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Chrysler Sebring convertible defines a new American drop-top
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- So we're cruising along the palm-fringed boulevards of Palm Springs in a deluxe new edition of Chrysler's Sebring convertible. The top is down and a bright California sun coats leather seats as a compact disc in the dash deck spins a smart tune through six Infinity speakers.
Other convertibles crowd the streets in this desert oasis where a warm sun even in winter invites a popped top and fresh air, although we note that our car is the one causing a stir on the boulevards, with heads turning and eyes following as we pass by.
That's because this Sebring -- in a new design for 2001 that increases engine power and builds upon attributes of Chrysler's previous Sebring convertible -- appears absolutely gorgeous.
Slick metal shapes stretch over a taut body with uncommonly fluid lines that flow like water over the long and broad front deck, sweep over a cantilevered windshield that tips rearward at an exaggerated angle and draw out to the rear, where a spoiler lip arches over large corner lamps and the thick mass of a monotone bumper.
The wide prow adds the Chrysler signature of a long oval air intake port etched with an egg-crate grille wrapped in a bead of chrome.
Side panels with rolled shoulders flare in rings around wheelwells and direct attention to large wheels that include multi-spoke designs in cast aluminum or chrome alloy for the top two trim levels of LXi and Limited.
What an eyeful: All of those graceful shapes spread across Sebring's broad and long stance that hints of strength and, perhaps, speed.
Expect this new treatment of Sebring to become, like the predecessor, a new definition for the classic American convertible, with plush seats for four, ample power beneath the hood, and such a design statement of elegant styling that the eye naturally draws to it.
It follows in a long line of convertible classics from Chrysler, with names like Town & Country, Imperial, New Yorker, LeBaron and, most recently, the previous Sebring, which for the past five years ranked as the best-selling ragtop in America.
This latest Sebring convertible bears the same name as Chrysler's new two-door coupe and four-door sedan.
Although the trio looks similar in design, the coupe and sedan have different structures and powertrains. The convertible compares closest to the sedan, as these two begin with the same chassis and share suspension components, as well as a V6 engine and automatic transaxle.
Further, they are built side by side at the same Chrysler assembly plant in Sterling Heights, Mich.
Yet Sebring the convertible is not just a Sebring sedan with its roof chopped and the soft-top applied.
Rather, it was conceived from the outset to work as an open-top two-door vehicle. As a result, its beefed-up structure is so strong that the topless Sebring feels as stiff as a hardtop car and it can run around a curlicue course with the distinct traits of a sports car.
The opportunity to drive prototypes of this latest Sebring convertible occurred last December in Palm Springs and the nearby Santa Rosa Mountains, where steep grades and twisty circuits leading up to lofty Idyllwild challenge an engine and push the suspension components to maximum tolerances.
Driving the broad avenues of Palm Springs showed off the comforts and luxuries built into Sebring. Yet when we pointed it into the mountains -- climbing high over switchbacks of wiggly California 74 en route to Idyllwild -- Sebring revealed its twin disposition as both boulevard cruiser and aggressive performer.
Step on it and Sebring leaps to action.
A V6 engine, measuring to 2.7 liters from an aluminum block rigged with dual overhead cams and multi-valve technology, delivers 200 horsepower spread across a broad band of torque.
It will rush off the line at a traffic light, yet still have enough muscle at speed to charge ahead of other vehicles in a quick lane change. Despite this strength, the plant delivers reasonable fuel economy numbers and even runs on regular unleaded gasoline.
All engine torque is directed through an electronically-controlled automatic four-speed transmission. The standard automatic is used on LX and LXi editions, but Sebring's Limited also has Chrysler's AutoStick aboard for clutch-less shift control that approximates the action of a manual stick.
The suspension, independent at all four corners with a short-and-long-arm design in front and the multi-link rear, produces a smooth ride quality. It also maintains an impressively flat stance around curves, as we discovered when pushing a Sebring Limited through tight convolutions in the dramatic descent over California 243 from Idyllwild down to Banning on the desert floor.
Meanwhile, driver and riders are saddled in an expansive space laced with form-fitting seats and stylish design elements like chrome highlights or leather and glossy simulated walnut wood.
The generous passenger room is derived from an architectural design that extends the windshield forward, crimps the space up front for an engine, then increases the length and breadth of the cabin. There's far more room inside than the typical convertible provides, particularly in rear quarters on the back bench where you end up with room for legs and, with the top raised, even heads.
High-back front bucket seats are the standard provision, clad in cloth fabric for Sebring LX. Sebring LXi earns leather seat upholstery and the Limited has supple premium leather. Buckets feel firm but comfortable and they move in six directions with power controls.
Trunk space is also good for a convertible; the space will hold a pair of stacked golf bags.
And Sebring's convertible top is easy to operate: Just unlock twin latches above windshield visors, then touch a button on the dash and the lid folds into a well behind the rear seat. Continue to depress the button and side windows will also disappear. Reverse the procedure to seal the top shut -- it's so quick you could do it on the street while waiting for a stoplight to change.
Standard gear for the Sebring LX edition includes air conditioning and power controls for windows, mirrors and door locks plus six-way power control of the driver's seat. The LXi edition goes further with the leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium sound system with CD player. Then Limited adds electroluminescent instruments, the premium leather upholstery and a four-disc CD player set in the center dash.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size 2+2 convertible
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| Model Options: |
Mid-size 2+2 convertible
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| Wheelbase: |
106.0 inches
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| Overall Length: |
193.7 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.7-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4, Auto/4 AutoStick
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| Drive: |
Front
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS/EBD
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| Airbags: |
2 (front)
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| Gas Mileage: |
20/28 mpg
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| Price: |
$ 25,000 to $ 30,000 |
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