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Chrysler Sebring coupe carries smooth lines and lean prices
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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SEATTLE, Wash. -- Click the stalk stick up to signal a right turn at the end of the pontoon bridge over Lake Washington and a slick new Sebring coupe from Chrysler exits the multi-lane I-90 at Mercer Island, a posh Seattle suburb pitched in the middle of the lake.
We head immediately down Mercer Way, a wiggly road that traces the lakeshore around the island. The narrow blacktop strip bounds over fir-coated hills and throws in some slalom-like kinks to challenge our vehicle's suspension and steering systems.
Big black all-season tires on Sebring prance in a vertical dance played over pavement irregularities through the sharp curves.
However, the coupe's new suspension system -- independent at all points using MacPherson struts up front with lower A-arms and shock tower bracing followed by the rear upper A-arms with lower lateral and semi-trailing links -- manages to bridle this tire trot and float the rigid frame in smooth isolation.
Shock tuning tips the ride quality toward the plush side in favor of luxurious comfort.
Still, the broad stance of Sebring's new chassis forges a stable platform that sets up rather agile handling traits, as the steering system -- with speed-sensitive power assistance in the rack and pinion mechanism -- responds quickly and delivers excellent feedback to the driver.
This Sebring also puts excitement in the accelerator.
For the base Sebring LX, a 2.4-liter in-line-four plant gets an overhead cam and sequential multi-point fuel injection. The output reaches to 142 horsepower with a four-speed automatic transaxle aboard.
The version we steered around Mercer Island, Sebring's deluxe LXi edition, carries a single-cam V6 engine that displaces 3.0 liters and develops 200 hp.
On the LXi console a shifter lever connects to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic with Chrysler's AutoStick feature for clutch-less do-it-yourself shifting.
The optional short-throw manual stick moves easily fore and aft, with smooth clutch engagement and fluid shifts.
The automatic contains an adaptive controller tied to a microcomputer that quickly learns a driver's habits and manipulates shift patterns to suit the driving style.
Take it easy and the controller interprets that style by shifting gently at lower engine speeds. Pick it up in sporty style and the transmission will hold the gear a little longer to enhance the speed, or head into a long downhill descent and it may decide to shift down one notch to add engine braking.
Styling for Sebring looks bold in a new oval form etched with fluid lines. Behind its smooth shell, the architectural package carves out generous space for five passengers by pushing the windshield ahead to the firewall and increasing the length and breadth of the cabin while crimping space in the engine compartment.
This treatment, replacing a previous coupe of the same name, rises from the stiff new platform and carries new mechanical equipment, including the two larger engines.
In Chrysler's 2001 line the Sebring name shows up on three mid-size vehicles -- coupe, sedan and convertible. All look similar in shape and share exterior styling points, although coupe and sedan versions vary with different structures and powertrains.
Closest comparison car to Chrysler's Sebring coupe is a new Dodge Stratus coupe, and the Sebring sedan relates directly to Dodge's Stratus sedan. Coupes of Sebring and Stratus come out of an Illinois assembly plant that also constructs the Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe, which contains the same chassis, suspension and engines.
Sebring's profile displays a graceful arch stretched over sensuously shaped doors to thin rear roof pillars that descend in a swoop to the tail.
At the nose, a wide oval grille inset with an egg-crate pattern and round foglamps borrows styling cues from Chrysler's LHS sedan, while multi-lens headlamps in corner clusters flank the oval grill below a bulging hood.
Rolled side panels flare in rings around wheelwells to draw attention to Sebring's large wheels.
Sebring's rear flanks show shoulders off the high tail deck, which bows over bold corner lamps and a thick mass of bumper tinted to the body color.
In the cabin, twin high-back bucket seats covered in cloth fabric or optional leather mount ahead of a shapely bench that fits three riders. The seatback splits into two folding sections for access to the trunk.
Unlike most other sports coupes, Chrysler's version has its wheelbase stretched long enough to provide room in the backseat for the legs of adult passengers.
To prove this point, we logged time in the rear quarters and discovered that long legs fit comfortably behind the driver's seat. Further, the front seat slides forward enough for easy access.
Appointments in Sebring's cabin follow the Chrysler pattern of elegant styling banked with luxury elements.
Curved pods on either side of the central console define notched cockpit spaces for the driver and front passenger. With the LXi edition, the console cradles the shifter lever for either manual stick or the automatic with optional AutoStick control.
Above the console, a central stack of audio and climate systems contains big round dials in a simple layout.
Due to the broad and tall expanses of window glass and a pair of narrow windshield pillars, Sebring presents excellent outward visibility for the driver, which translates into a safety factor.
Additional safety systems in Sebring begin with the rigid structure that encases the passenger compartment but extend to active devices like four-wheel disc brakes with optional ABS and passive measures such as three-point seatbelts for all five seat positions and frontal air bags.
Appointments for the base Sebring LX edition include equipment that usually shows up on the list of options. Air conditioning and power controls for windows, mirrors and door locks score among many stock items.
The LXi edition brings the V-6 engine and interior upgrades like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium sound system with cassette deck and CD player.
price points seem as keen as Sebring's slick skin. The LX edition lists for $19,910 and Sebring LXi with luxury gear starts at $21,475.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING COUPE Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size coupe
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| Model Options: |
Mid-size coupe
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| Wheelbase: |
103.7 inches
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| Overall Length: |
190.2 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 2.4-L I4
SOHC 3.0-L V6
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| Transmission: |
I4: Auto/4
V6: Manual/5, Auto/4 AutoStick
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| Drive: |
Front
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| Braking: |
LX: Power disc/drum
LXi: 4-disc/opt. ABS/TCS
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| Airbags: |
2 (front)
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| Gas Mileage: |
I4 A/4: 21/27 mpg
V6 M/5: 20/27 mpg
V6 A/4: 19/27 mpg
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| Price: |
$ 19,910 to $ 25,685 |
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