* Chrysler brand reinforces its leadership position as America's
favorite convertible company with all-new Sebring Convertible *
Three automatically latching tops, including a retractable hard
top, can drop with the press of a button on the key fob * Spacious
interior makes comfortable room for four adults, exceptional cargo
room easily fits four golf bags, two golf bags when top is dropped
* Exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency of 31 mpg
and Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) engine availability LOS ANGELES,
Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler is raising the roof on
the convertible segment, introducing the all-new 2008 Chrysler
Sebring Convertible. This completely redesigned Sebring Convertible
is built on the company's new D-segment platform and offers what no
other convertible on the road can offer: Chrysler's sleek and
elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel
efficiency, a spacious interior that comfortably sits four adults
and enough room in the trunk to hold two golf bags, even when the
top is dropped. The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible also
offers what no other convertible has offered before-three
automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a
first for this new 2008 Sebring Convertible, a body-color painted
steel retractable hard top, all of which can be retracted with a
push of a button on the key fob. Top that with a standard power
hard tonneau cover on all models, and top up or down, Sebring
Convertible provides the benefits of coupe and the true open-air
freedom of a convertible, all at a surprisingly affordable price.
"America's favorite convertible is now better than ever," said
George Murphy, Senior Vice President-Global Marketing, Chrysler
Group. "The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers the
unprecedented combination of unmistakable road presence, athletic
handling, innovative technologies, as well as plenty of room for
people and gear. In fact, the all-new Sebring Convertible is the
only convertible in the segment that can pass the two-golf- bag
test. The sky's the limit on what this vehicle can accomplish in
the marketplace." The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held
the honor of America's favorite convertible, solidly leading the
segment for the past decade. In fact, Sebring Convertible has
earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States
for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring
Convertible is poised to reign supreme when it becomes available in
U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global volume
markets in the second half of 2007. In markets outside North
America, Sebring Convertible will be the first D- segment cabriolet
for the Chrysler Group to offer both a diesel engine and
right-hand-drive availability, thereby equipping the vehicle to
become a stronger competitor in the segment. Elegant Design both
Inside and Out, Top up or Down Chrysler designers looked at the
future brand showroom when seeking inspiration for the 2008
Chrysler Sebring Convertible. From the original sketches to the
production vehicle, the all-new convertible was designed to provide
a familial tie to its new sedan sibling, and the resemblance is
unmistakable. Beyond that, the convertible stretches the look to
create usable space in the trunk when the convertible top is
stowed. "Top up or down, the all-new Sebring Convertible's design
captures the essence of the Chrysler brand," said Trevor Creed,
Senior Vice President- Design. "The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring
Convertible's design is a showcase for the expressive, refined,
athletic and passionate." From the front view, the new Sebring
Convertible shares many traits with its sedan sibling, including
the distinctive face of Chrysler, the brand's signature eggcrate
grille and a uniquely sculptured hood that features the Chrysler
brand's elegant lines. The Chrysler winged medallion is centered at
the top of the grille just below the leading edge of the hood.
Large quad headlamps wrap around to the side of the vehicle, where
the all-new Sebring Convertible's profile takes on a shape all its
own. The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible's wheelbase is
2.9 inches longer, and the car is 3.5 inches taller and more than 2
inches wider than the vehicle it replaces. Its overall length also
is 3 inches longer than the sedan, which lengthens the side profile
and provides enough cargo room in the trunk to hold two golf bags
when the roof is retracted. Sebring Convertible's profile is
defined by a long hood, a long roofline and a high chrome beltline,
all of which give the vehicle a nicely proportioned, elegant
greenhouse with the top up. Designers also minimized the width of
the C-pillar, improving the convertible's sleek side profile and
increasing rearward visibility when the convertible top is up.
Sculpted character lines run across the body, underneath the door
handles and across the lower bodyside, producing the Sebring
Convertible's athletic stance. From the rear, wide tail lamps are
mounted on the corners and deck lid for visibility and visual
impact. Rear fog lamps mounted in the backup lamps help maintain a
uniform appearance among models sold around the world. Chrome-
tipped dual exhaust outputs hint at the Limited model's performance
capability when equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and
six-speed automatic transaxle. World-class Craftsmanship The
all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible's interior features a
modern, clean design with intense focus on quality, detail,
craftsmanship and execution. Soft surfaces on interior touch
points, including the instrument panel cover and door arm rests,
complement the convertible's luxurious interior. Inspired by the
Chrysler winged badge, the convertible's center stack features a
Chrysler signature analog clock, which is surrounded by dual
heating and air conditioning vents. Sebring Convertible's
instrument panel also includes a locking glove box that can secure
important documents and small items. The center floor console
features dual storage bins and a sliding armrest that moves 3
inches to provide a comfortable position for all drivers. As many
as four occupants can experience the new Sebring Convertible's
comfortable, roomy interior. Occupants sit 2.5 inches higher than
they did in the previous Sebring Convertible model, giving them a
command-of-the-road seating position. Rear seat passengers also
have plenty of leg and head room, making this a functional
convertible that can be enjoyed year round in all seasons. All 2008
Chrysler Sebring Convertible models feature a two-tone interior
theme with dark and lighter shades of Khaki or Gray on the
instrument panel and door trim. The Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Limited model also features an exclusive Cream and Pebble Beige
interior with leather seats. Interior accents include Alloy Silver
and chrome on the Sebring Convertible model, Satin Silver and
chrome on the Touring model and Satin Silver, chrome and Tortoise
Shell on the Limited model. Thoughtful Attention to Details The
Sebring Convertible's development team paid keen attention to
details, finding ways to make life easier for the driver and
passengers, while creating a clean design in the process. The
result is a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible that delivers many
standard innovative and thoughtful features that will both surprise
and delight the driver and passenger, including: * A trunk spacious
enough to hold four golf bags when the convertible top is up and
two golf bags when the convertible top is down * Available remote
convertible top operation on the key fob * No manual convertible
top latches, as Sebring's new convertible top system automatically
latches * A standard power hard tonneau that neatly conceals each
of the three convertible tops when retracted * Seatbelts integrated
into the front and rear seats, which looks clean, enhances seat
comfort and makes it easier for passengers to get into the back
seat * Easy-entry rear seat, as passenger seat features slide and
memory recline position * Available remote start that allows
drivers to warm up or cool down their convertible from a distance *
An available windscreen that reduces wind and road noise * A
locking glove box that can secure important documents and small
items, top up or down * An available heated/cooled cup holder that
keeps warm beverages warm and cold beverages cool * Available YES
Essentials(R) stain-resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat
fabric * Rear cup holders that are positioned in the rear quarter
panels for easy access by rear-seat passengers * Passenger seat
back that includes a map pocket for storage * Doors that include
map pocket inserts Exhilarating Performance with Excellent Fuel
Efficiency The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is available in
the United States in three models: Chrysler Sebring Convertible,
Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring and Chrysler Sebring
Convertible Limited. Three engine options power the 2008 Chrysler
Sebring Convertible sold in the United States: the standard
2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available Flexible Fuel
Vehicle (FFV) 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. Fuel economy is a high priority for many of today's car
buyers, and the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible's standard
four-cylinder engine rivals the best four-cylinder engines in the
segment. Sebring Convertible's 2.4-liter World Engine with dual
variable valve timing delivers fuel efficiency of 23 miles per
gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, as well as
smooth, quiet operation. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle,
this new engine provides a 15 percent increase in horsepower (173
horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel
economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces. An
available FFV 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 competition's four-cylinder engines. Chrysler
Sebring Convertible Touring model's 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces
189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end
torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it
replaces. This 2.7-liter V-6 engine achieves 20 mpg in the city and
28 mpg on the highway. It also can operate effectively on any blend
of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85. Chrysler Sebring
Convertible Limited models sold in the United States also are
available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 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 3.5-liter V6 engine and six- speed automatic transaxle delivers
excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as smooth quiet
operation. Sebring Convertible's 3.5-liter V-6 engine achieves 18
mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. SOLID STRUCTURE PROVIDES
A SMOOTH RIDE The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible was engineered
to have an extremely rigid body structure, which provides its
quiet, comfortable ride, devoid of cowl shake, even when the top is
down. Compared with the model it replaces, the new Sebring
Convertible's body structure is substantially stiffer than its
predecessor in bending and torsion-especially bending-due to very
large sills. In fact, its new front-wheel-drive architecture and
the three-box vehicle design contribute to a body that is 2.5 times
stiffer in twist and 1.5 times stiffer in bending than the previous
generation convertible. These refinements also make the new Sebring
Convertible structure stiffer than other convertibles on the market
that cost thousands of dollars more. A Breath of Fresh Air The
all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible brings new levels of function
and technology to the U.S. convertible segment. Innovative new
features include the cutting-edge MyGIG
navigation/entertainment/infotainment system, a heated/cooled cup
holder, YES(R) Essentials stain-resistant seat fabric and an
available feature every convertible owner will love-the ability to
drop the convertible top and all four windows with the push of a
button on the key fob. "The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible
does for the convertible segment what the Chrysler 300 did for the
large car segment and the all-new Sebring Sedan does for the
mid-size sedan segment-it brings innovative, useful technologies to
customers," 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 2008 Chrysler Sebring
Convertible features MyGIG, a cutting-edge 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 MyGIG 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 on the hard drive
* Universal Serial Bus (USB) provides both MP3 connectivity and
downloading of WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive *
Gracenote(R) database installed on the hard drive, which provides
song identification, including composer, artist and title *
Playlist creation capability to provide easy access to files *
Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to 3 minutes long
to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rearview
mirror * Radio screen, which can display movies (when vehicle is
not in motion) * SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio, which provides
customers with more than 125 channels of the best music,
entertainment and information coast-to coast, 24 hours a day. This
includes 100 percent commercial-free music, as well as sports,
news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather * UConnect(TM)
Hands-free Communication System that uses Bluetooth(R) technology
to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the
occupants' compatible cell phones and the Sebring Convertible's
onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom,
value and flexibility Class-leading Safety Features The all-new
2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible also offers a unique combination
of class-leading safety features that are designed to keep
occupants both safe and secure, top up or down. A new integrated
seat-belt system for 2008 connects all seat belts to the seats,
making them 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. Sebring Convertible's safety cage is constructed with
dual-phase, high- strength and ultra-high-strength steel components
designed to protect occupants in all driving situations. Side-guard
door beams help protect occupants in side impacts. Sebring
Convertible's extremely strong safety cage is complemented with
standard advanced multi-stage front air bags and standard
front-seat-mounted side air bags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are
standard on all 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible models.
Electronic Stability Program is also available. Rising to the Top
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible competes primarily in the
Standard Specialty segment, with some consideration from Luxury
Specialty segment buyers in the U.S. market. The convertible
portion of the Standard Specialty segment has remained fairly
steady over the past 5 calendar years, with an average of 150,000
units sold each year. The convertible segment is expected to
achieve steady growth in the near future, due to a trend toward
niche vehicles. In the United States, Chrysler Sebring Convertible
is designed to appeal to successful Baby Boomers who want a car for
themselves. They love the open- air freedom of a convertible, but
also appreciate that the new Sebring Convertible is practical 365
days of the year. These buyers are 40-50 years old, and 70 percent
of them are married. They are well-educated and earn a median
income of approximately $90,000. Fifty percent are male, 50 percent
are female and 60 percent are college-educated. These Sebring
Convertible buyers are fun, carefree, classy, friendly, smart and
easy-going. The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible meets their
demands for a vehicle that can do triple duty for going to work,
running errands and pleasure drives with the top down. 2008
Chrysler Sebring Convertible Production Production of the 2008
Chrysler Sebring Convertible begins in the first quarter of 2007 at
the newly refurbished Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant.
Sebring Convertible's new 173 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder
World Engine is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine
Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich. The 2.7-liter
V-6 engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 engine are built at the Kenosha
(Wis.) Engine Plant. 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," Rooney said. "With the
introduction of the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, as
well as the launch of the all- new 2007 Chrysler Sebring 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
Co. 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. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Kristin
Starnes, +1-248-512-0889, or , or Beth Ann Bayus, +1-248-512-0350,
or , both of Chrysler Group Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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