Autoblog

Chrysler to launch four Special Editions in first quarter of 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Hatchback, Chrysler

Much has been made of Chrysler's apparent lack of new products for the 2010 model year. Suffice it to say, while there are big things in store for Chrysler, they will take at least another year to get into production. For instance, while removing the unsightly strakes from the hood of the unloved Sebring sedan and convertible is a nice gesture, it's not nearly far enough to make the car suddenly competitive with its chief rivals in the ultra competitive mid-size sedan arena.

Not entirely surprisingly then, Chrysler is trying its best to add a few reasons to purchase its current models before the major changes happen in the next few years. Each of Chrysler's current nameplates - 300, Town and Country, Sebring and PT Cruiser - get Special Editions that will hit the market in the first quarter of 2010.

First, the 300 is slated to get a complete redesign later on in 2010, probably as a 2011 model vehicle. Regardless, the current 300 will get a Sport Edition that's targeted at the youth market before the reboot button is officially pressed. The Town and Country gets a Fashion Edition and the Sebring gets an Ocean Edition (we have no idea what that means).

Lastly, the long-in-the-tooth PT Cruiser gets a Final Edition (finally final? Promise?) and the nameplate is not scheduled to live on past the 2010 model year. So, if you want one... better hit your local dealer post haste. As a parting note, Chrysler never actually mentioned it, but take a good look at the new Chrysler 300 brochure at the top right of the image above - that doesn't look like the current 300 grille, does it? Hint, hint.

Chrysler to launch four Special Editions in first quarter of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Fiat

Amidst the confirmation that chief executive Sergio Marchionne was splitting off the Dodge Ram truck unit into its own division of the Chrysler Group came the announcement of some executive re-shuffles in Auburn Hills. Among them, Lancia CEO Olivier Francois was appointed head of the Chrysler brand. But according to the latest reports, the sharing of a chief executive is only the tip of the North Atlantic iceberg for cooperation between the Chrysler and Lancia.

Long subsisting like it's the Plymouth of the Fiat Group, Lancia lacks a strong product portfolio. But while it isn't expected to join its sister brands in the transatlantic journey to the American market, the sharing and co-development of new products with Chrysler could get the quirky Fiat division back on track.

Among those products that stand to be shared between the two quasi-premium brands are the next-generation models of the Chrysler 300 (which could underpin a replacement for the discontinued Lancia Thesis), Chrysler Sebring, and Lancia Ypsilon hatchback.

Meanwhile, Francois, who joined Fiat in 2005 from his position as a regional manager for Citroën, is emerging as a rising star within both auto groups: his responsibilities now put him in charge of both Chrysler and Lancia, as well as marketing, advertising and branding for no less than nine brands: Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram. If it wasn't clear before, it's now plainly obvious who has replaced Luca de Meo as Marchionne's right hand man.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stayin' Alive? Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Avenger reportedly off death row until 2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge

2010 Chrysler Sebring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Great news, midsize sedan buyers! The Italian/American brain trust at the helm of the Pentastar has decided to keep the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger around for another two models years. Previously, past owners Cerberus had signaled its intentions to cull the slow selling duo after the 2010 model year, but according to reports, Fiat says that there weren't really any solid plans to replace the twins and it's not really feasible to pull out of the segment entirely until its own Italian-bred successors are ready.

Perhaps the automaker's new owners can find a way to make the platform a bit more competitive for its final two years in production. Next year's Sebring will see a few minor updates that should at least improve the ugly duckling's appearance, not the least of which is the deletion of the car's awkward ribbed hood. Current projections indicate that a more extensive freshening is in the works for 2011 for the Sebring and possibly a wee bit earlier for the Dodge Avenger, which isn't in quite so dire need of a facelift.

Gallery: 2010 Chrysler Sebring

[Source: AutoWeek]

Stayin' Alive? Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Avenger reportedly off death row until 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Legacy and Outback, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring new IIHS Top Safety Picks

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge, Subaru

Four 2010 model year vehicles have just been awarded Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Subaru's Outback and Legacy, the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler's Sebring. Top Safety Picks are given to those vehicles that come equipped with electronic stability control and receive front, side, and rear crash test ratings of 'Good' in IIHS testing.

The Legacy has boasted a 'Good' rating for a few years now, while the all-new Outback takes the cake on its first try. The Sebring and Avenger continue their runs of 'Good' form in their current generations.

[Source: IIHS]

Subaru Legacy and Outback, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring new IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #133

Dan Roth — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Government/Legal, Buick, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

The dynamic duo of Chris and Sam carry off Episode #133 of the Autoblog Podcast without a hitch. Though down a man, the pair didn't cheap out on topics or duration, it's the same podcast goodness. It kicks off with Hyundai's impressive showing in the recently released Initial Quality Survey results. From there, they hit Chrysler's RWD/FWD dilemma with its Sebring/Avenger replacement, the rumor that Mustangs could have had IRS for $100 per car, and reports of an Ecotec engine for the Buick LaCrosse. Keeping it on the Buick tip, spyshots of a Tri-Shield variant of the new 2010 Astra get mentioned. The nullification of all pre-bankruptcy liability claims against GM and Chrysler is next before talk settles briefly on Hyundai's 2010-on lineup and then turns to your questions. It almost seems like the Chris and Sam show is a juggernaut without that other guy. Thanks for listening, and please, keep your questions and comments rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com.

In our ongoing efforts to promote and direct the Podcast, please fill out our quick survey so we can snag the best sponsors for your favorite listening experience!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #133

Autoblog Podcast #133 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler pondering whether Sebring/Avenger replacements should go rear-wheel drive?

Dan Roth — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Chrysler 200C concept car - click above for high-res image gallery

Setting the Challenger and 300 aside, what Chrysler needs now most of all is a C/D segment car that moves more metal than the pitiful performance of its current offerings. According to Automotive News, Chrysler shifted just 133,626 of its Sebring and Dodge Avenger platform-mates, a number that pales in comparison to class leaders like the Toyota Camry (436,617) and Honda Accord (372,789). The constant clamor to put the 200C concept into production in some form has got Chrysler looking for ways to make that car a reality, but finding a platform that will play on Main Street is a thorny little chestnut.

Replacing the universally jeered Sebring and Dodge Avenger (and their Mitsubishi platform) by going rear-wheel drive is a possibility. The 200C show car sat on a shortened version of the LX platform, in theory inviting both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Fiat's D-Evo platform, debuting with the replacement for Alfa Romeo's 159, is another possibility, but there are concerns it may not be flexible enough to grow to the size the 200C needs. Fiat's bid for General Motors' Opel unit brought with it speculation that the 200C could snag the Epsilon platform, but that's since fallen off the radar.

While a rear-drive Chrysler midsizer sporting the sharp exterior and interior design of the 200C and priced like a Fusion would be something distinctive, the sales case for such a departure from the class-norm of FWD remains yet to be convincingly argued. Tuned properly, such a vehicle could give much higher-zoot iron a run for its money, and performance enthusiasts likely would embrace such a model; though they may not actually buy one. Chrysler needs to close sales, not set internet chatrooms abuzz, so regardless of how it comes to market, the 200C must be more fully realized than the current Chrysler midsizers.

Gallery: Chrysler 200C Concept

[Source: Automotive News (subs req)]

Chrysler pondering whether Sebring/Avenger replacements should go rear-wheel drive? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Hot on the heels of news that the Dodge Viper's Conner Avenue facility would be the first Chrysler plant to fire up after the company's bankruptcy proceedings/Fiat tie-up comes official word that the automaker will resume production at seven plants the week of June 29. In addition, Chrysler will bring the supporting powertrain and stamping plants online that supply the assembly factories listed below with parts.

According to Ed Garsten, Chrysler's manager of electronic media communications, the following assembly plants will resume production as part of a "phased production ramp-up" -

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Sterling Heights, MI) - Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger
Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, MI) - Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota
St. Louis North Assembly Plant (Fenton, MO) - Dodge Ram
Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, OH) - Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) - Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger
Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada ) - Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico) - Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser

Despite the start-ups, all Chrysler plants will again idle for two weeks in the second half of July as part of a previously scheduled summer break.

Source: Chrysler | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially, Official: Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Chrysler assets

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials

Late Sunday night, U.S. bankruptcy Judge Arthur Gonzalez approved the sale of Chrysler's remaining good assets to a group that includes the UAW VEBA health care trust, Fiat, and the U.S. and Canadian governments. The union will get a 68% stake, Fiat gets 20% and the governments split the rest. Gonzalez over-ruled virtually all objections to the deal on the grounds that the best chance of preserving any value in the assets was to move ahead with the sale. The only other viable alternative was liquidation, which would likely only bring a small fraction of the potential value in keeping the company alive.

Gonzalez cited the public interest as one of the reasons to move ahead with the sale. Because the billions of dollars in loans from the two governments, keeping the company alive it was decided that this course of action was the best opportunity for some repayment. Senior lenders will receive $2 billion, or about .29 cents on the dollar of the debt currently owed by Chrysler. Some 90 percent of the company's senior lenders were reportedly in support of the deal.

The "new" Chrysler will henceforth be known as Chrysler Group LLC.

[Source: Reuters]

Officially, Official: Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Chrysler assets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ad alert! Chrysler Sebring is not the same as a Mercedes SL!

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

Actual images of a contemporary Chrysler Sebring convertible would likely scare off more potential buyers than draw them in, but this is ridiculous. Yes, they both have four wheels and retractable hard tops, but a Mercedes-Benz SL in no way passes for a Sebring. Ever. Erin Dodge near Toronto is offering up two brand "practically new" Sebrings for the not-so-bargain price of $34,888 (Canadian dollars), dangling photos of the SL as bait. The 2009 Sebring Limited starts at $32,695, so it's not clear how much has even been knocked off here. As always, when it comes to dealer ads, buyer beware. Thanks to jagdesh for the tip!

[Source: Erin Dodge]

Ad alert! Chrysler Sebring is not the same as a Mercedes SL! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Chrysler 200C Concept, what the Sebring should have been [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Chrysler

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chrysler 200C Concept

We were beginning to worry that the 300C was all Ralph Gilles had in him. But if the Chrysler 200C Concept is what Chrysler's styling star can bring to the hitherto dull banquet of Chrysler design, then he should have been placed in charge long ago. It is absolutely gorgeous - check out those wheels - and to our eyes, at least, this is what the straked nonsense known as the Sebring should have been (or at least, what it could have looked like).

A range-extended four-passenger sedan, the car is about the size of a BMW 5-Series. A rear-wheel-driver powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that includes a "small gasoline engine" - Chrysler didn't say how small - aided by a lithium-ion batteries and an electric generator putting out 55kW (74 horsepower) of continuous power. The system's combined forces are good for 200 kW (268 hp) of peak power. The car can go 40 miles on electric power alone (a number that sounds rather familiar), and has an estimated range of up to 400 miles. The 200C is not a slowpoke, either, with a predicted 7-second blast to sixty, and a top speed north of 120.

Inside, the 200C Concept is crammed with enough tech to guide a starfleet. The interactive dashboard is infinitely changeable, internet enabled (via Chrysler's uConnect), and tied into security cameras and street cameras when you want to see how long the line is out front of the Delta Terminal at Detroit Metro. Even better, you can control everything from the integrated tablet PC in the glovebox or from an iPhone-like controller - even roll down the windows and check on the status of the car. And the technology leaf for the passenger also gets a huge shoutout. You can read all about it in the minutely thorough press releases after the jump, and the live presser video is also available. Also, check out the galleries of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Chrysler 200C Concept

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chrysler 200C EV

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Chrysler 200C Concept, what the Sebring should have been [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Chrysler 200C Concept, what the Sebring should have been [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Chrysler's "Project D" be a Nissan?

Dan Roth — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan

Chrysler has been eerily silent about what, if anything, is in the works to replace the Avenger/Sebring twins, other than giving the replacement plan a cryptic "Project D" moniker. The pair are still relative newcomers to the scene, but the competition has delivered Chrysler's midsizers a sound drubbing both in the press and on the sales charts. The problem is that development costs money, something that's currently hard to come by. Thinking strategically, the unloved and outgunned Chryslers might seek solace by relocating to the Nissan Altima's platform. The Altima is one of the best - and best-selling - vehicles on the market. Put plainly, we would dive on an Altima's keys to avoid driving these Chryslers.

A relationship between Chrysler and Nissan already exists, with plans for Chrysler to port the Ram over for Nissan to rebadge as the next Titan, and a version of the Versa wearing Pentastar badging for the South American market is in the mix, so it's not like the two companies are strangers to each other. If Chrysler decides that it still wants its own platform, a partnership with another company to do the building might still be in the cards. Project D is about finding the most economic way to bring a competitive midsize sedan to market, including shrewd lash-ups.

According to Kicking Tires, Chrysler hopes to have a partner chosen by the end of the first half of 2009, with Nissan already being acknowledged as one of the possibilities.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Could Chrysler's "Project D" be a Nissan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler hasn't killed future product plans... yet

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Chrysler

As you'd imagine, it's pretty tough to run a successful auto company if there's no viable product in the pipeline. Chrysler has seen its fair share of negative press for not announcing a clear strategy to rebuild the heart of its line-up, namely the Chrysler Sebring and the Dodge Avenger, and it's unclear how much life the aging 300C and Charger platform has in it. According to Chrysler's product development chief, Frank Klegon, though, there's nothing to worry about... assuming that the Feds pull through and "show them the money" they need for future development. If Detroit's number 3 automaker doesn't get the cash? Don't ask.

Klegon also says that Project D is still moving along, though no actual decisions have yet been made as to whether 1) a completely new platform is needed, 2) the old one will be modified or 3) another firm's mid-sizer will be cribbed for the next Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger. Despite rumors of its apparent demise, Klegon reiterated that the Phoenix project to develop next-gen V6 engines is well into the testing phase. Chrysler needs to knock all of these plans out of the park in order to remain competitive.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chrysler hasn't killed future product plans... yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler adds content, efficiency and cuts price on Avenger, Sebring and 300

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Chrysler LLC model changes

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]

Continue reading Chrysler adds content, efficiency and cuts price on Avenger, Sebring and 300

Chrysler adds content, efficiency and cuts price on Avenger, Sebring and 300 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler looking for partners for mid-size car

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge

Chrysler's Project D is in full swing, and the automaker has targeted an end-of-winter date for its decision on how to proceed. As a refresher, Chrysler has set up a team consisting of people from every facet of vehicle design and marketing with the goal of coming up with a suitable replacement for the Pentastar's mid-sized Sebring and Dodge Avenger, which we'll charitably describe as non-competitive. Possibilities for their replacements include creating a completely new vehicle architecture in-house or partnering up with another automaker that already has a well-designed sedan that Chrysler could use as a base for its next mid-sizer. Chrysler's not saying, but we've heard that discussions have taken place with Nissan/Renault, Fiat and, lest we forget, possibly even General Motors. According to the most recent reports, the automaker would actually prefer to partner-up on the project. In the mean time, we'd hope that Chrysler can perform a bit of mid-cycle magic on its Sebring and Avenger to make them just a wee bit more palatable.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chrysler looking for partners for mid-size car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clarkson: "Almost certainly the worst car in the entire world"

Alex Nunez — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Chrysler, UK, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Yep, that's Jeremy Clarkson talking up the Chrysler Sebring convertible in his column for The Sunday Times today. What, you expected anything less than a wholesale evisceration? Clarkson weighing in on the astoundlingly sub-par Sebring is pretty much the motor-journalistic equivalent of using a Stinger missile to take out your kid's SpongeBob birthday piñata. It didn't stand a chance.

The laughs come early and often as the Chrysler gets mercilessly worked over like one of Mike Tyson's sparring partners in the '80s, but be forewarned: by the time Jezza puts down his pen, America's Number One Fan has managed to work in AIG, Lehman Brothers and the Iraq war as he slips in his obligatory jabs at the country, which the Chrysler becomes symbolic of.

The way Clarkson sees it, quality sucks in the Sebring and other American cars because we Americans have no sense of history and are thus incapable of planning for the future (by making something built to last). Whatever -- he's entitled to his opinion. Speaking for myself, I can deal with the crappy Sebring in the grand scheme of things; that's a miniscule tradeoff for having something to celebrate on July 4th. Besides, it's not all tea and cookies in the former motherland, anyway...

Gallery: Review: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited Convertible

[Source: TimesOnline | Tip: Kris]

Clarkson: "Almost certainly the worst car in the entire world" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler and Nissan consider sharing mid-size car

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Nissan

Lending further credence to earlier rumors of platform sharing between Chrysler and Nissan, The Wall Street Journal reports that Chrysler is in talks to base its next mid-size sedan on the next-gen Altima platform. Chrysler's "Project D" focuses on finding or designing a suitable replacement for the current Sebring and Dodge Avenger, models which have fallen on their faces with consumers. Other rumors point to Fiat being the chosen platform-supplier. After all is said and done, Chrysler could have a line-up which consists of a small car from Chinese automaker Chery, another small car from Nissan, a mid-size sedan from Nissan and a line of full-size sedans, pickups and SUVs of its own design. While Chrysler's main goal is to become profitable once again, there is certainly some danger in becoming a re-brander of cars from other companies, especially in the hotly-contested mid-size sedan market.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Chrysler and Nissan consider sharing mid-size car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's not a Sebring. Volga begins production of Siber sedan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Russia

Click above for more shots of the Volga Siber

Featuring a slightly revised front and rear fascia on a previous-generation Chrysler Sebring chassis, GAZ has resuscitated the Volga brand name with the Siber sedan. In the words of Sergey Zanozin, Chairman of the GAZ Group, "The GAZ Group has started to produce a new line of cars under the Volga brand on platforms from the world's leading manufacturers. The new production complex has the flexible capacity needed to bring new models into production at minimal cost and investment in the future." Well, alrighty then. While the old Sebring platform might not exactly set the world on fire, it is definitely a step in the right direction for Russian roads, with a slightly lifted ride height and beefed-up suspension components to handle the stresses of Siberian winters. The Siber uses a either a 2.0-liter Chrysler engine with 141 horsepower or a 2.4-liter churning out 143 hp. Standard features include air conditioning, dual airbags, ABS and traction control. All in all, it's not that bad.

Gallery: GAZ Siber

[Source: GAZ]

Continue reading It's not a Sebring. Volga begins production of Siber sedan

It's not a Sebring. Volga begins production of Siber sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler may nix top-of-the-line Avenger, Sebring

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge

Gas prices are up, which has led to increased interest in midsizers, more specifically, the midsize offerings from Chrysler's competition. The Sebring has taken a 30 percent sales whack this year, mostly due to reduced fleet sales. The Avenger's year has been a little brighter, posting a two-percent gain. Contrast that with everyone else; Malibu, Fusion, and Accord are up ten percent or more this year; and therein lies Chrysler's problem. Ditching Chrysler's outmoded V6 for the four-cylinder powertrain will deliver more competitive fuel economy, if you can stand the NVH increase.

Top heavy with trucks and taking fire over the Avenger and Sebring's interior quality and efficiency, Chrysler's seriously looking at re-jiggering the sedan twins, killing the top R/T and Limited trim levels and sliding some of the good stuff down to the SXT and Touring trim levels. The 3.5-liter V6 will be left out as standard equipment, though, as it doesn't post great fuel economy. The goodies that normally accompany the six, like heated leather power seats, dual exhausts, and 18 inch wheels, will end up as standard gear on the Sebring Touring and Avenger SXT. The prices of those models get bumped - 9.9 percent for the Dodge, now starting at $21,750, and 3.4 percent for the Sebring, offered for $21,670. What's up with the Avenger costing more than the Sebring? We don't know. The Journey is also being considered for this initiative, rumored to be called the "Fight Back" plan, and suppliers had until yesterday to give Chrysler a yes or no on feasibility.

[Source: Detroit News]

Chrysler may nix top-of-the-line Avenger, Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Chrysler Sebring loses hood strakes

Chris Shunk — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

The Chrysler Sebring has been a major league disappointment since its introduction in 2007, but execs at Chrysler headquarters have promised that a new, better midsize sedan is on the way. The photo to the right is not that magical new Chrysler, but is what appears to be a warmed-over version of the Sebring we already have. The most obvious change arrives at the hood, where the Sebring's ungainly washboard ribbing is replaced by a smooth surface. There is significant camouflage covering the front bumper and lower fascia, but due to some un-kept grass, we can't see any details. The Chrysler experts over at Allpar say that the updates will mainly improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise, which will also help improve fuel economy.

Chrysler also plans to simplify manufacturing by making many former options standard equipment, adding the Premium and Luxury group as standard on the Limited model. The Touring model a eight-way power driver seat, chrome and leather shift knob, and traction and stability control. What we don't know is whether Chrysler has updated the Sebring's interior, but the automaker has insisted that it was racing to update it quickly. The good news for interior designers is that the Sebring redo can only get better.

[Source: Allpar]

Spy Shots: 2009 Chrysler Sebring loses hood strakes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler working on Project D to replace Sebring/Avenger

John Neff — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge

Amidst all the wheeling and dealing going on at Chrysler LLC., the automaker still has a lineup of current cars that needs attending to. The Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Avenger duo have been underperforming in the marketplace since they were introduced in 2006, and in an interview with The Detroit Free Press, Chrysler's executive vice pres Frank Klegon reveals exactly what's going to happen to this company's midsize sedans in the future. Chrysler is readying a mid-cycle fix for the Sebring/Avenger that will include improvements that Klegon calls "cosmetic" and some "more functional things". Hopefully the quality of the interior materials is addressed, as well as the engine lineup of these vehicles featuring a four- and six-cylinder that don't match up well with the competition in terms of power or fuel economy.

But Chrysler is also looking beyond the five-year life cycle of the current cars to what comes next. It has formed a special task force dubbed Project D, which has begun work on the next Chrysler D segment platform that will likely spawn sedans, hatchbacks and CUVs and be sold the world over. We have no details yet on the car, which should first arrive around 2011/12 in the form of replacement for the Sebring and Avenger. And as far as we know, Chrysler is not testing on chimpanzees.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Chrysler working on Project D to replace Sebring/Avenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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