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Chrysler Unveils Sebring Concept Cars

2 October 1998

Chrysler Unveils Sebring Concept Cars at the Louis Vuitton Classic; Honors Classic Automobiles

    NEW YORK, Oct. 2 -- Chrysler Corporation will
unveil four unique Sebring Convertibles as part its sponsorship of the third
annual Louis Vuitton Classic in New York City, October 2-4.
    Displayed in the shadow of the city's famed Rockefeller Plaza, the concept
Sebring Convertibles explore new ideas in color, materials and finishes that
could be incorporated into future production vehicles.
    "As with our palette of exciting exterior colors, we want the interior
colors to evoke a strong, emotional response from consumers," said John
Herlitz, Vice President of Product Design.  "While we can't always predict
what will be popular two or three years into the future, this is a good way of
testing consumers' reactions to different color and fabric combinations."
    In addition to the Sebring Convertibles, Chrysler will display two other
concept cars in Rockefeller Plaza: the Chrysler Chronos and Plymouth Pronto
Spyder, both of which debuted at the 1998 North American International Auto
Show in Detroit.
    Chrysler will also present special awards to four of the more than 50
vehicles entered in this year's event.  The prestigious Chrysler Awards honor
"Best Overall Design Elegance," "Outstanding Balance and Proportion," "Great-
to-Drive Reputation," and "Greatest Breakthrough in Technology."  The four
bronze awards were created by Chrysler Design Director Trevor M. Creed.
    Recognizing automotive heritage is important to Chrysler and is one of the
reasons Chrysler sponsors events like the Louis Vuitton Classic throughout the
year.  Other events include the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Concours
on Rodeo and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
    "Chrysler is pleased to be a part of events like the Louis Vuitton Classic
as they are a spectacular celebration of the automobile," said Herlitz.  "We
truly love the automobile business and believe that they can be much more than
simply a mode of transportation.  Automobiles should be aesthetic wonders,
exhibiting great design and exquisite details."
    The four Sebring Convertibles on display throughout the weekend are as
follows:

    JXTRA Sebring
    The JXTRA is a contemporary interpretation of a muscle car, but with a
feminine twist.  The vehicle makes a bold, aggressive statement with its
striking Aztec Yellow Pearl exterior, but is softer on the interior with its
rich Antique White and Deep Royal Blue colors than the exterior would suggest.
    "This car is for someone who wants to be seen," said designer Ballerie
Allen.  "It's a vehicle that is a contradiction in terms, much like the
prospective driver -- aggressive, assertive and dynamic on the outside,
classically subdued on the inside."
    The contrast between the rough snakeskin and smooth luxury leather on the
seats and door panels creates an environment that is powerful, yet extremely
elegant.  The Deep Royal Blue instrument panel and floor dramatically set off
the rest of the interior.  A subtly patterned accent finish on the door switch
plates and shifter bezel further complements the interior.
    Tech 27 Sebring
    The Tech 27 Sebring conveys an exciting, yet serious industrial design
statement with its Liquid Silver Pearl exterior color.  The exterior body side
molding has been removed to add to the very high-tech appearance.
    The interior is a pleasure of soft texture and two-tone color, Sueded
Granite Black and Natural Tan, reflecting contemporary home interior designs.
Liquid Silver accents are incorporated in the instrument panel, pedals and air
vents, giving the interior an upscale look.
    "The Tech 27 Sebring is a fresh approach to what you typically see in the
market place," said Susan Howard, designer of the show car.  "It goes beyond
the traditional black and silver convertible by incorporating two-tone color
on the interior, which draws you inside.  After all, that's where you live."

    Allure Sebring
    The Allure Sebring is a vehicle that relates to the senses through the use
of rich colors and a variety of textures.
    "This is a car that would appeal to the sophisticated consumer, someone
with an eye for the finer things," said Allure Sebring designer Susan Moss.
"The color I used throughout the car has the same qualities as a piece of
Tiffany glass, and the instrument panel is reminiscent of a classic piece of
jewelry."
    The Scarab Green Pearl exterior is softened with the removal of all the
exterior badging and body side molding to allow the clean lines of the vehicle
design to show through.  The interior is a mixture of textures; fabric and
leather, sateen to dull finishes.  The Dark Scarab Green leather, which
reminded the designer of a fine silk taffeta, is combined with a similarly
colored fabric, creating a softer, inviting environment.
    Throughout the vehicle, the attention to detail is evident from the unique
instrument panel to the sueded leather-wrapped steering wheel to the steel-
colored wheels.

    Seamist Sebring
    The Seamist Sebring instantly evokes thoughts of warmer climates and sunny
days.  It's a car that begs to be driven top down, all the time.
    The Seamist Green Pearl exterior is a refreshing hue that is carried into
the interior, where it is combined with a rich Ivory.  The Satin Silver door
handles and shifter bezel accent the high-tech, contemporary look of the
interior and complement the very sporty image of the car.
    "I was looking for something different, something more distinctive," said
Kim Roycraft, the Seamist Sebring designer.  "The Seamist color was
specifically designed for this show car.  The two-tone interior gives the car
a bit of a retro feel and makes it look very upscale."