2007 Chrysler Sebring caught on the street
By Ed Hellwig Email
Date posted: 03-02-2006

If the fact that Chrysler even builds a Sebring sedan is news to you, we're not surprised. Not only is it overshadowed by newer and more modern midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Sebring has to compete with Chrysler's own 300 sedan. With the 300's available Hemi V8 power and strangely attractive Mafioso styling, it's a tough act for the Sebring to top.

Chrysler is hoping to get the 2007 Sebring noticed again with a major redesign that will debut this year. We caught a prototype of the new sedan making a few test runs on the streets of Michigan recently and it gives a good idea of what the new four-door will look like. The spy photos clearly show a more distinctive front end with a shorter nose that uses swept-back headlights and a more integrated grille design. The prototype also has less prominent wheel arches than the current model and a squared-off rear window which seems to indicate a more spacious rear-passenger compartment.

Other than the expanded backseat, the overall dimensions of this new Sebring don't appear to have increased much over the current model. Instead of making it bigger than its direct competition, we think Chrysler will probably attempt to use improved materials, high-end optional features and an upscale interior design to sell the Sebring. It would keep the midsize sedan from taking away customers for the 300 and give the Sebring a slightly different look and feel than most of its Japanese and domestic competitors.

Unlike the bigger 300 sedan that uses a new rear-wheel-drive platform, we expect this new Sebring sedan to stick with a front-wheel-drive layout. And like most sedans in the midsize category it will probably offer both four- and six-cylinder engine options. With its sights set on cars like the Camry and Accord, don't look for an SRT version anytime soon.

We expect to see the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan make its debut at either the New York auto show in April or the Los Angeles auto show in November with sales starting late this year.

The next generation Stratus and Sebring, expected in June 2006, will be based on the Mitsubishi Galant platform, but Chrysler is the "engineering lead." Mitsubishi had already been working on the next-generation Galant/Eclipse (Montero Sport outside the US) for some time. The resulting sedan would use Chrysler V6 and joint-venture four cylinder engines, with the 2.4 liter four-cylinder all but certain, the 2.7 liter V6 confirmed, and the 3.3 or 3.5 possible.

A Road Runner-type coupe might also appear - that is, a model with few features but a big engine and tough suspension.

The Chrysler convertible version has been seen running around town more than once, with clear Crossfire-type styling and what might be a cloth roof or, equally likely, a cloth roof stretched over a removable hardtop to fool observers. The styling is a combination of the current Sebring convertible and the Crossfire. Click here to visit Ray Wert's weblog, which has photos.

oh2o, a reliable source, said that the Sebring Touring would include the 2.7 V6 (200 hp), coupled to the current four-speed AutoStick transmission, which was chosen due to its relatively low cost. The Touring model also includes ESP (stability package), traction control, and four-wheel discs. Semi-luxury features include the Chrysler analog clock, tilt/telescope steering wheel, headlamp washers, interior LED lights, sunglass holders for both driver and passenger, heated/cooled front cupholder, passenger fold-flat seat, sliding front armrest, and, of all things, tow hooks. It seems that Chrysler is out to differentiate the Sebring through cool features.