Chrysler Sebring

Not to be confused with Maserati Sebring.

Chrysler Sebring

Manufacturer	Chrysler Group LLC
Production	1994–2010
Model years	1995-2010
Assembly	Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States
Predecessor	Chrysler LeBaron (for coupe and convertible) Chrysler Cirrus (for sedan) Plymouth Breeze (for sedan)
Successor	Chrysler 200
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan Coupe Convertible

The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size cars 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.

First generation (JX; 1995–2000)

First generation

Also called	Chrysler Cirrus Convertible[citation needed]
Production	1995–2000
Assembly	Toluca, Mexico (convertible) Normal, Illinois (coupe)
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Chrysler JX platform (convertible) Chrysler FJ platform (coupe)
Engine	2.4 L EDZ I4 2.5 L Mitsubishi 6G73 V6 2.4 L Turbocharged DOHC I4 (Mexico Only) 2.0 L 420A I4 2.5 L Mitsubishi 6G73 V6
Transmission	5-speed manual transmission 4-speed 41TE automatic
Wheelbase	106.0 in (2,692 mm) Coupe: 103.7 in (2,634 mm)
Length	1995–98: 193.0 in (4,902 mm) 1999–2000: 192.6 in (4,892 mm) 1995–96 Coupe: 187.4 in (4,760 mm) 1997–98 Coupe: 191.0 in (4,851 mm) 1999–2000 Coupe: 190.9 in (4,849 mm)
Width	70.1 in (1,781 mm) Coupe: 69.7 in (1,770 mm)
Height	54.8 in (1,392 mm) 1995–98 Coupe: 51.0 in (1,295 mm) 1997–98 V6 Coupe: 51.4 in (1,306 mm) 1998–2000 Coupe: 53.0 in (1,346 mm)
Related	Chrysler Cirrus Dodge Stratus Plymouth Breeze Dodge Avenger Eagle Talon Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Galant

The Chrysler Sebring was introduced as a coupe 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.

Coupe (1995–2000)

1995–1996 Chrysler Sebring coupe

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.^{[citation needed]} 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.

1997–2000 Chrysler Sebring coupe

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:

• 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)

1999–2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

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 Cirrus sedan, and was a replacement for the LeBaron convertible.^[1] 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 I4
• 1996–2000 — 2.5 L Mitsubishi V6
• 1996–2000 — 2.4 L DOHC Turbo I4 (Mexico Only)

Trim levels:

• JX — 1996–2000
• JXi — 1996–2000
• Limited — 1998–2000

Second generation (JR; 2001–2006)

Second generation

Also called	Chrysler Cirrus (in Mexico) Volga Siber (Russia)
Production	2001–2006 2001–2005 (Coupe)
Assembly	Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States Normal, Illinois (Coupe)
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Sedan & Convertible: Chrysler JR platform Coupe: Chrysler ST-22 platform
Engine	2.4 L EDZ I4 2.7 L EER V6 3.0L V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed 41TE automatic
Wheelbase	Sedan: 108.0 in (2,743 mm) Coupe: 103.7 in (2,634 mm) Convertible: 106.0 in (2,692 mm)
Length	Sedan: 190.7 in (4,844 mm) 2001–03 Coupe: 190.2 in (4,831 mm) 2004–05 Coupe: 191.9 in (4,874 mm) Convertible: 193.7 in (4,920 mm)
Width	Sedan: 70.6 in (1,793 mm) (2004–06) Sedan: 71.9 in (1,826 mm) (2001–03) 2001–03 Coupe: 70.3 in (1,786 mm) 2004–05 Coupe: 69.9 in (1,775 mm) 2001–03 Convertible: 71.1 in (1,806 mm) 2004–06 Convertible: 69.4 in (1,763 mm)
Height	Sedan: 54.9 in (1,394 mm) 2001–03 Coupe: 53.7 in (1,364 mm) 2004–05 Coupe: 53.9 in (1,369 mm) 2004–06 Convertible: 55.0 in (1,397 mm) 2001–03 Convertible: 55.1 in (1,400 mm)
Related	Dodge Stratus Volga Siber Dodge Stratus coupe Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Galant

The Sebring name was now used on three different cars for 2001. The coupe was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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.^[2] 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.^[3]

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

Pre-update Chrysler Sebring convertible (Europe)

2004–2006 Chrysler Sebring convertible (US)

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:

• 2001–2006 — 2.4 L I4
• 2001–2006 — 2.7 L V6

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

2001–2003 Chrysler Sebring coupe

2004–2005 Chrysler Sebring coupe

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:

• 2.4 L (2351 cc, 143.4 cu in) Mitsubishi 4G64 I4^[4]
• 2,972 cc (3.0 L; 181.4 cu in) Mitsubishi 6G72 V6^[4]

Trim levels:

• LX - 2000–2003
• LXi - 2000–2003
• Base - 2004–2005
• Limited - 2004–2005
• Limited Platinum Series - 2004

Third generation (JS; 2007–2010)

Third generation

Also called	Chrysler Cirrus (in Mexico)
Production	2007–2010
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler JS platform
Engine	2.0 L GEMA I4 2.0 L TDI I4 2.4 L GEMA I4 2.7 L EER V6 3.5 L EGF V6
Transmission	4-speed 40TES automatic 4-speed 41TES automatic 6-speed 62TE automatic
Wheelbase	108.9 in (2,766 mm)
Length	Sedan: 190.6 in (4,841 mm) Convertible: 193.8 in (4,923 mm)
Width	Sedan: 71.2 in (1,808 mm) Convertible: 71.5 in (1,816 mm)
Height	Sedan: 59.0 in (1,499 mm) Convertible: 58.5 in (1,486 mm)
Related	Chrysler 200 Dodge Journey Dodge Avenger Dodge Caliber Proton Inspira

The Sebring was replaced with a new model based on the JS 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.

2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan

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 2,360 cc (2.36 L; 144 cu in) GEMA I4, the 2,736 cc (2.736 L; 167.0 cu in) EER V6, and the 3,518 cc (3.518 L; 214.7 cu in) EGF V6.^[5] 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.^[6] 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.

Convertible

For 2008, the Sebring convertible was redesigned with styling cues such as the hood's strake lines recalling the Chrysler Crossfire. 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.^[7]

Chrysler Sebring soft top

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[8]	93,130
2008[8]	71,663
2009[9]	27,460
2010[10]	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-Fuel.^[11]

European versions

2003 Chrysler Sebring 2.7 LX sedan (European model)

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.

2003 Chrysler Sebring 2.7 LX (European model) inside view

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.

2003 Chrysler Sebring 2.7 LX (European model) dials

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.

Russian versions

2008 Volga Siber.

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.^[12][13] 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.^[14] GAZ imported Chrysler 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines (not the World Engines) from Mexico for use on these vehicles.^{[citation needed]}

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 Holding 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.

Chrysler 200

Main article: Chrysler 200

For the 2011 model year, the Sebring was replaced with the Chrysler 200. 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 (211 kW).^[15]

References

1. ^ Chrysler Sebring Convertible, 1996-2000. Allpar. Retrieved 2010-02-22.
2. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Dodge Stratus". Iihs.org. 2006-03-29. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=30. Retrieved 2009-05-01. 
3. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Dodge Stratus". Iihs.org. 2006-03-03. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=281. Retrieved 2009-05-01. 
4. ^ ^{a b} 2005 Chrysler Sebring Coupe media.chrysler.com. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
5. ^ 2007 Sebring Specifications. media.chrysler.com. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
6. ^ 2007-2009 Chrysler Sebring cars - information. allpar.com. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
7. ^ "Threefold Drop-Top". AutoWeek. http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/FREE/61127022/1064/cara_submit. Retrieved November 29, 2006. 
8. ^ ^{a b} "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. 2009-01-05. http://www.cheersandgears.com/topic/27526-december-2008-sales-chrysler-llc/. Retrieved 2009-01-05. 
9. ^ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 2010-01-05. http://www.cheersandgears.com/topic/50556-chrysler-group-llc-december-2009/. Retrieved 2010-01-05. 
10. ^ Oldsmoboi  (2009-11-04). "December 2010 Sales: Chrysler - Cheers & Gears Forums". Cheersandgears.com. http://www.cheersandgears.com/topic/74955-december-2010-sales-chrysler/. Retrieved 2011-01-04. 
11. ^ E85 | How can I tell if my car is an FFV?. E85.whipnet.net. Retrieved 2010-04-13.
12. ^ "«Группа ГАЗ» представила на «Интеравто» новый легковой автомобиль" (in Russian) (Press release). Группа ГАЗ. 2007-08-29. http://www.gazgroup.ru/news/news/?id=1326. Retrieved 2008-07-30. 
13. ^ Webster, Paul (2007-09-26). "To Russia with parts". globeinvestor.com. http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070925.rmmagna0925/GIStory. Retrieved 2008-07-30. 
14. ^ "В названии новой модели "ГАЗа" сохранится слово "Волга"" (in Russian). auto.lenta.ru. 2008-05-15. http://auto.lenta.ru/news/2008/05/15/volga. Retrieved 2008-07-30. 
15. ^ "Craftsmanship, Elegance and Value: Chrysler Brand Introduces the New 2011 Chrysler 200". media.chrysler.com. http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=C52D67BE3ED4056AB76DEE2224010F39?&id=9997&mid=2. Retrieved 2010-09-14. 

External links

• Official Sedan Website
• Official Convertible Website