Chrysler to Enter Manual Shift Convertible Market with 2002 Sebring GTC

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 18 -- Chrysler is expanding its wings in the convertible market, a market the company has dominated for nearly 20 years since introducing LeBaron convertible in 1982.

``Nearly 25 percent of all convertibles are sold with a manual transmission,'' said Tom Marinelli, Vice President, Chrysler/Jeep® Global Brand Center. ``Our 2002 Sebring Convertible GTC is our entry into this part of the segment. Given that we're already one of the leaders in the convertible market, Sebring Convertible GTC will further establish our presence. Sebring Convertible GTC will attract younger buyers into the segment with its great looks, thoughtful features and affordable price.''

The 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible GTC features a 200 horsepower 2.7- liter V-6 engine, sport suspension and a five-speed manual transaxle, or with an automatic four-speed transaxle. The 2002 Sebring Convertible GTC also features a low-profile rear decklid spoiler, unique 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, color-keyed bodyside molding and new badging for an even sportier appearance.

Inside, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible GTC offers two-tone seats, unique instrument panel inserts to replace the woodgrain, white-faced instrument cluster dials and an AM/FM CD stereo. Sebring Convertible GTC will be offered in four colors: Bright Silver, Black, Stone White and Inferno Red. Interior color options are Taupe or Sandstone, while convertible top color choices are Black and Sandalwood.

All 2002 Chrysler Sebring convertibles boast an extensive array of safety features including multi-stage front air bags, seat belt pretensioners, repositioned higher head restraints, internal emergency trunk release and improved occupant protection with additional front door beams and an improved safety cage.

Active safety features include standard four-wheel disc brake system on LX, GTC, LXi and Limited models. Anti-lock braking system ``ABS Plus'' is optional on LX, LXi and standard on Limited and GTCs with manual transaxles. The ``ABS Plus'' system senses speed differences among all four wheels during braking in a turn or in avoidance maneuvers.

Production for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible (automatic transaxle) begins this month and vehicles will start to arrive in Chrysler dealerships by mid-February, 2002. Production for the manual transaxle Sebring Convertible GTC begins in March and cars will start to arrive in Chrysler dealerships by mid-April, 2002.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible (automatic and manual transaxle) is $25,710 which includes $595 for destination. The manual transaxle model will come standard with ABS and speed control.

Chrysler offers a total of eight Sebring models which include four convertibles, two coupes and two sedans. Convertible models include LX, LXi, GTC and Limited while sedan and coupe models include LX and LXi.

Chrysler Sebring Convertible is manufactured at Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., alongside Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus sedans. Chrysler sells approximately 50,000 Sebring Convertibles every year and has approximately 15 percent of the U.S. convertible market.

Following are at-a-glance feature highlights for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring GTC Convertible:

2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve SMPI V-6 engine (200 horsepower) Choice of four-speed automatic transaxle or five speed manual transaxle GTC badging Body color bodyside moldings Low-profile decklid spoiler Pyramid weave instrument panel bezel appearance replaces woodgrain AM/FM stereo radio with CD and changer controls Sport instrument cluster Two-tone Ultrahide® seat trim with Sutton grain European market sport suspension P205/60R16 91T all-season tires 16-inch aluminum wheels