The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse is more a touring coupe than a sports car, but it's more than happy to participate in some spirited driving. This coupe boasts a wider stance and more powerful engines than the pre-2006 Eclipse, but the size brings more weight, so it doesn't stretch the performance envelope much beyond its predecessor.

Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines are strong, though the four works best with the manual transmission, allowing the driver to more readily extract maximum acceleration. The V6 delivers more horsepower, but it also puts more weight over the Eclipse's front wheels.

In its quest for mass management, if not weight reduction, Mitsubishi tried something new with its six-speed manual transmission. By re-routing the power flow through the transmission's gears and shafts, effectively giving the incorporated center differential two final drive ratios (one for gears 1 - 4, the other for gears 5, 6 and reverse), it shrunk the unit's size. This makes for a more compact installation and lessens the GT's front-weight bias. Special treatment was given the GT's suspension, with a larger rear stabilizer bar countering stiffer front springs to maintain a more desirable roll center. There is also a cross bar that connects the front suspension towers, although the brace snakes through the engine compartment with enough bends and twists to invite doubt as to the extent of its contribution in the handling department.

In any case, Mitsubishi's variable valve timing system infuses both engines with a nice, even power band, meaning that acceleration-producing torque flows in steady fashion rather than peaky chunks. The Sportronic automatics work well, and we're particularly impressed with the five-speed automatic mated to the V6. It delivers smooth shifts and kicks down to pass with only slight hesitation. It delivers in manual mode, too, shifting neither up nor down at either extreme of the power band, but rather holding the selected gear per the driver's preference.

The manual shifter is precise enough to really work the lever and shift frequently, sports-car style. Curiously, however, the GT's six-speed manual registers a lower EPA-estimated fuel economy than the Sportronic.

The ride is smooth, about as expected in a car of this weight and dimensions. The GT's suspension is a smidgen better at keeping the driver informed as to how the tires are gripping. Directional stability is good, and handling is typical for a front-wheel-drive coupe: Under hard acceleration the steering wheel tugs to the right, albeit gently, and the harder the car is pushed in corners, the more it understeers. The GT's firmer suspension and the larger footprint from the optional 18-inch tires do tend to reduce this latter trait somewhat.

Wind noise is well managed, even at extra-legal interstate speeds.

Brakes are solid and mostly linear, with little of the annoying interference increasingly felt with the growing use of poorly coded electronic management software.