Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge
Chrysler adds content, efficiency and cuts price on Avenger, Sebring and 300
All recent indications point to Chrysler LLC's days as a going concern being numbered. Nonetheless, the engineers and marketers who remain on staff are still tweaking the Pentastar's product line in hopes of picking up enough precious sales to keep the lights on a little while longer. To that end, the Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring and 300 are being tweaked to give potential buyers more equipment at a lower price point with a little more mileage. In fact, all three are being simplified with fewer models and more standard equipment. The Sebring is being reduced to just a single model, the Limited, with a $23,380 price point. The Avenger lineup has also been trimmed to just three models: the R/T with a 3.5L V6, the R/T with a 2.4L four-cylinder and the entry-level SXT that now starts at $21,255. Finally, while the starting price of the Chrysler 300 remains the same at $27,415, the new entry level model is the previous, higher content Touring Edition. Chrysler is surely hoping these new base models with lower entry points and more content help bring in a stray buyer or two who don't care that the company may not be around when the next model year rolls around. The Pentastar also announced that more than 75 percent of its models are getting mileage improvements for 2009, mostly in the 1-2 mpg. Hey, every little bit helps, we suppose. Follow the jump for every little detail in Chrysler's official press release.Gallery: 2009 Chrysler LLC model changes
[Source: Chrysler LLC]
PRESS RELEASE
Chrysler LLC Modifies Three New 2009 MY Vehicle Lineups to Provide More Content on Entry-level Models and Better Fuel Efficiency in Top of the Line Models
Auburn Hills, Mich. , Nov 3, 2008 - Chrysler LLC is streamlining three new 2009 model-year vehicle lineups to provide an added emphasis on higher value and content, expanded availability of fuel efficient engines, and upgraded exterior appearance and improved interior materials.
On three vehicles – Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Avenger – Chrysler LLC is providing customers with better-equipped, fuel-efficient, entry-level models with a value emphasis. These changes are in addition to the previously announced 2009 model-year packages and are effective for vehicle orders starting on Nov. 3.
"We know from our dealers and customers that fuel efficiency and value are the two most important criteria in purchasing a new car in this challenging economy. Therefore, we simplified key vehicle lines to deliver more value in our products with improved interiors and exteriors, as well as improved fuel efficiency," said Deborah Meyer, Vice President and CMO, Chrysler LLC.
Essentially, entry-level models have been upgraded to higher trim and content levels at discounted pricing. Also, availability of fuel-efficient powertrains has been expanded on models for those customers who want more product features without sacrificing fuel economy.
New 2009 Vehicle Lineups
Chrysler Sebring Sedan
The Chrysler brand has dramatically simplified the Sebring lineup to create the segment value leader with the Chrysler Sebring Limited sedan. The Chrysler Sebring Limited sedan features standard leather interior, heated seats, power front driver seat and tortoiseshell accents, as well as chrome and brushed trim accents, all at the price of the previous Chrysler Touring model - $23,380 (including $740 destination) with the fuel-efficient 30 mpg, 2.4-liter I-4 engine. Add the 3.5-liter V-6 engine, six-speed Auto Stick transmission, dual exhaust tips and 18-inch chrome wheels for a MSRP of $25,630 (including $740 destination).
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 lineup has been simplified with the Touring Edition becoming the new entry-level model. The MSRP remains at $27,415 (including $750 destination), yet the new base model includes the "Touring" interior and exterior as standard equipment, the more fuel-efficient 2.7-liter V-6 engine and a new front grille. The WPC Touring Signature Edition features a new lower MSRP of $31,825 (including $750 destination) and includes 18-inch chrome clad wheels, touring ride control, 60/40 rear folding seat, power adjustable pedals, Unlimited Powertrain Warranty, as well as available all-wheel drive, navigation and side airbags. The 300 Limited now features the same 300C exterior and interior looks with the fuel economy of the 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a MSRP of $36,035 (including $750 destination). The 300C offers the same legendary 5.7-liter V-8 performance with a MSRP of $37,585 (including $750 destination). With the 300 Limited and 300C, customers now have the choice of a V-6 or V-8 engine without compromising vehicle appearance.
Dodge Avenger
The Dodge Avenger lineup is changed to three models with the top of the line R/T model now featuring the fuel-efficient 30 mpg 2.4-liter I-4 engine along with standard leather, heated seats and heated, folding body color exterior mirrors at a MSRP of $22,790 (including $740 destination). The Avenger R/T with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and Auto Stick now includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, performance tires, dual exhaust, sport tuned suspension and firm feel power steering with a MSRP of $24,995 (including $740 destination). This model is priced $1,160 less than the previous R/T 3.5-liter model. The Avenger SXT is the new entry-level model with a base MSRP of $21,255 (including $740 destination).
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Gabagool 12:39PM (11/03/2008)
Shame. Why couldn't they have done this from the get go. Also 1-2 MPG are nothing, simply because next year we will get two hybrids in the same class that will provide enormous MPG numbers.
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TJ 12:47PM (11/03/2008)
They have EV's WELL on the way... lets see if they can survive to hit the market.
Harry Ariola 1:37PM (11/03/2008)
You can't say a 1 - 2 MPG increase is nothing. A zero MPG increase would be nothing. What is the increase in MPG ratings for the Accord and Camry for the 2009 model year? At least Chrysler did something to improve its' efficiency.
Torrent 12:45PM (11/03/2008)
Smart move. Very very smart...
too bad 2 of the 3 are fugly as hell
Hint: (they're twins...)
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The Luigiian 2:28PM (11/03/2008)
I'm guessing you're saying only the 300 is attractive, so I'm going to have to disagree and say that I think that the Avenger is attractive too. It would be better if it were actually a good car.
jv2k 6:51PM (11/03/2008)
I think the avenger has some really aggressive angles paired with really awkward ones. A little tweaking would make it a good looking car.
All it needs is a better interior and drive train and we'd have a decent car.
robert 12:49PM (11/03/2008)
It doesn't matter. The cars are ugly and the quality sucks (the rental cars I have had in these models make me never want to own a Chrysler product). How, in a world of focus groups and sophisticated marketing and product analysis did these cars ever get approved? And one wonders why people don't buy American cars.... Please.
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Gabagool 1:00PM (11/03/2008)
LaSorda got a free pass as he was the one behind these cars.
sdiori 1:01PM (11/03/2008)
Oddly enough, those same customers turn to import vehicles; German marques are popular--like the Big One that helped to destroy Chrysler in the first place. Bittersweet irony.
kazoomaloo 1:02PM (11/03/2008)
robert, you asked "How, in a world of focus groups and sophisticated marketing and product analysis did these cars ever get approved?" I think these abominations are created precisely because we depend on focus groups and marketing MBAs to design our cars nowadays. Once you remove a thoughtful designer with a singular design concept and replace him or her with a roomful of gabbling idiots picked at random from the street, you're on your way to design trouble.
happy_penguin 2:52PM (11/03/2008)
Rental cars are not good for judging quality. They get beat to hell.
Xcountryflyer 1:19PM (11/03/2008)
Sebring and Avenger are horrible cars no matter the price. The 300 is just OLD.
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Jared 1:32PM (11/03/2008)
What is the best metaphor for this? Lipstick on a pig? Deckchairs on the titanic?
The Sebring/Avenger are horrid cars. 1-2mpg more won't change that.
But it doesn't matter. Chryco will be put out of its misery in just a few short weeks.
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jgp 1:56PM (11/03/2008)
It's a damn shame Chrysler flubbed the Sebring's design the way they did. I loved the art deco theme Chrysler had going with the Crossfire, Pacifica, and 300, but they really screwed it up with the Sebring.
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David 3:14PM (11/03/2008)
Honestly, who would buy a Sebring or Dodge Avenger? I get them as rentals and, yes they are low content packages, but they are absolutely boring. Cheap interior materials. Engines that make a little noise but don't do anything. Jello-feeling controls and nonexistent road feel. Besides rental fleets, these things have no reason to exist. Whoever designed and built these cars had no passion whatsoever for them.
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Egon 4:50PM (11/03/2008)
Uncle Sam is buying them up like they're going out of style. Actually, they were never 'in style', but that seems to make it the perfect G-car.
AZZO45b 8:48PM (11/03/2008)
Who is buying them??? People who can deal with driving a FUGLY, ULTRA CHEAP, new car with a warranty.
Beats a BETTER LOOKING used car??? That's my guess.
Mark R 3:37PM (11/03/2008)
I'm going to take the unpopular road here and say that when my current Jeep lease is up, I'm seriously going to consider a used version of these vehicles. I figure that their residual value will be horrible and I'll be able to pick one up real cheap. If Chrysler goes down, then it will be an even bigger bargain.
I'll keep it for two years (as long as it lasts that long!) and then dump it for pennies - I'll still be better off in the long run!
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Steve 3:54PM (11/03/2008)
Well, finally, better quaility interiors and price reduction and model reductions. Good work.
Now, the base 300 is the Touring model. Good move. I suggested that a long time ago. Better interiors. The 300 series need a serious updated outside as well. A Coupe and Touring wagon would be nice. A diesel version to replace the 2.7 Litre base model would be a good idea as well.
I agree with Sidori. Mercedes Benz did not help Chrysler with quality products. Chrylser needs leaders that cares about its present and futures existance.
Redesign both mid size vehicles and make them different. No badge re-enigneering. Those days are long gone.
Make improvements on the 3.5 Litre V6 as well.
Chrysler also needs to take care of all their dealerships. Single or multiple name plates, no matter where they are.
Thanks.
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Dexter 4:27PM (11/03/2008)
I would have to say the 300 is still a great looking car.Great handling,performance and 28 miles per gallon!!!With the Hemi!!Accord/Camry and the new Mazda6 look very similar as the Hyundai model.I have driven many rentals and the cheaper model Camry and Accord's feel cheap not pleasant plastics and the 4 cyl versions are boring as hell.It is very strange consumers gives Chrysler products a bad name because not of its reliability but on some models the audio sound.Even the upper model Sebring/Avenger usually get good reviews,the cheaper models have cheaper interiors thats going to change though,as a slick restyle would help with the phoenix engines...Yes I own a 2006 Chrysler 300C with 80,000 trouble free miles,(I live in the valley work in the city)and my wife has a Toyota Celica with 20,000 miles with only 1 minor stalling problem,her 2003 Acura could not hold a transmission(known honda/acura problems).I would really miss Chrysler as this was my first one ever,after owning a slough of honda/mazda/toyota's this Chrysler was the most reliable and yes all my others were bought new except my first car..not worth mentioning...I guess I am a Mopar guy now,but who wouldnt be after driving a mean sounding Hemi 300.I still own my 1994 Toyota 4 runner that I love but it had head gasket issues since new.My wife's Del Sol had timing belt issues.
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