Zwartkop, Pretoria – Chrysler is raising the roof on the convertible segment, introducing the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited. The completely redesigned Sebring Convertible is built on the company’s new D-segment platform and offers something no other convertible on the road can: Chrysler’s sleek and elegant design, performance with excellent fuel efficiency, a spacious interior that comfortably seats four adults and enough room in the boot even when the top is down.
“The Sebring Convertible offers a Chrysler first, a body-colour steel retractable hard top which can be opened with a push of a button on the dash or the key fob and offers the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible”, says Richard Sloman, Public Relations Manager at Chrysler South Africa.
The Sebring Convertible has long held the honour of America’s favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade and is poised to reign supreme once again.
The Sebring Convertible is the first D-segment convertible for the Chrysler Group to offer 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 Sebring Convertible. From the original sketches to the production vehicle, the all-new convertible was designed to provide a familiar tie to its new sedan sibling, and the resemblance is unmistakable. Beyond that, the convertible stretches the look to create usable space in the boot, even when the convertible top is stowed.
From the front, the Sebring Convertible shares many design cues with its sedan sibling, including the distinctive face of Chrysler, the brand’s signature grille and a uniquely sculptured bonnet 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 bonnet. 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 Chrysler Sebring Convertible rides on a 2 765 mm wheelbase and a 1 570 mm track, which improves ride quality and stability. Its overall length is 76 mm longer than the sedan, lengthening the side profile which is further defined by a long bonnet, a long roofline and a high chrome beltline.
From the rear, wide tail lights are mounted on the corners and boot lid for visibility and visual impact. Rear fog lights mounted in the reverse lights help to maintain a uniform appearance.
The retractable hard top provides a sleek, integrated, coupe-like appearance that provides all-season utility, perfect for drivers who love the idea of a convertible, and want a car that is practical for everyday driving. With the hard top raised, the Sebring Convertible takes on a refined, svelte coupe look. The retractable hard top is a three-piece design that is engineered to offer the look of a coupe when raised and maximum storage capability in the trunk with the top lowered.
Chrysler Sebring Convertible will be available in Inferno Red Tinted Pearl Coat, Linen Gold Pearl Coat, Marathon Blue Pearl Coat, Modern Blue Pearl Coat, Silver Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Pearl Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.
World-class craftsmanship
The 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 instrument panel cover and door arm rests complement the convertible’s luxurious interior.
Inspired by the Chrysler winged badge, the convertible’s centre console features a Chrysler signature analog clock, which is surrounded by dual heating and air conditioning vents. Sebring Convertible’s instrument panel also includes a lockable glove box and the centre floor console features dual storage bins and a sliding armrest providing a comfortable position for all drivers.
Four adult occupants can comfortably experience the new Sebring Convertible’s roomy interior. Rear seat passengers also have plenty of leg and head room, making this a functional convertible that can be enjoyed year round.
The Sebring Convertible features a two-tone interior theme with dark and lighter shades of Khaki or Gray on the instrument panel and door trim, an exclusive Cream and Pebble Beige interior with leather seats and interior accents including chrome and Tortoise Shell.
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 vehicle that delivers many standard innovative and thoughtful features that will both surprise and delight the driver and passenger, including:
- A spacious trunk whether the convertible top is up or down
- Remote convertible top operation on the key fob
- No manual convertible top latches, as Sebring’s new convertible top system automatically latches
- Seatbelts integrated into the front and rear seats, which looks clean, enhances seat comfort and makes it easier for passengers to get into the rear seats
- Easy-entry rear seat, as passenger seat features slide and memory recline position
- Windscreen that reduces wind and road noise
- A lockable glove box
- Heated / cooled cup holder
- Rear cupholders 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 Sebring Convertible will be available locally in one model: the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited.
A 2,7l V6 engine, coupled with a new six-speed automatic transmission, powers the Sebring Convertible. This engine provides value and performance conscious consumers the power of a V6 engine. The 2,7l V6 engine produces 137 kW and 256 Nm of torque, yet achieves 10,9l/100km in urban conditions and 8,4l/100km on the open road.
Solid structure provides a smooth ride
The Sebring Convertible was engineered to have an extremely rigid body structure, which provides its quiet, comfortable ride, devoid of scuttle shake, even when the top is down, stiffer than other convertibles on the market.
A Breath of fresh air
The Sebring Convertible brings new levels of function and technology to the convertible segment. Innovative new features include the cutting-edge MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment system, a heated / cooled cupholder and the ability to drop the convertible top and all four windows with the push of a button on the key fob.
The MyGIG™ system is a cutting-edge information, entertainment and audio unit that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications This best-in-class, next-generation radio features a 6,5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65 000 colours, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. MyGIG™ follows voice-activated commands and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalised picture displays, including:
- A 20 gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organising 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
- 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 vehicle is not in motion)
- U-Connect® hands-free communication system allows users with Bluetooth® enabled mobile devices to communicate using the vehicle’s audio system
- MyGIG™ is also available with optional navigation system
Class-leading safety features
The Sebring Convertible also offers a unique combination of class-leading safety features designed to keep occupants both safe and secure, top up or down.
A new integrated seat-belt system 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 seats.
The Sebring Convertible’s safety cage is constructed from ultra-high-strength steel components designed to protect occupants in all driving situations. Side-guard door beams help protect occupants in side impacts.
The Sebring Convertible’s extremely strong safety cage is complemented with advanced multi-stage front air bags and front-seat-mounted side air bags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard as is Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Chrysler Sebring Convertible production
Production of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible takes place at the newly refurbished Sterling Heights, Michigan assembly plant. The Sebring Convertible’s V6 engine is built at the Kenosha, Wisconsin engine plant.
Pricing
The Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited is priced at a competitive R299 900.00. Optional extras include the MyGIG™ Navigation upgrade priced at R14 900.00 and metallic paint at R1 200.00.
All Chrysler group products come standard with a three year / 100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.
