Wednesday, August 09, 2006

National Day Promotions

The All-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler Builds on Winning Formula, Creating Inspiration for the Mid-size Sedan Segment


  • Strikingly beautiful design with world-class interior craftsmanship
  • Purposeful technology that makes life easier and safer
  • Class-leading safety features
  • Exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency

Chrysler is creating inspiration in the common car, introducing the 2007 Chrysler Sebring. An all-new mid-size sedan, Chrysler Sebring builds on the winning formula begun with the award-winning Chrysler 300 in the large car segment, and more recently, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber in the compact car segment. This formula combines stunning design with interior craftsmanship, high-levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency, all at a surprisingly affordable price. Sebring also features many class-leading technologies not available in the mid-size segment.

“The all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring sustains the momentum started by the blockbuster hit Chrysler 300 and continued with the Dodge Caliber," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President — Global Marketing. "Just as the 300 redefined the large-car segment and signaled the return of the great American car, Chrysler Sebring combines the levels of reliability and durability that mid-size buyers demand with unexpected levels of style, craftsmanship, technology and affordable performance."

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring appeals to buyers who appreciate style, practicality, safety and value. Sebring's elegant and sophisticated design, packaged with interior craftsmanship, exciting new technologies and class-leading safety features, meet the needs of their busy lives.

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring will be available in U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2006 and in global volume markets in the first half of 2007.

Strikingly Beautiful Design Inspired by the 2003 Chrysler Airflite concept vehicle that was revealed at the Geneva motor show, the all-new Chrysler Sebring's elegant lines evoke the exterior styling features of the Chrysler vehicle, bringing the Chrysler brand's expressive design attributes to the mid-size segment.

“Sleek and sophisticated, the Chrysler Sebring's overall surfacing and details reflect the Chrysler brand's four attributes: expressive, refined, athletic, and passionate," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President — Design. "Sebring's elegant styling provides a clear alternative to European and Japanese competition."

From the front, the Chrysler Sebring sedan features the distinctive face of the Chrysler brand, with the Chrysler signature grille, a uniquely sculptured hood, large, distinctive quad headlamps and available fog lamps.

A long hood profile, chrome beltline molding and long roofline emulate a five-door appearance. High-gloss blackouts on the B-pillars enhance the length of the Sebring's greenhouse. Sculptured character lines running along the body accentuate Sebring's athletic stance.

The expressive character of the vehicle continues at the rear where Sebring's wide tail-lamps are integrated into both the rear quarters and extend into the deck lid for visual impact. Rear fog lamps mounted in the backup lamps maintain a uniform appearance between domestic and export vehicles. Chrysler Sebring Limited models for the U.S. market add chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets to hint at the performance capability of the optional 3.5-liter V6 engine.

World-class Craftsmanship The elegance found in Sebring's exterior styling also runs through the vehicle's interior, which features a modern, clean appearance with intense focus on quality, detail and execution.

“Chrysler Sebring's interior takes a different direction from many of the current mid-size sedans on the road. Its form is inspired by the Chrysler uplifted winged badge motif and incorporates new and fresh decorative elements," Creed added.

Sebring's finely crafted interior features soft surfaces, mechanical grains and selective gloss levels on the interior surfaces.

From the driver's seat, Sebring's H-point is 2.54 inches (64.6 mm) higher than the vehicle it replaces, giving drivers a command-of-the-road seating position. Standard 60/40 fold-flat rear seats make room for more gear, and an available fold-flat passenger seat creates a table-like surface to enhance the versatility of Sebring's interior.

All Chrysler Sebring models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige, which provides a spacious and well-appointed look. The Chrysler Sebring Limited model also features an exclusive two-tone Cream and Pebble Beige interior with leather seats. The Chrysler Sebring Limited's available upscale accent materials and finishes include Tortoise Shell, Satin Silver, Alloy Silver and Chrome.

Purposeful Technology that Makes Life Easier and Safer In addition to Sebring's upscale design and elegant use of materials, this all-new sedan brings new levels of function and technology to the U.S. mid-size car segment.

"Chrysler Sebring features a slew of new technologies not typically found or expected in a mid-size car," said David Rooney, Director — Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. "These features make life easier and safer for the driver and passengers, while making the overall driving experience much more enjoyable for all."

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring features a cutting-edge Harmon/Kardon information, entertainment and safety navigation audio system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications. This best-in-class next-generation navigation radio features a 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colors, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. The system follows voice-activated commands and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalized picture displays, including:

  • A 20 gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organizing music and pictures to the hard drive
  • Universal Serial Bus (USB) provides both MP3 connectivity and downloading of WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive
  • GraceNotes database installed on the hard disk drive, which provides song identification, including title, composer, artist and title
  • Playlist creation capability to provide easy access to files
  • Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to three-minutes long to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rearview mirror
  • Radio screen, which can display movies when Sebring is stopped
  • SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, which provides customers with 100 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast-to-coast, commercial free, 24 hours a day
  • UConnect™ Hands-free Communication uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants' compatible cell phone and the vehicle's onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

In addition to this cutting-edge navigation radio, the 2007 Chrysler Sebring also offers a unique combination of features not available on other mid-size competitors, including:

  • YES Essentials® stain-resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric
  • Available DVD rear-seat entertainment system that includes AM/FM stereo radio with MP3 capable CD/DVD Player, six-disc CD/DVD Changer and SIRIUS Satellite Digital Audio Radio (late availability)
  • Heated/cooled front cupholder for keeping cool beverages cool and hot beverages hot. Cupholder can heat beverage to 140 degrees F or cool to nearly freezing at 35 degrees F
  • Light-Emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights in both the front and rear seats (late availability)
  • Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on all audio systems
  • MP3 play capability
  • Available remote start
  • Express down front windows on the key fobs
  • 60/40 fold-flat rear seats
  • Available heated cloth front seats
  • Available heated leather seats
  • Available fold-flat front passenger seat
  • Cabin air-filtration system
  • Sliding center console armrest bin with dual bin front seat storage
  • Available trunk organizer
  • HomeLink® universal garage door opener

Class-leading Safety Features Chrysler Sebring offers class-leading safety, with a combination of standard safety items not typically found in the mid-size-car segment, including:

  • Advanced multi-stage front air bags provide nearly instantaneous occupant protection by matching air bag output to crash severity
  • Standard side-curtain air bags deploy from the headliner to provide two rows of side-impact protection to outboard occupants
  • Front-seat-mounted side air bags deploy for enhanced thorax protection during a side impact
  • Side guard door beams in front and rear doorsprovide occupant protection during a side impact
  • Structural safety cage protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
  • Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control assists the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability by applying selective braking and throttle control to control oversteer, understeer and to maintain traction during acceleration on slippery surfaces
  • Brake Assist (included with ESP) ensures 100 percent brake efficiency during panic brake situations
  • Belt Alert provides an audible and visual warning to alert drivers when their seat belt is unfastened
  • Child Seat Anchor System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren [LATCH]) eases installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
  • Daytime Running Lamps increase visual contrast between the Sebring and its surrounding environment
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) alerts the driver to low pressure tire(s) by a warning light in the instrument cluster. A premium system displays individual tire pressure, available with the Electronic Vehicle Information System
  • Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
  • Available auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Remote Keyless Entry locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
  • Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security key code to shut the engine off after a few seconds if the correct key is not inserted
  • UConnect™ Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants' compatible cell phone and the vehicle's onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

Exhilarating Performance with Excellent Fuel Efficiency Three engine options power the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sold in the United States: the new 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, a 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick that provides 0-60 mph performance to rival the best in the mid-size-car class.

Sebring's standard 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing (VVT) rivals all four-cylinder engines in the mid-size-car segment with its combination of fuel economy and solid performance. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 13 percent increase in horsepower (172 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and 4 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

An available, enhanced 2.7-liter V-6 engine provides value- and performance-conscious consumers the power of a V-6 engine with a price that compares with the competitions' four-cylinder engines. Chrysler Sebring's available 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 190 horsepower and 190 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it replaces.

Chrysler Sebring sedans sold in the United States are also available with 3.5-liter V-6 engines that produce 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. The combination of the upgraded 3.5L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as quiet operation.

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring is one of the first Chrysler Group vehicles to offer the new six-speed automatic transaxle, which provides quicker standing-start acceleration than a four- or five-speed transaxle because of its numerically higher first gear ratio. A more robust differential with increased torque capacity enhances launch performance by requiring less torque management, electronically limiting the torque that is available during the initial stages of standing-start acceleration. Smaller steps between ratios also make for a smoother, quieter ride, as the engine speed doesn't change as often with each shift. In addition, more ratio choices, more appropriate ratios for quicker acceleration and a lower overall top gear ratio provide a quieter ride and improved fuel economy at highway speeds.

"The all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring's performance is extremely competitive with the best in its class," said Larry Lyons, Vice President — Front-wheel-drive Product Team. "Based on 0-60 mph acceleration tests, the Sebring Limited's performance, with its new 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle, rivals the leaders in the mid-size class."

For the first time in the mid-size car segment, the Chrysler Group also will offer a state-of-the-art 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine on the Chrysler Sebring for key diesel markets outside North America. The diesel engine will deliver excellent performance and fuel economy, with an estimated 140 horsepower DIN (103 kW) and 236 lb.-ft. (320 Nm) of torque.

Elevating Expectations In the United States, Chrysler Sebring is designed to appeal to 35-55 year-old buyers who are married and have a median income of approximately $65,000. Fifty-five percent are female, and 60 percent are college educated. Many have small families with one or two children. These mid-size car buyers are down-to-earth and conservative, yet open-minded, self-confident and have a passion for life. Middle and upper-middle class, their lives are active, and they have a true sense of style. Their self image is grounded in their accomplishments and future prospects. Chryslers Sebring's elegant and sophisticated design, packaged with interior craftsmanship and essential levels of reliability, meets the needs of customers who want more than just practicality in this competitive segment.

Chrysler Sebring Model Lineup The 2007 Chrysler Sebring is available in the United States in three models: Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Touring and Chrysler Sebring Limited.

2007 Chrysler Sebring Production Production of the 2007 Chrysler Sebring begins in the third quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich. The new 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine for this vehicle is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich. The 2.7-liter V-6 engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 engines are built at the Kenosha Engine Plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Chrysler Brand Driven by award-winning new models, the Chrysler brand has seen a dramatic increase in sales, market share and brand image, culminating in 2005 calendar year sales of 649,293 units — an all-time sales record. Since 1990, Chrysler brand sales have jumped 251 percent.

No other American automotive brand has grown as much during the same time frame.

"The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in great design, purposeful technology and value," said David Rooney, Director — Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. "With the launch of the all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan and the 2007 Chrysler Aspen — the first-ever full-size SUV for the brand — the momentum is sure to continue," he added.

Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) The World Engine is a family of world-class four-cylinder engines produced by GEMA in Dundee, Mich., delivering an exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Company. By optimizing the three joint venture partners' strengths, global economies of scale and the latest practices in flexible teams and machines, GEMA aims to set a new benchmark in engine plant productivity.