Chrysler Sebring (convertible)

Infobox Automobile
name=Chrysler Sebring Convertible


class=Mid-size
manufacturer=Chrysler (1996-98, 2008-present)
DaimlerChrysler (1998-2007)
production=1996–present
predecessor=Chrysler LeBaron
aka=Chrysler Cirrus (Mexico)
layout=FF layout
body_style=2-door convertible

The Chrysler Sebring convertible is a mid-size convertible manufactured by Chrysler, as a replacement for the Chrysler LeBaron and now in its third generation — currently available as both a retractable hardtop and softop.

The Sebring convertible was the most popular convertible automobile in the world from 2001 through 2005, with nearly 40,000 produced per year Fact|date=April 2008. For the first two generations, tops were engineered and completed by Dura Convertible SystemsFact|date=April 2008. The third generation Sebring uses soft and rectractable tops supplied by Karmann and installed during manufacture to identical bodies.

First generation (1996-2000)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = First generation
aka = Chrysler Stratus
assembly=Toluca, Mexico


production = 1996-2000
engine = 2.4 L "EDZ" I4
2.5 L Mitsubishi "6G73" V6
transmission =
4-speed "41TE" automatic
platform = Chrysler JX platform
related = Chrysler Cirrus
Dodge Stratus
Plymouth Breeze
wheelbase= Auto in|106.0|0
length=1996-98: Auto in|193.0|0
1999-2000: Auto in|192.6|0
width= Auto in|70.1|0
height= Auto in|54.8|0

The Sebring convertible was launched in 1996 as sister car to the Chrysler Sebring Coupe, although the Sebring coupe and convertible didn't share many components or any sheetmetal. This model was unique to Chrysler, as unlike other Chrysler brand cars, no Dodge or Plymouth counterpart was offered.

Engines

*1996-2000 - 2.4 L I4
*1996-2000 - 2.5 L Mitsubishi V6

Trim levels

*"JX" - 1996-2000
*"JXi" - 1996-2000
*"Limited" - 1998-2000

econd generation (2001-2006)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Second generation


production = 2001–2006
engine = 2.4 L "EDZ" I4
2.7 L "EER" V6
assembly=Sterling Heights, Michigan
transmission =5-speed manual (2002 GTC)
4-speed "41TE" automatic
platform = Chrysler JR platform
related = Chrysler Sebring
Dodge Stratus
wheelbase=Auto in|106|0
length=Auto in|193.7|0
width=2001-03: Auto in|71.1|0
2004-06: Auto in|69.4|0
height=2004-06: Auto in|55.0|0
2001-03: Auto in|55.1|0 For 2001, the Sebring Convertible was redesigned, and it now shared most of its sheetmetal with the sedan, though it still differed greatly from the coupe, with the front fascia and most of the interior being the only thing 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.

Third generation (2008-Present)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Third generation


production = 2008–Present
engine = 2.4 L "GEMA" I4
2.7 L "EER" V6
3.5 L "EGJ" V6
transmission = 4-speed "40TES" automatic
4-speed "41TES" automatic
6-speed "62TE" automatic
wheelbase=108.9 in
length=193.8 in
width=71.5 in
height=58.5 in
assembly=Sterling Heights, Michigan
platform = Chrysler JS platform
related = Dodge Avenger

For 2008, the Sebring convertible was redesigned, with styling cues such as the hood's strake lines recalling the Chrysler Crossfire. Like the Mazda Miata, the Sebring is offered as both retractable hardtop and 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. [cite web|url=http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/FREE/61127022/1064/cara_submit|title=Threefold Drop-Top|work=AutoWeek|accessdate=November 29|accessyear=2006]

, with a luggage protector for the top.

Trim levels

*"Sebring" - 2008-present (This is the base model but called the Sebring.)
*"Touring" - 2008-present
*"Limited" - 2008-present

References

* [http://www.media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=6752&mid=166 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Product Heritage] from Chrysler Media Site

External links

* [http://www.chrysler.com/en/2008/sebring_convertible/ Official Site] - The official site of the current Sebring Convertible
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20001109111000/www.chrysler.com/sebring-cvt/ Chrysler.com] - 2001 Sebring convertible homepage, courtesy of Internet Archive