The All-new Chrysler Sebring Inspires the D-segment

First right-hand-drive D-segment vehicle for the Chrysler Group

• Beautiful design with an elegant interior
• Purposeful technology that makes life easier and safer
• Four powertrain options, including the first diesel engine for a Chrysler Group D-segment vehicle

The Chrysler Group is set to inspire the D-segment with the all-new Chrysler Sebring. The Chrysler Sebring builds on the winning formula begun with the award-winning Chrysler 300C in the E-segment, combining eye-catching design with interior refinement, high levels of reliability and durability, customer-focussed technology and safety features, brisk performance and fuel efficiency, all at good value for money.

“The all-new Chrysler Sebring sustains our momentum by bringing to market a compelling vehicle that addresses the needs and wants of many potential customers, and adds some features they have not yet dared to expect,” said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director – International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The new Chrysler Sebring is the first Chrysler Group D-segment vehicle not only to offer a diesel powertrain, but also right-hand-drive availability, which allows us to expand our customer reach around the globe.”

The new Chrysler Sebring saloon is available outside North America in two models, Sebring Touring and Sebring Limited, and will begin to arrive to dealerships outside North America in the first half of 2007.

Beautiful Chrysler Design

Inspired by the Chrysler Airflite concept vehicle that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003, the all-new Chrysler Sebring’s elegant lines evoke the exterior styling features of that Chrysler vehicle, bringing the Chrysler brand’s expressive design attributes to the D-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. “Chrysler Sebring’s elegant styling provides a clear alternative to the traditional competitive set.”

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

A long bonnet profile, bright beltline moulding and long roofline emulate a five-door appearance. High-gloss blackouts on the B-pillars enhance the length of the Chrysler 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 Chrysler Sebring’s wide taillamps are integrated into the rear quarters and extend into the deck lid for visual impact. Rear fog lamps mounted in the backup lamps maintain a uniform appearance for all vehicles regardless of their destination.

Elegant Interior Refinement
The elegance found in Chrysler 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 D-segment saloons on the road. Its form is inspired by the Chrysler uplifted winged badge motif and incorporates new and fresh decorative elements,” Creed added.

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

From the driver’s seat, Chrysler Sebring’s H-point is 6.45cm (2.54 in.) higher than the vehicle it replaces, giving drivers a command-of-the-road seating position. 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats make room for more gear, and a fold-flat passenger seat creates a table-like surface to enhance the versatility of Sebring’s interior.

Chrysler Sebring Touring models feature a two-tone interior colour theme of dark and lighter shades of Slate Gray or Pebble Beige, which provides a spacious and well-appointed look. The Sebring Limited model also features an exclusive two-tone Cream and Pebble Beige interior with leather seats.

Purposeful Technology that Makes Life Easier and Safer
In addition to Chrysler Sebring’s upscale design, elegant use of materials and full powertrain lineup, this all-new saloon brings new levels of function and technology to the D-segment.

“Chrysler Sebring features a whole host of new technologies that make life easier and safer for the driver and passengers,” said Stephane Labous, Director – International Marketing and Communications. “These features reinforce the Chrysler brand’s approach to customer-focussed innovation.”

The new Chrysler Sebring offers a unique combination of features not commonly available on other D-segment competitors, including standard features like:

• An auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity and play capability on all audio systems
• Automatic temperature control
• Cabin air-filtration system
• Express-down front windows on the key fob
• YES Essentials® worry-free seat fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odours and discolouration
• 60/40 split fold-flat rear seat
• Fold-flat front passenger seat
• Light-Emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights in both the front and rear seats (late availability)
• Sliding centre console armrest with dual storage bins underneath

Additional available features include:

• Heated/cooled front-seat cup holder for keeping hot beverages hot and cool beverages cool. Cup holder can heat to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) or cool to nearly freezing at 2 deg. C (35 deg. F)
• Rear-seat DVD video entertainment system (late availability)
• Heated cloth front seats
• Heated leather-trimmed front seats
• Rear cargo organiser (available as an after-sales accessory)

Petrol and Diesel Powertrain Options
Four engine options will power the all-new Chrysler Sebring in Europe: three petrol engines and one diesel engine, making this the most full powertrain lineup ever for the Chrysler Group in the D-segment.

Chrysler Sebring’s standard 2.0-litre petrol World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) rivals the best four-cylinder engines in the D-segment with its combination of fuel economy and solid performance. Mated to a five-speed manual transaxle, this engine provides 115 kW (156 hp DIN) and 190 Nm (140 lb.-ft.) of torque.

The 2.4-litre petrol World Engine with dual VVT, as available for the new Chrysler Sebring, is matched to an automatic transaxle with Auto Stick, which gives the driver manual shifting control or fully automatic operation. The engine generates 125 kW (170 hp DIN) and 220 Nm (162 lb.-ft.) of torque – both increases over the 2.4-litre engine it replaces.

Available at a later stage in Europe is an enhanced 2.7-litre V-6 petrol engine paired with a responsive automatic transaxle.

Chrysler Sebring saloon also is available outside North America with a modern 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 103 kW (140 hp DIN) and 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque, coupled with a six-speed manual transaxle. This diesel engine, a first for the Chrysler Group in the D-segment, delivers excellent overall performance and fuel economy.

Full Package of Safety Features
Chrysler Sebring offers an array of standard and available safety features that clearly enhance its value, including:

• Advanced multi-stage front air bags: provide nearly instantaneous occupant protection by matching air bag output to crash severity
• Supplemental side-curtain air bags: deploy from the headliner to provide two rows of side-impact protection to outboard occupants
• Supplemental front-seat-mounted side air bags: deploy for enhanced thorax protection during a side impact
• Side guard door beams: in front and rear doors to provide occupant protection during a side impact
• Structural safety cage: protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control System: assist the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability by applying selective braking and throttle control to manage oversteer, understeer and to maintain traction during acceleration on slippery surfaces
• Brake Assist System (included with ESP): ensures 100 per cent brake efficiency during panic brake situations
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System: displays individual tyre pressure on the screen of the Electronic Vehicle Information System
• BeltAlert: provides an audible and visual warning to alert drivers when their seat belt is unfastened
• Child seat anchor system (ISOFIX): eases installation of compatible after-market child seats
• 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 Immobiliser: 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

Chrysler Sebring Target Customer
Outside North America, the Chrysler Sebring is designed to appeal to buyers 35-55 years of age, most of whom are married and well educated. Target customers have a median income of approximately 60,000 Euros, and many have families with one or two children.

Chrysler Sebring Production
Production of the all-new Chrysler Sebring began in the third quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan (USA).