Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Euro, Chrysler, LLC., Daimler
New Chrysler Sebring Unveiled!
Chrysler has released the first image of the new Chrysler Sebring sedan and announced that it will make its debut at the London International Motor Show next month. Details are slim, but the release states that it'll be available in the UK in mid-2007 in RHD format with a choice of gas or diesel engines. 4car reported earlier that the diesel is the same VW-sourced unit available in the European-market Dodge Caliber, and that a hardtop coupe+convertible is also likely.
Front end styling borrows heavily from the Crossfire, and all around, the car looks very different than the current vehicle.
More details and photos as they become available, but for now, let us know what you think!
(Press release after the jump)
[Source: DaimlerChrysler]
EUROPEAN PREMIERE FOR NEW CHRYSLER SEBRING AT LONDON MOTOR SHOW
The brand new Chrysler Sebring will have its European premiere at the London Motor Show on 18 July together with the new Dodge Nitro, which will be shown in the UK for the first time.
These two newcomers will both be launched in right-hand drive in the UK during 2007, and will be joined on the Chrysler Group motor show stand by all of the stunning new models that have been launched in the UK this year – the Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio, Chrysler 300C Touring, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland and Dodge Caliber.
Peter Lambert, Managing Director for Chrysler Group UK said: "2006 is a huge year for Chrysler Group with the launch of so many new models* in the UK in the first seven months of the year.
"With so much new metal it's no surprise that our sales are so far bucking the downward trend. Demand for the 300C saloon has exceeded all of our expectations, and the 300C Touring estate is off to a flying start. We are already asking the factory for extra cars to meet demand.
"Looking forward to 2007, it is no coincidence that Chrysler Group has decided to have the European reveal of the new Sebring at the London show – the UK is a key market for Chrysler worldwide and our aim over the next few years is to grow our market share by offering stunning cars that offer surprisingly good value for money."
The Sebring is Chrysler's first offering in the mid-size family car D-segment, currently dominated by cars like the Ford Mondeo and Honda Accord. It combines a striking design, based on the 2003 Airflite Concept, with interior craftsmanship, high levels of safety and reliability, great performance and excellent fuel efficiency. It will be available in right-hand drive with diesel and petrol engines in the UK from the middle of next year.
The Dodge Nitro on the show stand is the concept car that was unveiled at the 2005 Chicago Autoshow. It is the Dodge brand's first mid-size five-seater SUV, and is designed to attract customers seeking a vehicle with distinctive styling, sporty performance, a very flexible interior and all at a very affordable price. Right-hand drive versions of the Nitro will arrive in the UK in mid 2007 with petrol and diesel engines.
ends...
*the seven new Chrysler Group vehicles launched in 2006 include:
Jeep Commander
Grand Cherokee Overland
Grand Cherokee SRT-8
300C Touring
300C SRT-8
PT Cruiser Cabrio
Dodge Caliber
The brand new Chrysler Sebring will have its European premiere at the London Motor Show on 18 July together with the new Dodge Nitro, which will be shown in the UK for the first time.
These two newcomers will both be launched in right-hand drive in the UK during 2007, and will be joined on the Chrysler Group motor show stand by all of the stunning new models that have been launched in the UK this year – the Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio, Chrysler 300C Touring, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland and Dodge Caliber.
Peter Lambert, Managing Director for Chrysler Group UK said: "2006 is a huge year for Chrysler Group with the launch of so many new models* in the UK in the first seven months of the year.
"With so much new metal it's no surprise that our sales are so far bucking the downward trend. Demand for the 300C saloon has exceeded all of our expectations, and the 300C Touring estate is off to a flying start. We are already asking the factory for extra cars to meet demand.
"Looking forward to 2007, it is no coincidence that Chrysler Group has decided to have the European reveal of the new Sebring at the London show – the UK is a key market for Chrysler worldwide and our aim over the next few years is to grow our market share by offering stunning cars that offer surprisingly good value for money."
The Sebring is Chrysler's first offering in the mid-size family car D-segment, currently dominated by cars like the Ford Mondeo and Honda Accord. It combines a striking design, based on the 2003 Airflite Concept, with interior craftsmanship, high levels of safety and reliability, great performance and excellent fuel efficiency. It will be available in right-hand drive with diesel and petrol engines in the UK from the middle of next year.
The Dodge Nitro on the show stand is the concept car that was unveiled at the 2005 Chicago Autoshow. It is the Dodge brand's first mid-size five-seater SUV, and is designed to attract customers seeking a vehicle with distinctive styling, sporty performance, a very flexible interior and all at a very affordable price. Right-hand drive versions of the Nitro will arrive in the UK in mid 2007 with petrol and diesel engines.
ends...
*the seven new Chrysler Group vehicles launched in 2006 include:
Jeep Commander
Grand Cherokee Overland
Grand Cherokee SRT-8
300C Touring
300C SRT-8
PT Cruiser Cabrio
Dodge Caliber
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
TL 7:21PM (6/21/2006)
its like an S class and 3 series rolled into one. Wow how very unoriginal
Reply
Gidge 7:21PM (6/21/2006)
Not half bad. Of course it's no 300, but definitely artsy in it's own way.
Reply
shea lee 7:27PM (6/21/2006)
i see a little old Saturn LS200 in it, which is not a good thing
Reply
Josh Schneider 7:28PM (6/21/2006)
I've just got back from reading up on this car on several other automotive blogs, and it is very interesting to read the often-"colorful" comments posted there. Fact is, DCX screwed up big time on this car, and I'd be horrified if I was a DCX exec reading up on the overwhelmingly negative and vehement feedback.
I can see the Benz traces in the exterior of this car, but just barely. Some shapes and lines look Benz-like, and the headlights slightly resemble those on the R-class (again, try staring), but thats about it. The rear pillars are style disasters, as are the large chin, "arched-eyebrow"-resembling headlights, and ugly rear end complete with Japanese-looking tail lamps (Subaruesque maybe?). I'm neutral on the hood scars.
This car has an overall goofy appearance, and at first glance I thought it was some Asian knockoff. Its a shame that such a product is being produced by DCX, an automobile company that was on a roll in terms of hot styling (read: 300C) and easily had the potential to create a great Sebring. I highly doubt that more pictures and information will change my feelings on this car, but I'll be keeping an open mind.
Reply
thumbation 8:14PM (4/09/2009)
lol
Lorne 7:30PM (6/21/2006)
Yikes, that thing looks like a cross between the old Ion and a toboggan. Nasty.
Reply
ruggels 7:31PM (6/21/2006)
mmmm so THAT's what a passat/crossfire baby would look like!
Reply
DD 7:32PM (6/21/2006)
Is it made of wood? The plank lines on the deck (hood) don't really float my boat.
Reply
Aki 7:32PM (6/21/2006)
Front looks like a 5-series and C class Mercedes rolled into one (with a noisy hood). Side reminds me of the Saturn Ion sedan, and looks really cheap.
Saying it's an improvement over the last Sebring doesn't say much--I'm not impressed at all.
Reply
g 7:37PM (6/21/2006)
Good looking car! A refreshing change in a sea of boring midsize cars (accord & camry!). Overall a good design Chrysler.
Reply
Ari 7:37PM (6/21/2006)
Actually, from that angle it's a spot on twin of the Avalon. Also, the grill reminds me of a smiling toothless old man. Maybe it's just me. In the end, however, it looks like any other car on the road, very inoffensive.
Reply
jeff 7:44PM (6/21/2006)
so far we've got:
S Class + 3 series
3 series + Civic + Crossfire
5 series + C Class +Ion
Please, if you're gonna rag on every new car that comes out and claim said automaker just stole everything from a collage of other cars, at least point out the specific similarities. And then maybe you can give us your design for an entirely original car that doesn't borrow from any car ever made.
I can't say i actually like this one though. I never really liked the face of the 300, but the overall proportions of that car were really cool, very muscular, but i don't see any of that in this car. I also don't like the face on this one either, and I'd say I even prefer the old sebring which i always thought was pretty good looking.
Reply
MSH 7:45PM (6/21/2006)
Since Chrysler's current marketing strategy is to use polarizing styling to get attention and differentiate themselves, the polarized opinions expressed so far would indicate they've succeeded. With that said, blech. I just threw up in my mouth a little.
Reply
SKluck 7:45PM (6/21/2006)
I'm not terribly impressed. For some reason it reminds me of a cheap Geely or Chery sedan. It might be the angle but it looks a bit "chunky" as well. Almost as if it can't decide if it wants to be a 300 or crossfire.
Are they going for just a sedan this time around? I can't imagine a coupe or convertible version of that.
Reply
BCM 7:45PM (6/21/2006)
Yes, the Crossfire's stunning sales success points the way for Chrysler's entire lineup.
As with the earlier spy photos, I see a lot of resemblence to the 1998 Ford Mondeo.
Reply
tommcg 7:58PM (6/21/2006)
I love it. It sure beats the crap out of a Fusion, at the same price point (for V6 models, at least). Plus the interior looks great in the spy shots. Seriously, they've taken the Sebring from a car no one in their right mind would consider to one of the most attractive sedans in its segment.
Reply
Mr. Plow, that's my name it's Mr. Plow 8:00PM (6/21/2006)
This is HORRIFIC... what a shame. It's got some Ion in the side and EDSEL written all over it .
Just for fun look at the side greenhouse at the rear door. There are sooo many vertical lines: at the roll down window, then the window guide, then the small stationary window, at the door frame , and lastly that triangular piece of plastic.
It's soo hard on my eyes.
Other blogs say it looks best in dark colors, like absolute pitch black.
BEHEAD the design by committee members.
Reply
Ben 8:02PM (6/21/2006)
I like the front - a blend of C-class and Crossfire, both of which are nice - but the stumpy back and the side silhouette reminds me of Caliber. Definitely beats the bland Accord and Sonata, but I like the new Camry better.
Reply
felonious monk 8:02PM (6/21/2006)
ZZZzzZZZz...
Hm? Huh? There's a new car being unveiled?
Oh, I see it.
ZzzzZZZzZZzz...
Reply
Paul 8:02PM (6/21/2006)
I kind of like it...is that bad??
It looks classy and much more expensive than it is. I think it's distinctive enough to sell well. I'm definitely looking forward to the SRT6 version (I assume they'll do that).
Reply