2007 Chrysler Sebring Review

Specifications

Chrysler Pitches a Fastball to the Midsize Segment With New Sebring

DaimlerChrysler is trying to eliminate boring vehicles from its lineup. Look at what its launched recently: the 300, the Charger, the Magnum, the Caliber… Even Jeep is trying to mix things up with a turbodiesel Grand Cherokee and the interesting Compass. But Chryslers latest achievement, the new 2007 Sebring just might be the nail in the coffin of bland and average. Like the others, the new Sebring is an example of how Chrysler is reflecting upon its American roots, by pushing forward the strong points of American midsize motoring. Comfort, efficiency and safety are all inclusive of this latest Sebring, but not in recent years has Chrysler produced anything this bold in the midsize segment.

The Sebrings design expresses four fundamental attributes: expressive, refined, athletic, and passionate, according to Chryslers chief of design, Trevor Creed. The latest Sebring does this, taking on the production-friendly form of 2003s Airflite Concept, which, interestingly enough, was based off the large, RWD LX (300/Magnum/Charger) platform. For those that dont know the Airflite, this stunning retro machine is closely related in nose and tail to the Crossfire. The new Sebring apes the Airflite, maintaining similar proportions in shape and in detail, such as the headlamps, the unmistakable grille, the strakes across the flattened hood, and the bulges around the foglamps on the lower fascia. From the side, one can also see the similarities in the bubble-style cabin and recessed door panels, while front and rear overhangs have been shortened to levels that put emphasis on the Sebrings cab-forward design.

Equally as interesting as the styling is the chassis that the Sebring rides on. The FF-JS architecture (if you could really even call it an architecture) used here was a product of Chryslers tie-in with Mitsubishi prior to the official divorce. The new Sebring shows an intent for better use of space; overall, the 2007 car is 0.1 inch shorter than the current model, but features a wheelbase thats 0.9 inches longer. The generous 108.9 inch wheelbase should give the Sebring excellent legroom for rear seat passengers. Getting back to the underpinnings, the ones featured here will also be used to underpin the forthcoming Galant, but, in its more compact forms, components found here can also be found in the Caliber, Compass and the soon-to-arrive Mitsubishi Outlander and Jeep Patriot. As Chrysler is aiming to create an affordable luxury sedan, expect the ride to be smooth and comfortable with a bias towards comfort.

With this daring new styling also comes a fresh cabin that Chrysler boldly claims is the best its ever made. If this is indeed the case, then theres certainly something to look forward to as Chryslers best - the Pacifica - is an impressively solid and luxurious machine. From these preliminary photos, things look to be on track; the materials have thin, uniform gaps and the plastics appears to be of much improved quality with low sheen and high-level texture. The design is certainly modern, with swooping curves and clearly labeled controls; the old car had the latter, but lacked anything remotely close to the former. All Sebrings get a two-tone interior treatment with different colored plastics for the console, door trim and dashboard, which matches the alternating color of the seats. Higher-end Sebrings get leather, white LED ambience lighting and a selection of trim materials including satin and alloy silvers, chrome, and like the 300C, faux tortoise shell.

Though it may not be driven by practicality to the same extent as the Caliber, the new Sebring wont disappoint those looking for an accommodating four-door sedan. Like the Caliber, or the Ford Five Hundred the driving position of the new Sebring is mounted high for a better view of the road. Compared to the old car, its a commendable 2.6 inches higher. The rear bench seat features a 40/60 split, and the front passengers seat is capable of folding completely flat to allow extra-long cargo to be brought on board, or, act as a tray table for those riding in back or for holding the drivers laptop. With a shorter rear overhang, the cargo bay of the new 2007 Sebring has decreased significantly. The trunk now offers 13.6 cubic feet, which is down from the 16.0 cubic feet that the previous model offered, and is less than its mainstream competitors, the shorter Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

A range of three motors, two of which are new to the model, will power the new Sebring. Entry-level models feature the newly developed World Engine in 2.4-liter guise with VVT that makes 172 horsepower. As the base motor in the Sebring lineup, it offers more power than Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, not to mention its significantly more powerful than the equally large 2.4-liter inline-four which it replaces (150-hp), but it provides a 4-percent decrease in fuel consumption. Chrysler wont be offering a five-speed manual this time around; instead, it will only offer a four-speed automatic, a new pairing to this engine. Chrysler is also offering a 2.7-liter V6 that makes 190 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. This motor is identical in size to the one used in the base Magnum and Charger, and when compared to the old 2.7-liter Sebring, it produces 10 less horsepower, but equal peak torque at some 850 rpm less. This motor is also capable of running on E85, which should make it popular amongst fleet buyers. Its also priced effectively: Chrysler aims to offer this engine at the price-point of the competitions four cylinder motors. It will also be mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Previously, the 2.7-liter V6 was the top-tier engine, which really limited the Sebring in terms of its competitiveness against more powerful rivals, such as the V6 Nissan Altima and Honda Accord. To improve the Sebrings faring in this respect Chrysler has dropped in a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 235 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a brand new six-speed automatic with AutoStick manumatic mode, Chrysler promises performance thats on par with those considered best in class, superior fuel economy and better refinement. Unfortunately, the midsize class seems to have moved on - Toyotas V6 now makes 272 horsepower, while GM and Fords 3.6 and 3.5-liter V6 engines produce upwards of 250 horsepower. Chrysler, why not the 3.5-liter high output engine from the Pacifica/300/Charger/Magnum?

Chrysler is playing a remarkably strong technology card with the Sebring, specifically in the audio-video department. In-car entertainment has never been a strong point of the Sebring, but this will change soon. The highlight of the system is the optional Harman/Kardon 6.5-inch navigation system with touchscreen functionality and support for up to 65,000 colors and visual animation, plus premium speakers by Boston Acoustic. But thats not all: the system is voice-activated, features an aux-in jack for iPods, etc, a link to a 20 gigabyte hard drive with a USB plug-in interface that supports both MP3, WMA, and JPEG files, as well as Uconnect Bluetooth cellphone interactivity. Further features include a voice memo recorder, Sirius satellite radio, and GraceNotes software allows for CD track name identification. This all-in-one system provides functionality and technology never before seen at this level and size of vehicle.

Although its not related to high-end entertainment equipment, Chrysler is also offering an active heating and cooling center cupholder. Beverages placed on the elements can be heated to 140 F, or chilled to 35 F. This sort of device will undoubtedly be popular in snowbelt regions, keeping morning coffee warm on ice-cold winter days, and keeping drinks cool on long road trips (and when that snow melts). Chryslers also taken the liberty to add an available factory-installed remote start, and heated seats, which are available on both cloth and leather seating surfaces.

The Sebring also has an optional active air filtration system that is capable of reducing air-borne allergens and pollutants inside the cabin of the car.

In terms of safety equipment, it comes well-equipped with safety features that were previously unavailable. Standard equipment on all models includes anti-lock brakes, front, side-thorax and side-curtain airbags. New to the options list includes a stability and traction control system that also upgrades the ABS brakes to include emergency brake assist.

Chrysler intends to make the new Sebring a true global vehicle, following in the footsteps of the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler 300, Dodge Caliber, the soon to be released Dodge Nitro SUV, plus a number of Jeeps. For buyers across the Atlantic, power comes from either a 172-hp 2.4-liter engine or a 140-hp 2.0-liter inline-four common-rail turbodiesel supplied by Volkswagen. This is the first time that the Sebring, or any midsize Chrysler for that matter, has been prepped for serious European sale; it will be offered in right hand drive and, as mentioned diesel.

In the meantime, the new Sebring will be available for purchase here at home late this year at a very competitive price. Though not yet finalized, expect models equivalently equipped to the Camry or Accord to cost a fair bit less. Insiders have suggested that Chrysler is working on a two-door convertible with a folding metal roof, as well as a Dodge variant called the Avenger, which is said to have styling inspired by the Charger. Stay tuned for more on Americas most interesting up and coming midsize car.