All-New 2007 Chrysler Sebring Debuts
The all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring midsize sedan makes a good impression, though it looks like a bizarre combination of other models. Sure, it has the Chrysler look in the grille and Crossfire-style straked hood, but the three of us who saw it in person think it also recalls the Saturn Ion and L-Series around the headlights, the Toyota Camry/Lexus GS (and all of their copycats) in back and — somehow — the Dodge Caliber in profile. What would Frankenstein drive? For what it’s worth, the whole thing holds together better when seen in person rather than photos.
The interior of the prototype is pretty nice, with materials that are slightly softer and slightly less glossy, and fake metal trim that looks slightly less fake — but still fake. Beyond that, nothing about the interior is going to set anyone’s hair on fire. The backseat is quite roomy, as is the trunk, though we only got into one of the above.
For more photos and the rest of Joe’s report click the link below.
This model marks the debut of a new platform, which might at some time be shared with Mitsubishi but was developed by Chrysler. (In other words, this car is not a version of some other car; it’s the car of which many future models will be a version.) The middle of three available engines, a 2.7-liter V-6, will accept E85 as well as gasoline, making this the first flex-fuel car smaller than a full-size.
Other engines include the new 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder from the Dodge Caliber and the veteran 235-hp 3.5-liter V-6. The 2.7-liter V-6 will make 190 hp when running on gas. They all drive the front wheels through four-speed or six-speed automatics. The six-speed with AutoStick comes only with the V-6, the engine that needs it least — at least in terms of performance as opposed to efficiency. Estimated gas mileage is 23/31 mpg, 22/29 mpg and 19/28 mpg (city/highway) for the small, medium and large engines, respectively. The car will be offered with a 2.0-liter diesel in some overseas markets, so if low-sulfur diesel fuel ignites interest next year, at least Chrysler will be ready to capitalize.
When it goes on sale in September of this year in base, Touring and Limited trim levels, the Sebring will include standard side-impact and curtain airbags and ABS, and will offer a stability system and heated and cooled cupholders. You need that. Other tricks include a 20-gigabyte hard disk with software to manage music files and other things your MP3 player already does. Fortunately, there will be a USB jack and a simple auxiliary audio jack if you want to use your own iPod.
Chrysler’s Tom LaSorda said the Sebring will be priced lower than comparably equipped Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords. How much lower? Well, he said, “Our new 2007 Chrysler Sebring will be as good or better than any other midsize car in the world, period.”
My guess is, not much lower.
Joe Wiesenfelder reporting from Detroit.
Interior
Heated and cooled cupholder.
Fold flat front seat.
