power driver's lumbar support (Limited)

· Dual glove box