Chrysler hopes to recharge its convertible sales by offering thee distinct models of its new 2008 Sebring convertible, which is being unveiled at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The new Sebring will come with a choice of three different power tops: a hard top, a traditional canvas top or a less expensive vinyl top. All three tops can be lowered or raised by using a button on the key fob. The latches on the Karmann-built tops lock in place automatically when the tops are raised, as does a tonneau cover when the tops are lowered.


The Sebring's trunk has grown so it can be used to carry bags or other types of cargo even when the top is stowed. Even when the top is down, the Sebring will be able to carry two golf bags, Chrysler promises.


Chrysler plans to offer three different engine options in the Sebring convertible for U.S. customers. The base engine is a 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which deliver 23 miles per gallon in city and 31 miles per gallon in highway driving.


Chrysler also will offer a 2.7-liter, flexible-fuel V-6 engine with 189 horsepower. The top 3.5-liter V-6 engine has 235 horsepower and is matched up with a new six-speed automatic for fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.


Chrysler will offer a diesel version and right-hand-drive convertibles for markets outside North America.



The 2008 Sebring Convertible borrows its style from the new Chrysler Sebring sedan built off the same platform. Familiar Chrysler cues molded into the convertible design include the eggcrate grille and a sculptured hood, a winged medallion badge and large quad headlamps that wrap around to the side of the vehicle.

To increase interior room, Chrysler stretched the car's wheelbase by 2.9 inches. The Sebring Convertible is also 3.5 inches taller and more than 2 inches wider than the vehicle it replaces. It also is 3 inches longer than the sedan. The interior has room for the driver and three passengers and seats have been raised 2.5 inches for better visibility.

Safety gear includes anti-lock braking and stability control. The Sebring Convertible also has been equipped with a new integrated seat-belt system that connects all seat belts to the seats. The system makes the belts more comfortable for the driver and passengers, as well as making it much easier for passengers to get in and out of the rear seat, Chrysler says.

Other features include a locking glove box, a center floor console with dual storage bins and a sliding armrest that moves 3 inches to provide a more comfortable position for all drivers. For entertainment, there's MyGIG, an entertainment/navigation system that features a 20-gigabyte hard drive, and Sirius satellite radio. A heated/cooled cupholder, stain-resistant seat fabric and a seat-back with a map pocket for storage have been designed into the cabin.


Pricing has not been announced. The new Sebring Convertible arrives in showrooms in the spring.


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http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehi...84.A11450.html

 

I think it is a very smart move for them to offer both the hard top and cloth top.

The only thing I wonder is how the DOHC 3.5L lost power over the last 10 years. in 1998 it had 250HP and now it is down to 235HP

 

that front end only looked good on the crossfire. next we'll see those hood lines on a minivan...

But it'll still sell very well.

And I'm betting that the new hp numbers may be the new SAE standard?

 

what happened to the other hood?

 

Chrysler stuff just looks so......strange.

 

That does not look good.

 

What is this then?

SRT version? cts-v competitor?

 

SEMA car.

David

 

Thanks for the info and pics, Guy. However, nothing will ever replace the 1959 Ford Skyliner . In my mind, anyway.

 

[QUOTE=Z28x;4252637]I think it is a very smart move for them to offer both the hard top and cloth top.QUOTE]

Aside from offering something for everyone, I don't see the smarts or logic in this move? Especially in a convertable where a hard top (IMO) has advantages all over the soft tops EXEPT (perhaps) truck space, and trunk space isn't what I would believe a top factor in convertable shopping.

Otherwise, the Sebring just looks weird to me...to much like an Ion.

 

Sebring has been the best selling convertible in the country, at least the last time I heard (about a year ago) for a long time.

While the last one looked like a cross between a 4th gen Camaro and the 300M, I'm not a fan of this one yet.

More Pics

 

I wonder if VW is 'blushing' over those headlights, the Toyota over the tailights?