Chrysler dropping the top of the Sebring in L.A., maybe
Rumors have begun to surface that Chrysler may be lopping the roof off of its new Sebring and debuting the results at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show.
The drop top offerings will likely include either a traditional soft top or a trendy folding hardtop, a first for the segment. Chrysler is reportedly working with Karmann GmbH to provide both the hard top system and the cloth top alternative.
Chrysler contends that the availability of both setups will appeal to a broader customer base, specifically cost-averse rental agencies.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jeff Crew 11:00AM (11/27/2006)
Folding hard top first for the segment?? Hello G6 & Eos...
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Mr_Oak 11:02AM (11/27/2006)
I wonder how much did it cost DCX to put those stupid and unecessary creases in the hood of this car?
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Michael Karesh 11:03AM (11/27/2006)
The article says this will make Chrysler the first to offer a choice of tops. Apparently they forgot about the Mazda MX-5.
I'll grant that lopping the roof off the Sebring might improve its looks. But I'd still keep a bucket handy before viewing pics of the new convertible. The old one sold (mostly to rental agencies) on a combination of looks, interior room (for a convertible), and price. I suppose the new one will still have interior room and price.
My design critique of the sedan:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=1791
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Michael Karesh 11:06AM (11/27/2006)
I should add that Autoblog makes a more accurate statement than Automotive News--the CHOICE of tops will be a first for THIS SEGMENT. AN left out the last few words.
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aaron 11:24AM (11/27/2006)
so providing my grade 3 education is up to snuff, the choice of tops is a first in the segment..
where say an mx5 isn't in this segment for example.. and a g6 only has a hard top.
I've had the displeasure of driving in several old sebrings, which are double barreled pieces of shit. I wish they hadn't gone so avant garde with the styling, but I guess the jury is out on the sales front. I'm glad they have gone on record as saying they will work to avoid the rental lots.
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XJ 11:48AM (11/27/2006)
Apparently, Chrsyler is forbidden to sell Sebrings without Wolverine's seal of approval on its hood.
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Mark 5:15PM (11/27/2006)
What coupe? The Sebring convertible has always been based on the sedan, never the coupe, which has been discontinued anyway.
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Damon Lavrinc 12:50PM (11/27/2006)
When I wrote this up the Miata came to mind, but that's why I added the "segment" part. The MX-5 strikes me as a vehicle that would be in an entirely different class compared to a two door FF Sebring. I'd list the ways, but they're obvious.
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SirT 1:14PM (11/27/2006)
Lol at #6. As funny as that seems, I wouldn't be surprised if it were true.
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paddlefoot 2:47PM (11/27/2006)
Please stop posting photos of that thing. Someone is going to lose an eye!
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roadside observer 4:05PM (11/27/2006)
Those six creases in the hood of the Sebring have got to go. Ye gods, they're hideous.
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Mike G 11:11PM (11/27/2006)
Does anyone know the back story on how such a hideous design got greenlighted for the new Sebring? Almost no one likes it. Meanwhile the new Dodge sister vehicle, the Avenger, looks pretty good, while most people find the Chrysler 300 and Charger good looking - just what the heck happened with the new Sebring? Surely there must be an interesting story there. Is it some sort of corporate behind the scenes joke?
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dakota 1:04AM (11/28/2006)
The design of the 300 would look out of place on the Sebring. Then you would get the whiners saying that they were "un original" or Mr. Karesh would post his little rant about how to design a car, and how he doesn't like it.
Instead of whining on how to design a car and how you can do better, then do it. Let's see how great your able to make something original within the parameters sent down by the platform engineers.
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Chris Goldrick 5:33AM (11/28/2006)
How about dropping the Sebring altogether and then starting over from the drawing board?
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Galley 8:55AM (11/28/2006)
Please don't hate me because I like the creases.
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Clayton Van Sickle 9:07PM (11/28/2006)
I have a '96 Sebring Convertible which actually bears very little resemblence to the hard top version, except for the nameplate. I bought this car new and it is probably the one of the best cars I've ever owned. 127K and still runs and looks like it was new. As for the creases in the new version, undecided, need to see in person. Looks alittle Crossfireish!!
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