Chrysler Sebring (sedan)

"Not to be confused with Maserati Sebring. Although Chrysler and Maserati did team up to produce the Chrysler TC before the Sebring came out."Infobox Automobile
name=Chrysler Sebring sedan


assembly=Sterling Heights, Michigan
class=Mid-size luxury car
manufacturer=Chrysler LLC (August 2007–present)
DaimlerChrysler (2001–07)
production=2001–2010 {convertible continues}
layout = FF layout
body_style=4-door sedan
predecessor=Chrysler Cirrus

The Chrysler Sebring is a line of mid-size cars sold by Chrysler LLC. There have been three entirely different vehicles with this name:
* Chrysler Sebring (coupe) (1995–2005)
* Chrysler Sebring (convertible) (1996–present)
* Chrysler Sebring (sedan) (2001–present)

1995-2000

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 of 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.

2001-2006

Infobox Automobile generation
name = First Generation


production = 2001–2006
engine = 2.4 L "EDZ" I4
2.7 L "EER" V6
wheelbase= Auto in|108.0|0
length= Auto in|190.7|0
width= Auto in|70.6|0 (2004-06)
Auto in|71.9|0 (2001-03)
height= Auto in|54.9|0
fuel_capacity=Convert|15.9|usgal|L impgal|1
transmission = 4-speed "41TE" automatic
platform = Chrysler JR platform
related = Dodge Stratus
GAZ Volga Siber
aka = Chrysler Cirrus (in Mexico)

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 Sebring sedan is also a de facto successor to the Plymouth Breeze, since most Plymouths (e.g. Voyager, Prowler) were rebranded as Chryslers since the marque's demise in 2001. The car got a facelift in 2004 by getting a new front fascia, as well as a Chrysler logo on the rear. The Sebring coupe was discontinued after 2005. The Sebring is sold as the Chrysler Cirrus in Mexico.

Some of the 2.7 L V6 engines have suffered from failures due to oil sludge contamination. These problems happen when fine engine oil passages become clogged with sludge, and often result in catastrophic failure of the engine. Improper maintainace, such as irregular oil changes would see such results. An unknown number of Sebring, Concorde, Dodge Intrepid and Stratus owners have been affected. Fixes include changing to synthetic oil, inspection, and even engine replacement.

Trim levels

Throughout the 2001–2006 generation sedan 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
*"TSi" — 2005–2006

2007-2010

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Second Generation


production = 2007–2010 {for sedan only}
engine = 2.0 L "GEMA" I4
2.0 L TDI I4
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= Auto in|108.9|0
length= Auto in|190.6|0
width= Auto in|71.2|0
height= Auto in|59.0|0
fuel_capacity=Convert|16.9|usgal|L impgal|1
platform = Chrysler JS platform
related = Dodge Avenger
Dodge Caliber
Jeep Compass
Jeep Patriot
aka = Chrysler Cirrus (in Mexico)

The Sebring was replaced with a new model based on the JS platform for 2007.

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.

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 optional "MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System" which allows you store 20GB of music, dvds, and pictures. [ [http://www.chrysler.com/en/2008/sebring/interior_conveniences/multimedia_options/index.html] ]

Chrysler offers three engines for the 2007 Sebring, the 2.4 L GEMA I4, the 2.7 L EER V6, and the 3.5 L EGJ V6. The 3.5 L V6 is coupled to Chrysler's first ever 6-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. [ [http://www.allpar.com/cars/chrysler/sebring.html 2007-2009 Chrysler Sebring cars - information ] ] The 3.5L V6 sedan is available with all wheel drive as a extra cost option for 2008 only. AWD will be dropped from the Sebring lineup in 2009 due to low demand.

Trim levels

*base - 2007
*"Touring" — 2007–present
*"Limited" — 2007–present
*"LX" — 2008–present (replaced base)
*"Limited" AWD — 2008

Fuel

All engines used in the Chrysler Sebring accept regular unleaded gasoline. Only the 2.7L DOHC 24V 6 Cylinder engine (offered in North America only) can accept both regular unleaded or E85 Flex-Fuel. [ [http://e85.whipnet.net/flex.cars/index.html E85 | How can I tell if my car is an FFV? ] ]

Future

Chrysler will face lift the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring Convertible in 2010.fact|date=September 2008

Licensed production in Russia

The first-generation (2001–2006) Chrysler Sebring and its Dodge Stratus cousin will be built in

Launch of Chrysler Sebring in China

Production of the new Chrysler Sebring sedan for the China market will begin later 2007 in Beijing at Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co. (BBDC). BBDC is a joint venture between the Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd. and Chrysler.

Production of the Sebring leverages assembly capacity at 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, Mich. for export to China. GEMA is a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co.

References

External links

* [http://www.chrysler.com/sebring_sedan/index.html Official Chrysler Sebring Site]
* [http://www.chrysler.com/sebring_convertible/index.html Official Chrysler Sebring Convertible Site]
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20001109111200/www.chrysler.com/sebring-sdn/ 2001 Chrysler Sebring sedan homepage] - Courtesy of Internet Archive
* [http://www.allpar.com/ AllPar.com links:]
** [http://www.allpar.com/model/stratus01.html Stratus/Sebring sedans]
* [http://www.gazgroup.ru/news/news/?id=1330 GAZ Siber photo gallery]