Chrysler Sebring
Encyclopedia
The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size car
s that was sold by Chrysler
from 1995 to 2010.
The Sebring came in three generations. The first, from 1995 to 2000, was available first only as a coupe and starting in 1996 as a convertible. The two body designs did not share many components nor any sheet metal. The second generation, from 2001 to 2006, also used the Sebring name on three different cars that added a four-door sedan model, but the coupe was discontinued after 2005. The third generation was introduced for 2007. Available as a sedan with the convertible version added in 2008, the cars now shared the same platform
.
Chrysler Sebring models were exported to European markets. They are also manufactured in China and Russia.
The Chrysler 200
replaced the Sebring starting with the 2011 model.
for 1995, and later a convertible was released for 1996. Both models replaced the Chrysler LeBaron
. The convertible was built off the Chrysler JA platform
also used for the Cirrus
sedan, while the coupe was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse
. The Chrysler Sebring was named after Sebring, Florida
, the site of the renowned endurance car race called the 12 Hours of Sebring
. The name was first used by Chrysler Corporation's Plymouth
division trim line of the Satellite
mid-size coupe
of the 1970s.
The 1995 through 2000 Chrysler Sebring coupe
was the successor to the Chrysler LeBaron
coupe.
Despite being similar to the Dodge Avenger
, the Chrysler's suspension was tuned slightly on the softer side, compared to Avenger's stiff suspension. Although the Sebring did not really offer true "off-the-line" muscle, it did handle well over long, curvy roads, offering minimal body roll. LXi models further benefited from rear sway bars, a slightly different tuned fully independent suspension, along with 17-inch wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle performance tires. Recorded slalom speeds proved to be impressive for a car of its class, and were a result of Sebring's 4-wheel double wishbone suspension and variable speed rack and pinion steering; both of which were key contributors to the car's road manners.
The Coupe version of the Sebring had seating for five and was considered to be one of the larger, more roomy coupes on the market. Trunk capacity was similar to that of many mid-size cars, capable of handling more than one set of golf clubs.
Although said to be built on a stretched Eagle Talon
platform (which is not entirely untrue), it is more accurate to say that their platform was based on the four-door Mitsubishi Galant
platform. However, these cars do share a great deal with their Talon sibling, including much of their dash and instrument panel along with select suspension and steering components.
The Sebring underwent a minor facelift for 1997. Its grille was replaced with a slightly larger black grid. The facelift also made the Sebring the first car to use Chrysler's "wings" logo, replacing the circular medallion logo.
Features offered on Sebring Coupes included 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, adaptive automatic transmissions and fully independent suspensions, along with a host of power operated features. Sebring also offered features not commonly found in its class (or in other vehicles near its price point for that matter). This included variable speed rack and pinion steering, 17 inch aluminum wheels with GoodYear Eagle tires, 4 wheel double wishbone suspension, one-touch power windows, one-touch moonroof, electrochromic mirror with compass, power accessory delay ignition (which allowed occupants to operate power window switches when ignition is turned off), and Homelink universal transmitter, among other options.
Sebring Coupe received a 5-star frontal safety rating, the highest rating possible.
Engines:
Trim levels:
sedan, and was a replacement for the LeBaron convertible. In Mexico, a rare turbocharged 2.4 L I4 engine was optional. The coefficient of drag on 1996 JX is 0.36.
Engines:
Trim levels:
, while the sedan and convertible
were Chrysler JR platform successors to the Chrysler Cirrus
. The car got a facelift in 2004 by getting a new front fascia, as well as a Chrysler logo in the rear section. The Sebring coupe was discontinued after 2005. The Sebring is sold as the Chrysler Cirrus in Mexico
.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
gives the 2001–2006 Sebring an Acceptable overall rating in frontal crash tests. In the side impact test, a Poor overall rating was given to models without side airbags. The IIHS did not test the Sebring with side airbags since Chrysler declined another test.
Trim levels:
Throughout the 2001–2006 generation sedans, many different trim levels were offered. Though there were multiple variations of some (for example plain Touring and Touring Platinum Series), just the main ones are listed below.
For 2001, the Sebring Convertible was redesigned. It now shared most of its sheet metal with the sedan, though it still differed greatly from the coupe. The front fascia and most of the interior were the only features that these cars had in common. Many interior and exterior components were carried over from the first generation car, though the body shell underneath is significantly different. The Sebring received minor styling revisions (mostly the appearance of the nose) for the 2004 model year
.
Engines:
Trim levels:
Note: Additional packages could be added to various standard trim levels.
The coupe was the next generation model. The sedan and convertible were a Chrysler JR platform, while the coupe was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Sebring coupe was discontinued after 2005. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring hardtop convertible technically serves as a replacement.
Engines:
Trim levels:
for the 2007 model year.
Because no 2007 convertible was offered, the 2006 Sebring convertible was left to fill the void, remaining in showrooms and on the company's website until the 2008 model's release.
The new Sebring borrows many styling cues from the 2003 Chrysler Airflite
concept
. It also has several Chrysler-signature styling cues, several of which come from the Chrysler Crossfire
. Additionally, the new Sebring is the first Chrysler model to offer Chrysler's MyGIG Infotainment System.
The Chrysler Sebring is assembled in Sterling Heights, Michigan
and contains over 82% of parts sourced in North America.
The convertible version was introduced in 2007 as a 2008 model, and for the first time featured an optional power hardtop in addition to the available cloth and vinyl tops.
2008 marks the first year that the Sebring is available with the optional MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System which allows you to store 20 GB of music, DVDs, and pictures.
Chrysler offers three engines for the 2007 Sebring; the 2360 cc GEMA
I4, the 2736 cc EER V6
, and the 3518 cc EGF V6. The 3.5 L V6 is coupled to Chrysler's first ever six-speed automatic transmission
, which employs Autostick
technology, and the 2.7 L V6 is capable of running on cleaner-burning E85
. Export vehicles will be offered with a 2.0 L turbocharged
common-rail diesel made by Volkswagen
and the 2.0 L GEMA engine. The 3.5 L V6 sedan is available with all wheel drive as an extra cost option for 2008 only.
Trim levels:
For the 2009 model year, the LX and Touring trims were dropped leaving only the Limited. In addition, the Limited got the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and was priced at the same level as the 2008 Touring model. Also for 2009, the Sebring got rear badge placements modified slightly.
The IIHS gave the 2010 Models a G for good in the frontal crash test, the side impact test, and the roof strength test, giving the 2010 Sebring a Top Safety Pick along with the 2011 Chrysler 200
.
. Like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Sebring is offered as both a retractable hardtop and a softtop, with the Sebring's roofs manufactured by Karmann
. The redesigned Sebring convertible debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show as an early-2008 model.
Changes include a redesigned dash with new 2.4 I4 and 3.5 V6 engines, and a re-tuned 2.7 V6 from the previous generation falling between the two models. Unlike the Sebring sedan, the convertible is not offered in all-wheel drive. The convertible top now retracts into the trunk with a power tonneau cover and a luggage protector for the top. The top can also be retracted with the remote keyless entry, meaning the top can be stored without being inside the car or starting the engine.
.
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Chrysler also manufactured export versions of the 2001-2006 Sebring sedan and convertible for the mainland European market. Front and rear lights are to European standards, different from the USA & Canada in that turn-signal indicators are orange, with additional side-turn repeaters on the front fenders. The rear bumper has a larger recess for the longer European-size license-plates, and two fog-lamps are fitted; one on each side of the license-plate. The LHD headlamps incorporate Euro-type H4 bulbs, together with three-way up and down beam-level adjustment via a dash-mounted switch to the left of the steering wheel. Emissions controls are to the EURO 3 standard; later versions are compliant with EURO 4. Engine ranges offered were the 2.0 L DOHC 16V inline 4-cylinder (later replaced by the 2.4L unit in some countries), and the 2.7 L DOHC 24V 6 Cylinder unit. The 2.0 and 2.4L engines are available with the 5-speed manual or four-speed 41TE auto transmission (depending on country); the six-cylinder engine is automatic only.
_inside_view.jpg)
The Canadian-market 240 km/h-160 mph speedometer (with km/h predominant) is fitted to the European models. Odometer and tripmeter are in kilometres. As the 2001-2006 Sebring sedan and convertible were made in left-hand drive only, they were not sold in the UK and Ireland. Chrysler UK did however, import 50 convertibles with the 2.7L engine in 2001/2002, and these were sold though selected dealers. Being non-standard in Chrysler's UK range at the time though, no more were imported.
_dials.jpg)
Trim levels offered in Europe were LE (equivalent to North American market LX) and LX (equivalent to North American market LXi). From 2004, Touring and Limited versions started to replace the LE and LX designations respectively.
Lack of a diesel engine and right-hand drive availability prevented this Sebring from being a true pan-European model unlike other Chryslers such as the PT Cruiser and Voyager. In addition, the model was dropped from Chrysler's lineup in some countries, notably France, before production ended in 2006. In France, the three domestic car-makers PSA-Peugeot, Citroen and Renault dominate the new car market, which meant very low sales of the Sebring there. As a result, the sedan was only imported by Chrysler France in 2001 and 2002. The 2003 and face-lifted 2004–2006 year models were not. The convertible was only sold until 2004. The 2005 and 2006 models were likewise not imported.
Despite not being available in the UK and Ireland, some Sebring convertibles have been bought in from the U.S. as grey-imports. Some Euro-spec models have also been privately imported, mostly from Germany. The European versions are easier to re-register in the UK as they have EU-type approval. The dual km/h-mph speedo-display and twin rear foglights mean only headlamp beam-aim adjustment for left-hand traffic is necessary. The sedan is much rarer in the UK though; a few EU models have been imported, but most are likely to be North American 'grey-imports'. The 2007-onwards Sebring sedan and convertible are now sold in right-hand drive through Chrysler's UK and Ireland dealer network.
The second-generation (2001–2006) Chrysler Sebring and its Dodge Stratus
cousin was built in Russia
in the second half of 2008, sold as Volga Siber. The license and tooling for these cars were sold in April 2006 to Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska
, who owns the GAZ
company in Nizhny Novgorod
, which builds the Volga
automobile. This agreement cost about US$151 million (€ 124 million). It was planned to build up to 65,000 cars of both models annually. GAZ kept its Volga
nameplate, naming this vehicle the Volga Siber
. GAZ imported Chrysler 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines (not the World Engines) from Mexico for use on these vehicles.
and Chrysler.
Production of the Sebring leverages assembly capacity for the new BBDC plant which also builds the Chrysler 300C, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Four-cylinder World Engines for the Sebring will be built at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance
(GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan for export to China. GEMA began as a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi
, and Hyundai
. Since 2009, GEMA is wholly owned by Chrysler.
. The 2.4 L straight-4 is available with four or six-speed automatic transmissions. The previous 2.7L and 3.5L V6 engines were replaced by the new Pentastar 3.6 L V6, producing 283 hp.
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
s that was sold by Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
from 1995 to 2010.
The Sebring came in three generations. The first, from 1995 to 2000, was available first only as a coupe and starting in 1996 as a convertible. The two body designs did not share many components nor any sheet metal. The second generation, from 2001 to 2006, also used the Sebring name on three different cars that added a four-door sedan model, but the coupe was discontinued after 2005. The third generation was introduced for 2007. Available as a sedan with the convertible version added in 2008, the cars now shared the same platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
.
Chrysler Sebring models were exported to European markets. They are also manufactured in China and Russia.
The Chrysler 200
Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan and convertible produced by Chrysler, being introduced for the 2011 model year. The Chrysler 200 is an update and new nameplate for the outgoing 2010 Chrysler Sebring....
replaced the Sebring starting with the 2011 model.
First generation (JX; 1995–2000)
The Chrysler Sebring was introduced as a coupeCoupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
for 1995, and later a convertible was released for 1996. Both models replaced the Chrysler LeBaron
Chrysler LeBaron
The Chrysler LeBaron was originally a classic luxury car of 1930s manufactured by Chrysler which competed with other luxury cars of the era such as Lincoln and Packard....
. The convertible was built off the Chrysler JA platform
Chrysler JA platform
The JA platform was Chrysler's smaller complement to the LH cars which were larger than the K's, and a direct size replacement for the last extended K cars, the Acclaim and Spirit. It was a mid-size front-wheel drive automobile platform and was the basis for the Cloud Cars - the Chrysler...
also used for the Cirrus
Chrysler Cirrus
The Chrysler Cirrus was a mid-size 4-door sedan, introduced for the 1995 model year as direct replacement for the aging Chrysler LeBaron sedan. Based on the new midsize JA platform, the Cirrus was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil for the 1995-2000 model years; DaimlerChrysler ...
sedan, while the coupe was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a coupe that was in production since 1989 for left hand drive traffic markets. According to Mitsubishi, the car was named after an 18th century English racehorse which won 26 races, and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through...
. The Chrysler Sebring was named after Sebring, Florida
Sebring, Florida
Sebring is a city in Highlands County, Florida, United States, nicknamed "The City on the Circle", in reference to Circle Drive, the center of the Sebring Downtown Historic District...
, the site of the renowned endurance car race called the 12 Hours of Sebring
12 Hours of Sebring
The 12 Hours of Sebring is an annual motorsport endurance race for sports cars held at Sebring International Raceway, a former Army Air Force base in Sebring, Florida...
. The name was first used by Chrysler Corporation's Plymouth
Plymouth (automobile)
Plymouth was a marque of automobile based in the United States, produced by the Chrysler Corporation and its successor DaimlerChrysler.-Origins:...
division trim line of the Satellite
Plymouth Satellite
The Plymouth Satellite is an automobile introduced in 1965 as the top model in Plymouth's mid-size Belvedere line. The Satellite remained the top of the line model until the 1967 model year, where it became the mid-price model with the GTX taking its place as the top model. The Fury name was moved...
mid-size coupe
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
of the 1970s.
Coupe (1995–2000)
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
was the successor to the Chrysler LeBaron
Chrysler LeBaron
The Chrysler LeBaron was originally a classic luxury car of 1930s manufactured by Chrysler which competed with other luxury cars of the era such as Lincoln and Packard....
coupe.
Despite being similar to the Dodge Avenger
Dodge Avenger
The Dodge Avenger is a front-wheel drive, mid-size sedan, built by the Chrysler Corporation for the Dodge marque. In its initial debut, the Avenger was produced from 1995 to 2000 as a 2-door coupe...
, the Chrysler's suspension was tuned slightly on the softer side, compared to Avenger's stiff suspension. Although the Sebring did not really offer true "off-the-line" muscle, it did handle well over long, curvy roads, offering minimal body roll. LXi models further benefited from rear sway bars, a slightly different tuned fully independent suspension, along with 17-inch wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle performance tires. Recorded slalom speeds proved to be impressive for a car of its class, and were a result of Sebring's 4-wheel double wishbone suspension and variable speed rack and pinion steering; both of which were key contributors to the car's road manners.
The Coupe version of the Sebring had seating for five and was considered to be one of the larger, more roomy coupes on the market. Trunk capacity was similar to that of many mid-size cars, capable of handling more than one set of golf clubs.
Although said to be built on a stretched Eagle Talon
Eagle Talon
The Eagle Talon was one of three model names given to a sports coupe that was manufactured between 1990 and 1999 and sold by the then Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan in a joint 50/50 corporate venture known as Diamond-Star Motors...
platform (which is not entirely untrue), it is more accurate to say that their platform was based on the four-door Mitsubishi Galant
Mitsubishi Galant
The first generation of the car, initially known as the Colt Galant, was released in December 1969. The design was dubbed "Dynawedge" by Mitsubishi, referring to the influence of aerodynamics on the silhouette. Three models were available, powered by the new 'Saturn' engine in 1.3 or 1.5 L ...
platform. However, these cars do share a great deal with their Talon sibling, including much of their dash and instrument panel along with select suspension and steering components.
Features offered on Sebring Coupes included 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, adaptive automatic transmissions and fully independent suspensions, along with a host of power operated features. Sebring also offered features not commonly found in its class (or in other vehicles near its price point for that matter). This included variable speed rack and pinion steering, 17 inch aluminum wheels with GoodYear Eagle tires, 4 wheel double wishbone suspension, one-touch power windows, one-touch moonroof, electrochromic mirror with compass, power accessory delay ignition (which allowed occupants to operate power window switches when ignition is turned off), and Homelink universal transmitter, among other options.
Sebring Coupe received a 5-star frontal safety rating, the highest rating possible.
Engines:
- 2.0 L Chrysler 2.0 DOHC I4
- 2.5 L Mitsubishi 6G73 V6
Trim levels:
- LX — 1995–2000
- LXi — 1995–2000
Convertible (1996–2000)
The Sebring convertible was launched in 1996 as a sister car to the Chrysler Sebring Coupe. However, the Sebring coupe and convertible did not share many components or any sheet metal. The car was instead based on the Chrysler CirrusChrysler Cirrus
The Chrysler Cirrus was a mid-size 4-door sedan, introduced for the 1995 model year as direct replacement for the aging Chrysler LeBaron sedan. Based on the new midsize JA platform, the Cirrus was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil for the 1995-2000 model years; DaimlerChrysler ...
sedan, and was a replacement for the LeBaron convertible. In Mexico, a rare turbocharged 2.4 L I4 engine was optional. The coefficient of drag on 1996 JX is 0.36.
Engines:
- 1996–2000 — 2.4 L I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
- 1996–2000 — 2.5 L Mitsubishi V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
- 1996–2000 — 2.4 L DOHC Turbo I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
(MexicoMexicoThe United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
Only)
Trim levels:
- JX — 1996–2000
- JXi — 1996–2000
- Limited — 1998–2000
Second generation (JR; 2001–2006)
The Sebring name was now used on three different cars for 2001. The coupe was based on the Mitsubishi EclipseMitsubishi Eclipse
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a coupe that was in production since 1989 for left hand drive traffic markets. According to Mitsubishi, the car was named after an 18th century English racehorse which won 26 races, and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through...
, while the sedan and convertible
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
were Chrysler JR platform successors to the Chrysler Cirrus
Chrysler Cirrus
The Chrysler Cirrus was a mid-size 4-door sedan, introduced for the 1995 model year as direct replacement for the aging Chrysler LeBaron sedan. Based on the new midsize JA platform, the Cirrus was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil for the 1995-2000 model years; DaimlerChrysler ...
. The car got a facelift in 2004 by getting a new front fascia, as well as a Chrysler logo in the rear section. The Sebring coupe was discontinued after 2005. The Sebring is sold as the Chrysler Cirrus in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
gives the 2001–2006 Sebring an Acceptable overall rating in frontal crash tests. In the side impact test, a Poor overall rating was given to models without side airbags. The IIHS did not test the Sebring with side airbags since Chrysler declined another test.
Trim levels:
Throughout the 2001–2006 generation sedans, many different trim levels were offered. Though there were multiple variations of some (for example plain Touring and Touring Platinum Series), just the main ones are listed below.
- LX — 2001–2004
- LXi — 2001–2003
- base — 2004–2006
- Touring — 2004–2006
- Limited — 2004–2006
- Signature Series — 2005
- Walter P. Chrysler series — 2005
- TSi — 2005–2006
Convertible
Model year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
.
Engines:
- 2001–2006 — 2.4 L I4
- 2001–2006 — 2.7 L V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
Trim levels:
- LX — 2001–2003
- LXi — 2001–2003
- GTC — 2002–2006
- Base — 2004–2006
- Touring — 2004–2006
- Limited — 2001–2006
Note: Additional packages could be added to various standard trim levels.
Coupe
Engines:
- 2.4 L Mitsubishi 4G64 I4Straight-4The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
MitsubishiMitsubishi Motorsis a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...
6G72 V6
Trim levels:
- LX - 2000–2003
- LXi - 2000–2003
- Base - 2004–2005
- Limited - 2004–2005
- Limited Platinum Series - 2004
Third generation (JS; 2007–2010)
The Sebring was replaced with a new model based on the JS platformMitsubishi GS platform
The GS platform is a compact car platform co-developed by Mitsubishi Motors and DaimlerChrysler, which underpins the companies' compact cars. After DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi went their separate ways in 2004, DaimlerChrysler made substantial changes to the platform...
for the 2007 model year.
Because no 2007 convertible was offered, the 2006 Sebring convertible was left to fill the void, remaining in showrooms and on the company's website until the 2008 model's release.
Chrysler Airflite
The Chrysler Airflite was a concept car created by the American car manufacturer, DaimlerChrysler. It was first introduced at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show...
concept
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
. It also has several Chrysler-signature styling cues, several of which come from the Chrysler Crossfire
Chrysler Crossfire
The Chrysler Crossfire is a rear-wheel drive sports car marketed by Chrysler as both coupé and roadster and was built for Chrysler by Karmann of Germany.-Design:...
. Additionally, the new Sebring is the first Chrysler model to offer Chrysler's MyGIG Infotainment System.
The Chrysler Sebring is assembled in Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights is a city in Macomb County of the U.S. state of Michigan, and one of Detroit's core suburbs. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 129,699...
and contains over 82% of parts sourced in North America.
The convertible version was introduced in 2007 as a 2008 model, and for the first time featured an optional power hardtop in addition to the available cloth and vinyl tops.
2008 marks the first year that the Sebring is available with the optional MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System which allows you to store 20 GB of music, DVDs, and pictures.
Chrysler offers three engines for the 2007 Sebring; the 2360 cc GEMA
Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance
The Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
I4, the 2736 cc EER V6
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, and the 3518 cc EGF V6. The 3.5 L V6 is coupled to Chrysler's first ever six-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, which employs Autostick
Autostick
The name Autostick has been used both for a Volkswagen semi-auto transmission and a system designed by Chrysler which allows for manual selection of gears with an automatic transmission. Another similar system designed by Porsche is called Tiptronic...
technology, and the 2.7 L V6 is capable of running on cleaner-burning E85
E85
E85 is an abbreviation for an ethanol fuel blend of up to 85% denatured ethanol fuel and gasoline or other hydrocarbon by volume. E85 is commonly used by flex-fuel vehicles in the US, Canada, and Europe. Some of the benefits of E85 over conventional gasoline powered vehicles include the potential...
. Export vehicles will be offered with a 2.0 L turbocharged
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
common-rail diesel made by Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer and is the original and biggest-selling marque of the Volkswagen Group, which now also owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Škoda marques and the truck manufacturer Scania.Volkswagen means "people's car" in German, where it is...
and the 2.0 L GEMA engine. The 3.5 L V6 sedan is available with all wheel drive as an extra cost option for 2008 only.
Trim levels:
- base — 2007
- LX — 2008 (replaced base)
- Touring — (2007–present)
- Limited AWD — (2008)
- Limited — (2007–present)
For the 2009 model year, the LX and Touring trims were dropped leaving only the Limited. In addition, the Limited got the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and was priced at the same level as the 2008 Touring model. Also for 2009, the Sebring got rear badge placements modified slightly.
The IIHS gave the 2010 Models a G for good in the frontal crash test, the side impact test, and the roof strength test, giving the 2010 Sebring a Top Safety Pick along with the 2011 Chrysler 200
Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan and convertible produced by Chrysler, being introduced for the 2011 model year. The Chrysler 200 is an update and new nameplate for the outgoing 2010 Chrysler Sebring....
.
Convertible
For 2008, the Sebring convertible was redesigned with styling cues such as the hood's strake lines recalling the Chrysler CrossfireChrysler Crossfire
The Chrysler Crossfire is a rear-wheel drive sports car marketed by Chrysler as both coupé and roadster and was built for Chrysler by Karmann of Germany.-Design:...
. Like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Sebring is offered as both a retractable hardtop and a softtop, with the Sebring's roofs manufactured by Karmann
Karmann
Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, commonly known simply as Karmann, in Osnabrück, Germany was until 2009 the largest independent motor vehicle manufacturing company in Germany...
. The redesigned Sebring convertible debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show as an early-2008 model.
Changes include a redesigned dash with new 2.4 I4 and 3.5 V6 engines, and a re-tuned 2.7 V6 from the previous generation falling between the two models. Unlike the Sebring sedan, the convertible is not offered in all-wheel drive. The convertible top now retracts into the trunk with a power tonneau cover and a luggage protector for the top. The top can also be retracted with the remote keyless entry, meaning the top can be stored without being inside the car or starting the engine.
Total U.S. sales
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 93,130 |
| 2008 | 71,663 |
| 2009 | 27,460 |
| 2010 | 38,585 - Includes new 200 model replacement |
Fuel
All engines used in the Chrysler Sebring accept regular unleaded gasoline. Only the 2.7 L DOHC 24V six-cylinder Flex-Fuel engine can accept regular unleaded or E85 Flex-FuelE85
E85 is an abbreviation for an ethanol fuel blend of up to 85% denatured ethanol fuel and gasoline or other hydrocarbon by volume. E85 is commonly used by flex-fuel vehicles in the US, Canada, and Europe. Some of the benefits of E85 over conventional gasoline powered vehicles include the potential...
.
European versions
Lack of a diesel engine and right-hand drive availability prevented this Sebring from being a true pan-European model unlike other Chryslers such as the PT Cruiser and Voyager. In addition, the model was dropped from Chrysler's lineup in some countries, notably France, before production ended in 2006. In France, the three domestic car-makers PSA-Peugeot, Citroen and Renault dominate the new car market, which meant very low sales of the Sebring there. As a result, the sedan was only imported by Chrysler France in 2001 and 2002. The 2003 and face-lifted 2004–2006 year models were not. The convertible was only sold until 2004. The 2005 and 2006 models were likewise not imported.
Despite not being available in the UK and Ireland, some Sebring convertibles have been bought in from the U.S. as grey-imports. Some Euro-spec models have also been privately imported, mostly from Germany. The European versions are easier to re-register in the UK as they have EU-type approval. The dual km/h-mph speedo-display and twin rear foglights mean only headlamp beam-aim adjustment for left-hand traffic is necessary. The sedan is much rarer in the UK though; a few EU models have been imported, but most are likely to be North American 'grey-imports'. The 2007-onwards Sebring sedan and convertible are now sold in right-hand drive through Chrysler's UK and Ireland dealer network.
Russian versions
Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus was a mid-size 4-door sedan introduced in 1995. It was based on the Chrysler JA platform Cab forward . The Stratus, Breeze, and Cirrus were all on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 and 1997. It received critical acclaim at launch, but ratings fell over time...
cousin was built in Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
in the second half of 2008, sold as Volga Siber. The license and tooling for these cars were sold in April 2006 to Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska
Oleg Deripaska
Oleg Vladimirovich Deripaska is the Russian Chief executive officer of Basic Element company and a member of the Board of Directors and CEO of United Company RUSAL, a Russian aluminium industry company...
, who owns the GAZ
GAZ
GAZ or Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod , translated as Gorky Automobile Plant , started in 1932 as NAZ, a cooperation between Ford and the Soviet Union. It is one of the largest companies in the Russian automotive industry....
company in Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod , colloquially shortened to Nizhny, is, with the population of 1,250,615, the fifth largest city in Russia, ranking after Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg...
, which builds the Volga
Volga (automobile)
Volga is an automobile brand that originated in the Soviet Union to replace the venerated GAZ-M20 Pobeda in 1956. Modern in design, it became a symbol of higher status in the Soviet nomenklatura...
automobile. This agreement cost about US$151 million (€ 124 million). It was planned to build up to 65,000 cars of both models annually. GAZ kept its Volga
Volga (automobile)
Volga is an automobile brand that originated in the Soviet Union to replace the venerated GAZ-M20 Pobeda in 1956. Modern in design, it became a symbol of higher status in the Soviet nomenklatura...
nameplate, naming this vehicle the Volga Siber
Volga Siber
The Volga Siber was a saloon automobile, introduced by the Russian firm "GAZ Group" at the "Интеравто-2007" show in Moscow on 29 August 2007. It is built on a platform licensed from an already prior generation of Chrysler Sebring / Dodge Stratus...
. GAZ imported Chrysler 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines (not the World Engines) from Mexico for use on these vehicles.
Chinese versions
Production of the new Chrysler Sebring sedan for the China market began in 2007 at the Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co. (BBDC) in Beijing. BBDC is a joint venture between the Beijing Automotive Industry HoldingBeijing Automotive Industry Holding Corporation
Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co Ltd is a state-owned enterprise and holding company of several Chinese automobile and machine manufacturers, such as Beijing Automobile Works Co Ltd, etc. Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co Ltd 's state-run parents may include Beijing Automotive Group ,...
and Chrysler.
Production of the Sebring leverages assembly capacity for the new BBDC plant which also builds the Chrysler 300C, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive-size cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. The E initially stood for Einspritzmotor, ; a new feature in volume production vehicles at the time that the E-Class first appeared, with the E as a suffix to the...
and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Four-cylinder World Engines for the Sebring will be built at the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance
Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance
The Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
(GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan for export to China. GEMA began as a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors
is a multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. In 2009 it was the fifth-largest Japan-based automaker and the 17th-largest in the world measured by production...
, and Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company is a Korean multinational automaker based in Seoul, South Korea which, along with Kia, comprises the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the world's fourth largest automaker as of 2009. As of 2011, it is the world's fastest growing automaker for two years running...
. Since 2009, GEMA is wholly owned by Chrysler.
Chrysler 200
For the 2011 model year, the Sebring was replaced with the Chrysler 200Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan and convertible produced by Chrysler, being introduced for the 2011 model year. The Chrysler 200 is an update and new nameplate for the outgoing 2010 Chrysler Sebring....
. The 2.4 L straight-4 is available with four or six-speed automatic transmissions. The previous 2.7L and 3.5L V6 engines were replaced by the new Pentastar 3.6 L V6, producing 283 hp.