horsepower--205--but produces more torque--220 lb.-ft. All models are front-wheel drive except the GSX, which
comes with all-wheel drive.
Also available is the Spyder, a slick convertible that comes with either the normally aspirated or turbocharged
engine. The Eclipse Spyder starts at $21,875.
The Eclipse's excellent handling and well-damped ride are the result of a sophisticated four-wheel independent
multi-link suspension with coil springs front and rear. The multi-link design keeps the tires perpendicular to the
road, whether cornering, braking, accelerating or traveling over rough pavement, so the tires maintain firm,
consistent grip. Front and rear anti-roll bars reduce body lean in corners for sharp handling. Like the GSX, our
GS-T came with specially calibrated gas-charged shock absorbers.
The current Eclipse design was introduced for the 1995 model year, but received numerous updates in 1997. A
few changes were made for the '98 model as well. They include:
On the RS, an AM/FM/cassette stereo with six speakers is now standard equipment and a CD player has been added
as an option. New chrome-plated 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the GS-T. And the GSX's generous list of
standard equipment now includes a power glass sunroof, leather front seating surfaces, power driver's seat and
a security system with remote entry and panic-alarm feature.
We tested the $22,380 GS-T, which came standard with dual front airbags, side impact door beams, power-assisted
rack-and-pinion steering, air conditioning, Infinity audio system with cassette, CD player, eight speakers and
amplifier, cruise control, power door locks, windows and antenna, power six-way driver's seat, 50/50 split-fold rear seat, illuminated passenger-side visor mirror, rear spoiler and side air dam, rear wiper/washer/defroster, tinted glass, fog lamps, and halogen headlamps.
Our GS-T tester was equipped with the following options: Anti-lock brakes ($716), floor mats ($51), keyless security and alarm system ($334), leather front seats ($457) and power sunroof ($716). All told, those items boosted the total price to $24,669. Next Page