CHRYSLER Intros New Sebring at Chrysler Preview

Reentering the High Volume Fray By Steve Purdy TheAutoChannel.com Detroit Bureau

Chrysler’s annual summer product preview was punctuated by the surprise introduction of a new contender in the mid-size sedan segment to compete head-to-head with Camry, Impala, Ford 500 and a dozen other tough competitors. Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group president and CEO, confidently promised that “the new ’07 Sebring will be as good or better than any mid-size car in the world. Period.”

Sebring is a Chrysler that has been more than ready for a makeover. It was getting pretty long-in-the-tooth, as they say. This new version will be in US showrooms this fall and in global volume markets in early ‘07.

LaSorda was surrounded by more than a hundred Chrysler workers and swarmed by hundreds of attending press so it was difficult to get a good, close look at the Sebring, but from what I could see, it looks like a winner. Styling is fresh, distinctive and modern with all the Chrysler queues, like ridged hood, classically Chrysler grill and muscular stance. Sebring will not be mistaken for any other mid-size sedan from the US or from Japan or Europe.

The interior on the intro car was stunning with two-tone leather and plastic and enough chrome and other accents to punctuate but not overpower it, and a more upright seating position. A family resemblance with the Chrysler 300 is discernable. Heated and cooled cup holders will be available. First impression is that, inside the Sebring will feel elegant comfortable and easy to live with. We’ll reserve that assessment until we’ve had some seat time in the car.

Entertainment, navigation and communication technology is everything a technophile could wish for and more – a list too long to go into here. Just be assured that you’ll not want for a thing.

Three engine options will be available: the basic 174-hp, 2.4-liter I4 with VVT, enhanced from the 2.4 it replaces, comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission; a 2.7-liter V-6 making 190-hp; and the premium 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Sterling Heights, MI-built Sebring will come in three trim levels. Prices will be announced later but LaSorda promises they will be “well below Camry and Accord with comparable content.” Watch out world, here comes Sebring.

Other news and tidbits from the Chrysler/Jeep ’07 product preview day:

• -Caliber is selling hotly with only an 11-day supply, meaning it’s one of the best sellers ever.

• There was no Crossfire at the Proving Grounds. Are they about to dump this wonderful roadster sibling of the M-B SLK? Or will they continue it. One of the Chrysler guys speculated that there will be no “07 Crossfire but the model will continue when inventories. The sexy little roadster is listed in the ’07 product information with a new monochrome look. We’ll look into that for you.

• Pacifica has been refreshed significantly. Front restyling gives it more of the current Chrysler look with ridged hood and fresh headlight and grill. A new 4.0-liter naturally aspirated 255-hpV-6 and new 6-speed automatic transmission vastly improves powertrain options. A new seat fabric resists stains, odor and static.

• Nitro is coming soon. This boldly styled mid-size sport-utility, a first for Dodge, is “derived” from the Jeep Liberty and will have a 20-inch wheel option and a slide-out cargo floor in the back.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee will soon come with a 3.0-liter Mercedes-sourced, common-rail diesel

There is certainly no shortage of bold, brash, fun products from the Chrysler Group. We detected no pessimism about the US automotive market among the Chrysler folks. We’re expecting about 8 more new product introductions before the end of the year.

Check back with us here at TheAutoChannel.com for more news from the Chrysler Group.