The All-New 2007 Chrysler Sebring – Official Launch

6.21.2006 – Today Chrysler revealed their All-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring Mid-size Sedan at the companies “What’s New for 2007” event at the Chelsea Proving Grounds. The Sebring builds on the winning formula that began with the award-winning Chrysler 300 in the full-size car segment, and more recently, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber in the compact car segment.

“The all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring sustains the momentum started by the blockbuster hit Chrysler 300 and continued with the Dodge Caliber,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President — Global Marketing. “Just as the 300 redefined the large-car segment and signaled the return of the great American car, Chrysler Sebring combines the levels of reliability and durability that mid-size buyers demand with unexpected levels of style, craftsmanship, technology and affordable performance.”

Chrysler Sebring Model Lineup

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring is available in the United States in three models: Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Touring and Chrysler Sebring Limited. It will be available in U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2006 and in global volume markets in the first half of 2007.

Strikingly Beautiful Design

Inspired by the 2003 Chrysler Airflite concept vehicle that was revealed at the Geneva motor show, Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design noted: “Sleek and sophisticated, the Chrysler Sebring’s overall surfacing and details reflect the Chrysler brand’s four attributes: expressive, refined, athletic and passionate, Sebring’s elegant styling provides a clear alternative to European and Japanese competition.”

A long hood profile, chrome beltline molding and long roofline emulate a five-door appearance. High-gloss blackouts on the B-pillars enhance the length of the Sebring’s greenhouse and sculptured character lines running along the body accentuate Sebring’s athletic stance. Rear fog lamps mounted in the backup lamps maintain a uniform appearance between domestic and export vehicles. Chrysler Sebring Limited models for the U.S. market add chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets to hint at the performance capability of the optional 3.5-liter V6 engine.

World-class Craftsmanship

The elegance found in Sebring’s exterior styling also runs through the vehicle’s interior, which features a modern, clean appearance with intense focus on quality, detail and execution.

“Chrysler Sebring’s interior takes a different direction from many of the current mid-size sedans on the road. Its form is inspired by the Chrysler uplifted winged badge motif and incorporates new and fresh decorative elements,” Creed added.

Standard 60/40 fold-flat rear seats make room for more gear, and an available fold-flat passenger seat creates a table-like surface to enhance the versatility of Sebring’s interior.

All Chrysler Sebring models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige, which provides a spacious and well-appointed look. The Chrysler Sebring Limited model also features an exclusive two-tone Cream and Pebble Beige interior with leather seats. The Chrysler Sebring Limited’s available upscale accent materials and finishes include Tortoise Shell, Satin Silver, Alloy Silver and Chrome.

Purposeful Technology that Makes Life Easier and Safer

In addition to Sebring’s upscale design and elegant use of materials, this all-new sedan brings new levels of function and technology to the U.S. mid-size car segment.

“Chrysler Sebring features a slew of new technological features not typically found or expected in a mid-size car,” said David Rooney, Director, Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. “These features make life easier and safer for the driver and passengers, while making the overall driving experience much more enjoyable for all.”

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring features a cutting-edge Harmon/Kardon information, entertainment and safety navigation audio system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications. This best-in-class next-generation navigation radio features a 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colors, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. The system follows voice-activated commands and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalized picture displays, including:

A 20-gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organizing music and pictures on the hard drive
Universal Serial Bus (USB) provides both MP3 connectivity and downloading of WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive
GraceNotes database installed on the hard disk drive, which provides song identification, including title, composer, artist and title
Playlist creation capability to provide easy access to files
Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to three-minutes long to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rearview mirror
Radio screen, which can display movies when Sebring is stopped
SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which provides customers with 100 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast-to-coast, commercial-free, 24 hours a day
UConnect Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible cell phones and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring also offers a unique combination of features not available on other mid-size competitors, including:

YES Essentials stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static seat fabric
Available DVD rear-seat entertainment system that includes AM/FM stereo radio with MP3 capable CD/DVD Player, six-disc CD/DVD changer and SIRIUS Satellite Digital Audio Radio (late availability)
Heated/cooled front cupholder for keeping cool beverages cool and hot beverages hot. Cup holder can heat beverage to 140 degrees F or cool to nearly freezing at 35 degrees F
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights in both the front and rear seats (late availability)
Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on all audio systems
MP3 play capability
Available remote start
Express down front windows on the key fobs
60/40 fold-flat rear seats
Available heated cloth front seats
Available heated leather seats
Available fold-flat front passenger seat
Cabin air-filtration system
Sliding center console armrest bin with dual bin front seat storage
Available trunk organizer
HomeLink universal garage door opener

Class-leading Safety Features

Chrysler Sebring offers class-leading safety, with a combination of standard safety items not typically found in the mid-size-car segment, including:

Advanced multi-stage front airbags
Standard side-curtain airbags
Front-seat-mounted side airbags
Side guard door beams
Structural safety cage
Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control
Brake Assist (included with ESP)
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Remote Keyless Entry
Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer
UConnect Hands-free Communication System

Exhilarating Performance with Excellent Fuel Efficiency

Three engine options power the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sold in the United States: the new 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, a 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick that provides 0-60 mph performance to rival the best in the mid-size-car class.

Sebring’s standard 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing (VVT) rivals all four-cylinder engines in the mid-size-car segment with its combination of fuel economy and solid performance. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides 172 horsepower and a 4% improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

An available 2.7-liter V-6 engine provides consumers the power of a V-6 engine with a price that compares with the competitions’ four-cylinder engines. Chrysler Sebring’s available 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 190 horsepower and 190 lb.-ft. of torque.

Also available is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produce 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic with Auto Stick. The combination of the upgraded 3.5L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as quiet operation.

For the first time in the mid-size car segment, the Chrysler Group also will offer a state-of-the-art 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine on the Chrysler Sebring for key diesel markets outside North America. The diesel engine will deliver excellent performance and fuel economy, with an estimated 140 horsepower DIN (103 kW) and 236 lb.-ft. (320 N•m) of torque.

My Viewpoint:

I think DaimlerChrysler have another hit on their hands. The Sebring is certainly unique looking. The hood and front grille/headlight area looks very much like the Crossfire – and that’s a good thing.

Prices haven’t been announced yet, but I’m sure the Sebring will be competitively priced in the very tough mid-size segment. Going up against the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and the like, it’s going to have to stand out to get people to re-consider shopping North American, instead of Japanese and/or Korean badged vehicles.

I think the all new Sebring stands out enough, while not as outrageous looking as the 300/Charger/Magnum that seems to divide people into “love it” or “hate it camps.” The interior is certainly classy and at first glance very user friendly, with my preferred round knobs for the climate control system catching the eye. I’ll wait to road test it before making a final judgment on that aspect – but it looks good.

Estimated EPA Fuel Economy is : 23 City / 31 Hwy for the 2.4 litre engine and 22 City / 29 Hwy for the 2.7 litre V-6. The 3.5 litre version has an estimated 19 City / 28 Hwy rating. They all run on regular grade gas, but the 3.5 litre is recommended to use 89/mid-grade fuel.

And here’s something interesting for the 2.7 litre engine – Unleaded regular, 87 octane or E-85. Those in the farm-belt can use ethanol E-85.

Look for a complete Road Test later this year, or early next year.