Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Chrysler, LLC.
LA Auto Show: Chrysler Sebring convertible unveiled!
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Here you have the first shot of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible, and thankfully, the car looks a whole lot better minus two doors and a roof. The release we have right now is for the UK model, which will only be available with a retractable hardtop. The Brits will get two engine choices: a 2.7L gasoline V6 with a six-speed and 189 horses, and a 2.0L diesel with a six-speed and 140 horsepower.
The convertible is three inches longer than the sedan, and even with the hard roof stowed, there's still room for the all-important pair of golf bags. With the roof raised, you can drop two more into the trunk. Stay tuned for much, much more info tonight or tomorrow as the full details of the US model are released. Will we get a choice of tops? What engines do we get to choose from? All should be known shortly. We'll update you as soon as we get the skinny
For now, be thankful that this Sebring is not the ugly duckling many of us feared it would be. As a convertible, it's a hell of a lot more stylish.
[Source: DaimlerChrysler UK]
PRESS RELEASE:
CHRYSLER REVEALS STUNNING SEBRING CABRIO AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Chrysler Group has today revealed the new Chrysler Sebring Cabrio that will be launched in the UK at the end of 2007.
All UK models will feature a retractable hard roof that folds into three sections and stows in less than 30 seconds. Standard roof system features include remote control operation from the key fob, standard powered tonneau cover and automatic latching.
Right hand drive models will be available with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine with six-speed automatic gearbox offering 189 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with six-speed manual will also be available with140 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque.
Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group, said: "Over the last decade the Sebring has been America's favourite convertible and this latest model is ideal for European markets with a folding hard roof and choice of petrol and diesel engines.
"The new Sebring is a stunning four seat two-door Cabrio that will offer outstanding value for money compared to competitors like the Saab 9-3 and Audi A4 in the UK. The Cabrio offers more than enough room for four adults plus exceptional cargo space. It is three inches longer than the Sebring saloon and there is luggage space for four golf bags with the roof up and two golf bags when the roof is retracted."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Steven 7:10PM (11/28/2006)
Yawn...
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Jeff Crew 7:15PM (11/28/2006)
I can't say the car is good looking, not until I view it with my own eyes. It does not look good from this one pic though... like you guys said, it is not the ugly duckling as you feared...that is faint praise.
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dj 7:42PM (11/28/2006)
Wow. That's a beautiful car.
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w. anderson 7:45PM (11/28/2006)
so far- so good. we better get the hard top in the u.s
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Donville 7:47PM (11/28/2006)
the Sebring so disappointing, why don't they stick to there drawing
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w. anderson 7:56PM (11/28/2006)
looks good hope we get the hardtop
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Mike 8:19PM (11/28/2006)
That's NOT an ugly duckling?
That's a beautiful car?
Yikes.
Also, regardless of the styling, it will probably have about as much driving charactor as the previous Sebrings, meaning even less than a Camry.
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Cameron 8:46PM (11/28/2006)
Saying that it looks better than its four door sedan counterpart isn't much of a complement. Even the Aztek looks better than the four door Sebring.
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chewy 8:53PM (11/28/2006)
So far I like it MUCH more than the four door model, but I'd like to see a few more shots of it. I really like Chrysler's new direction with styling, although I have no clue what this would drive like.
Still, I don't think this will be a good value, the way Chrysler is going upmarket, this thing will probably go close to 30k, and for less than that I'd rather have an Eclipse Spyder.
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Victor 8:56PM (11/28/2006)
This one ugly-ugly car! Unbelievable, how difficult it is to shape an aesthetically attractive car? When I’m looking at these ugly American cars, I wonder, if there is a powerful Fifth column at Big 3.
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apt34 9:03PM (11/28/2006)
"The only person to ever look good in the back of a four door 'cou-pay' was Adolf Hitler"
All the cool people will know who said :D
Seriously, didn't anyone learn anything from the disappointment that was the Toyota Solara?
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Misaniovent 9:03PM (11/28/2006)
they should advertise these in black -- it hides the superfluous details that really do not need to be there.
This looks better than the sedan, but it is still stubby.
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apt34 9:04PM (11/28/2006)
^^ Whoops, sorry. I meant to say "four seat" coupe.
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Robert O 9:05PM (11/28/2006)
Better looking than the sedan, but that isn't necessarily saying much. The back reminds me of a VW Eos, though. I'd like to see the soft-top version with the top raised. Of course, price will be a bid factor is determining the success of this vehicle. In the final analysis - a relatively safe redesign of the current Chrysler Convt.
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Huh? 9:10PM (11/28/2006)
If thats for the UK, why is the steering wheel on the left side?
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Chet 9:35PM (11/28/2006)
Making it a convertible fixes the least-broken part of the sedan's styling. It does nothing for the awkward and failed attempt to hide the car's old front-wheel-drive proportions, or the doors that were stolen from a previous-generation Mustang, or the incongruity of the headlights, or the third-time's-not-a-charm hood wrinkles.
The silver lining in this cloud is that anyone who lives in vacation-country will soon see so many of these that they'll cease to become ugly and merely become invisible.
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w 9:53PM (11/28/2006)
i still think its a butt ugly design
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Ed Garsten 10:13PM (11/28/2006)
Everyone's invited to watch a live webcast of the reveal at 1:25pm-1:50pm Pacific, 4:25pm-4:50pm Eastern time Wednesday. Follow this link: http://www.deferomedia.com/registration/laautoshow/
If you can't watch it live, an on-demand replay will be available at that same link starting about an hour after the show ends for 30 days. Whether you watch it live or on Memorex, you have to register--takes just a moment, and you're in. Ed Garsten, Chrysler Communications
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Steven T. 10:16PM (11/28/2006)
The convertible has iconic importance to Chrysler, so it is disappointing to see what they've cooked up for the next-generation model. I'm sorry, but the "ribbed for your pleasure" hood just doesn't work. Just because the ribbing stands out doesn't make it good branding. Imagine what they'll do to the 300 once it gets a reskinning.
The main driver behind the new convertible seems to be cost savings, e.g., apparently sharing the same front as the sedan. Not terribly successful proportions for a convertible.
What I don't understand is why did Chrysler spend so much to create a RWD platform and give it a convertible? That would have been an interesting design even if had to use 300 sheetmetal.
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Kowell 10:32PM (11/28/2006)
Sebring convertibles have never been the most beautiful car but they DO offer the possibility of a decent convertible at a fairly reasonable price and that is their strenght
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