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Chrysler Sebring Convertible aspires as new American classic
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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When a concealing tarp peeled away to reveal the first peek at a new convertible coupe last summer, mellow light cast by a setting California sun highlighted the slippery shape with its curt yet aggressive prow and a sharply canted windshield followed by fluid side panels which warped into the rear's smooth roundness.
What an eyeful: All those rolling and graceful shapes spread across a broad stance that hinted of strength and, perhaps, speed.
It will become, according to the prediction from John Herlitz, Chrysler's vice president for product design, a new definition of the classic American convertible, with plush seats for four, plenty of power beneath the hood, and such a statement of elegance and style that the eye naturally draws to its lines.
And it follows in a long line of convertible classics from Chrysler, with names like Town & Country, Imperial, New Yorker and, most recently, LeBaron, which for the past decade has ranked as best-selling ragtop in America.
Call this newest Chrysler the Sebring Convertible.
With production commencing early in 1996 at a Chrysler plant in Toluca, Mexico, Sebring Convertible rolls into Chrysler showrooms this spring under a 1996 label with a choice of two trim levels and two powertrains, plus a range of prices which cast it clearly in the affordable column.
A chance to drive prototypes occurred last November in the Santa Rosa Mountains of California near Palm Springs, where steep grades and twisty circuits leading up to lofty Idyllwild challenged both engine selections and pushed the double wishbone suspension components to maximum tolerances.
Then in December's frigid chill -- least favorite month for a convertible lover -- a week's worth of home tests transpired with Sebring's fancy lid securely latched and heater blowing at maximum velocity to measure the car's ability to weather the unfriendly winter driving season.
These multiple experiences behind Sebring's wheel provoked a variety of observations, the most important of which suggests that this new car doesn't behave like the typical American open-top model.
Sebring, it seems, feels as solid as a sedan, with a stiff platform free of pesky squeaks and rattles common to a design which omits stiffening linkage of a roof structure.
To achieve this strength and torsional rigidity, Chrysler's designers used as a platform not the obvious choice of the new Sebring Coupe but a sedan chassis borrowed from last year's award-winning Cirrus.
The Cirrus chassis offered an ideal size upon which to build the new convertible's superstructure, and also enabled the entire vehicle to be manufactured more efficiently at Chrysler's new production facility in Mexico.
Special steel cross braces were added to stiffen the chassis so it can resist torsional twisting, which improves driving characteristics as it eliminates those squeaks.
This stiffness shows up in subtle ways when you slip behind the wheel, but the overall effect reminds me of the tightness and precise feel that usually comes only from those fancy European touring sedans.
As a second point, new Sebring provides far more interior space for riders than the typical convertible.
The generous interior dimensions become particularly apparent when you crawl into the rear seat: There's actually room back there for legs and, with top up, heads.
Rear legroom in a convertible? How un-American.
What makes this extra space possible comes from Chrysler's reliance on the design innovation of cab-forward styling, whereby wheels move to corners of the rectangular plan as windshield flows forward too, leaving a compressed space for the engine but far more room inside for people.
Also, switching chassis from Sebring Coupe to Cirrus Sedan resulted in more than two inches of length added to the wheelbase. This not only translates to expanded interior dimensions, but a smoother ride quality.
The suspension, fully independent in double wishbone arrangement with stabilizer bars added front and rear, produces an exceptionally smooth ride quality -- even when dropping right wheels off pavement to feel a rough shoulder.
Variations between Sebring's JX and JXi editions become most notable in the suspension department because the latter uses stiffer spring rates for tighter tuning and a sportier feel, and it carries more aggressive 16-inch tires.
Also, the top level JXi hosts a firm-feel quality to its speed-sensing rack and pinion steering, and the brakes link to an anti-lock control system that's optional on the base JX model.
Both versions include dual airbags and innovative adjustable shoulder belts anchored to outside corners of front bucket seats.
For action, Chrysler offers reasonable choices between a twin-cam 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine and a single-cam 2.5-liter V6. The smaller engine, pumping 150 hp, appears in Sebring JX, while the V6, increasing output to 168 hp, comes with JXi or as an option for JX.
Both mate exclusively to a 4-speed automatic which goes about the business of shifting with unobtrusive manners.
Power variable between these two plants, only 18 hp, does not appear noteworthy, as both react with spirit when asked. Select the four if bottom line pricing serves as ultimate consideration, although I noticed the V6 behaved in a smoother fashion and was certainly quieter.
Sebring's interior elements will impress.
Front bucket seats, firm in Euro fashion, still feel comfortable after hundreds of miles traveled.
The steering wheel's fat and sporty, a center console adds a comfy padded armrest and mounting point for the shift lever, and immediately forward in the central control panel climate and audio controls appear in efficient cluster.
Sebring's instrument panel, featuring easy-read white-on-black analog gauges with red indicator needles, looks highly legible -- and at night glows in soft light.
The power-operated convertible top, adding a nice headliner and glass rear window, merits high marks for easy operation and secure fit for cozy winter driving.
Bringing this new convertible home for a base price of $20,000 moves Sebring to the forefront for value. Even a fully loaded JXi lists for less than $25,000.
1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1996 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE Specs |
| Description: |
Compact 2+2 Convertible |
| Model Options: |
Compact 2+2 Convertible |
| Wheelbase: |
106.0 inches |
| Overall Length: |
193.0 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.4-L I4 16v
SOHC 2.5-L V6 24v
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/opt. ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
I4: 21/29 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 20,000 to $ 25,000 |
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