2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Provides 'Wow' Performance - Fun-to-Drive Quotient
30 Mars 2007 - 7:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
- Three available engine options give Chrysler Sebring Convertible
buyers exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency and
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) engine availability AUBURN HILLS,
Mich., March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Everyday driving isn't
always like a sunny Sunday drive in the country -- but the all-new
2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, with a broad range of
powertrains, a solid ride and electronic safety systems, sure makes
it feel like one. "The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is built
on our all-new D-segment platform and offers a broad range of
engine and transaxle options for drivers who are looking for a
convertible that is both fun to drive and fuel efficient," said
Larry Lyons, Vice President -- Front-wheel-drive Product Team.
"From the 173 horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine to the
235-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 with a six-speed transaxle, this
all-new Sebring Convertible is not only stunning to look at, it's
also satisfying to drive." The front-wheel-drive 2008 Chrysler
Sebring Convertible features a four- wheel independent front
suspension with MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear suspension.
The rear suspension crossmember is isolated to the body to create a
quiet ride, with less road noise vibration and harshness (NVH) than
previous models. Exhilarating Performance with Excellent Fuel
Efficiency 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertibles sold in the United
States are available with three engine options: a fuel-efficient
2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, a 2.7-liter V-6 Flexible Fuel
Vehicle (FFV) engine that can run on E- 85 and an available
3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic
transaxle with Auto Stick that provides impressive performance and
makes this new convertible exceptionally fun to drive. The 2008
Chrysler Sebring Convertible's standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder
World Engine, with dual variable valve timing, rivals the best
four-cylinder engines in the segment. This four-cylinder engine
delivers fuel efficiency of 20 mpg in the city and 29 on the
highway (23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway based on 2007
EPA standards), as well as smooth, quiet operation. Mated to a
four-speed automatic transaxle, this 2.4-liter World Engine
provides a 15 percent increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs.
150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy
compared with the four-cylinder engine it replaces. An available
flex-fuel 2.7-liter V-6 engine can operate effectively on any blend
of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85. This engine option
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. The Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring
model's standard 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 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the
highway (20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway based on 2007
EPA standards). Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited models sold in
the United States feature a standard 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 achieves 16 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on
the highway (18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway based on
2007 EPA standards). Chrysler Sebring Convertible also is available
outside North America with a modern 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine
that produces 140 horsepower (DIN) and 229 lb.-ft. of torque,
paired with a six-speed manual transaxle. The diesel engine, a
first for the Chrysler Group in the global D-segment, delivers
excellent overall performance and fuel economy. New Six-speed
Transaxle Provides Quick Acceleration, Quiet Ride The 2008 Chrysler
Sebring Convertible is one of the first Chrysler Group vehicles to
offer a new six-speed automatic transaxle, which provides quicker
standing-start acceleration than a four- or five-speed transaxle
because of a 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 quiet ride and improved fuel economy at
highway speeds. ABS and ESP Keep Sebring Convertible's Wheels on
the Road For the first time in the convertible segment, Chrysler
Group is offering standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS)
on all 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible models. Sebring
Convertible's ABS system helps the driver keep the vehicle under
control by preventing wheel lock-up when the driver brakes on
slippery surfaces. "Many of our customers will use their new
Chrysler Sebring Convertible as their primary vehicle all year
long, so we developed the vehicle with that in mind," said Jim
Issner, Chief Engineer-Chrysler Sebring Convertible. "This new
Sebring Convertible is more than capable of handling all the
conditions drivers might encounter-from sunny days with the top
down to snowy days when the roads are slick with ice." The 2008
Chrysler Sebring Convertible also offers Electronic Stability
Program (ESP) bundled with Brake Assist and Traction Control. ESP
helps the driver maintain stability and does everything within the
limits of vehicle traction to keep the car on course. ESP also
helps maintain forward traction by constantly monitoring wheel
speed sensor signals. If there is any indication of slippage, ESP
engages, applying the brakes and, if necessary, closing the
throttle to maintain traction. Sebring Convertible's ESP system
works in slick driving conditions, including wet, snowy, icy, sandy
or gravel roads, as well as on hot, dry pavement where a thin layer
of oil can form, causing the surface to be slick. Hydraulic Brake
Assist and Traction Control are bundled with ESP and help Sebring
Convertible drivers keep control of their vehicle. A pressure
sensor in the ESP hydraulic module determines when the driver is
making an emergency stop by measuring the rate at which the driver
applies the brake. A high rate of pedal pressure application causes
the ESP system to apply maximum hydraulic pressure to the brakes
and the vehicle stops as quickly as the available traction will
allow. Traction Control helps the Sebring Convertible maintain
traction by applying the brakes and in some cases closing the
throttle to minimize wheel spin during acceleration. DATASOURCE:
Chrysler Group CONTACT: Kristin Starnes, +1-248-512-0889, , or Beth
Ann Bayus, +1-248-512-0350, , both of Chrysler Group Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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