2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Coupe And Sedan Shine at Show
19 April 2000
2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Sebring Coupe And Sebring Sedan Shine Through at the New York International Auto Show NEW YORK, April 18 Building on the hallmarks of Chrysler
design leadership, agile handling, spirited performance and premium features,
the new 2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Sebring coupe and Sebring sedan
shine through in the competitive marketplace. In segments filled with
sameness, each of these three new 2001 Sebring cars is distinctive.
Introduced today at the 2000 New York International Auto Show, the Sebring
Convertible, coupe and sedan give the Chrysler brand a premium entry in every
segment in which it competes and further expand the Chrysler brand product
line.
"Each new product we're introducing for the 2001 model year provides
evidence that Chrysler has become a more contemporary brand, with a portfolio
of innovative products that match the lifestyles of our customers," said Jim
Holden, President, DaimlerChrysler. "These three new Sebring cars share the
Chrysler brand lineage, yet each possesses unique characteristics that make
them shine in their respective segment."
Be it a sedan, coupe or convertible, the Chrysler brand's focus is to
provide premium products that deliver expressive, leading-edge design, fine-
tuned athletic handling and performance, and refined function that benefits
the customer.
Chrysler Sebring Convertible
The Chrysler brand reintroduced America to open-top driving excitement
almost 20 years ago by leading the industry back into production convertibles.
Since its introduction in 1996, the first-generation Sebring Convertible has
been North America's best-selling convertible.
With its first major redesign for 2001, the Sebring Convertible builds on
the unprecedented combination of stunning design and unsurpassed interior
room, while adding even more performance, refinements and features.
"Sebring Convertible gives the Chrysler brand a prominent position in the
increasingly strong specialty car segment," said A.C. (Bud) Liebler, Senior
Vice President, Marketing, DaimlerChrysler. "The new 2001 Sebring Convertible
maintains all the attributes that made the first-generation version such a
success and adds a new level of performance and refinement that will keep us
at the forefront of the segment."
The philosophy behind the design of the second-generation Sebring
Convertible was to expand on its already elegant design and enhance its world-
class style with more athletic definition. The grille of the new 2001 Sebring
Convertible is more dramatic, featuring an egg-crate design and chrome
surround molding to create a Chrysler family lineage. The profile reveals a
more dramatic wedge shape, which is achieved with a new front hood and raised
decklid. On the inside, design elements span the full width of the car for a
roomier feel. New for the 2001 model year is the stunning two-tone Deep Royal
Blue and Cream leather interior available on the Limited that is reminiscent
of higher-priced cabrios from Europe.
At the heart of the new 2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is a 2.7-liter
DOHC 24-valve SMPI V-6 engine that delivers 32 more horsepower and 23 more
lb.-ft. of torque than the engine it replaces. This new 2.7-liter V-6 engine
is eight to 10 percent more fuel efficient, while delivering 200 horsepower at
5900 rpm and 193 lb.-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm. Additionally, the Sebring
Convertible is even more fun to drive with a higher level of structural
rigidity and stiffness and an active intake manifold-tuning valve that
provides even more usable torque for increased mid-range performance.
In addition to added performance, the Sebring Convertible is available
with the optional AutoStick(R) transaxle shifter, new larger 15" wheels and
tires, a fully insulated top with glass heated rear window, an extensive array
of safety features and an exceptional number of premium features including the
new power top, four-window down feature and available "ABS Plus"-a new,
sophisticated software extension that senses braking in turns and controls yaw
in full and partial braking situations.
Chrysler Sebring coupe
Continuing its success as a sophisticated mid-size sport coupe, the 2001
Sebring coupe delivers style and agility combined with roominess and amenities
that exceed the expectations of even the most discriminating sport coupe
prospects.
"The 2001 Chrysler Sebring coupe balances adrenaline and class with the
combination of more powerful engines, unconventional roominess and nimble
handling," said Liebler. "This coupe strikes a unique balance that meets both
customer needs and desires -- all wrapped in a sophisticated Chrysler brand
design."
The goal of the design team was to create a distinct Chrysler car for the
sport coupe market that was more closely linked to the brand, with a sculpted
design and rear view that embodies the lines of the award-winning Chrysler
300M. Inside, the Sebring coupe is more refined, with added premium features
and generous interior room.
The choice of two new engines offers a dramatic increase in overall
performance. The optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine is estimated at 200 horsepower
and 205 lb.-ft. of torque, providing 37 more horsepower than the 2.5-liter
engine it replaces. The standard four-cylinder engine increases to 2.4-liters
from 2.0-liters and offers 147 horsepower.
Chrysler Sebring sedan
As the newest sedan nameplate in the Chrysler brand line-up, the all-new
2001 Chrysler Sebring sedan, previously Cirrus, builds on an award-winning
combination of elegant non-traditional design, unconventional roominess and
premium features with more refinements in performance, agile handling,
quietness and safety.
"We're building on the roots of a successful first-generation sedan that
revolutionized the mid-size segment with its exceptional combination of
maximum interior space, cargo room and stunning cab-forward design," said
Liebler. "This new Sebring sedan builds on the features our customers
enjoyed, while focusing on refinement, for a sedan that will stand out against
any competition."
The 2001 Chrysler Sebring sedan is even more powerful and efficient with
the newly available 200-horsepower 2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve SMPI V-6 engine,
which delivers 32 more horsepower and 23 more lb.-ft. of torque than the 2.5-
liter engine it replaces. This all-aluminum 2.7-liter V-6 engine is one of
DaimlerChrysler's trio of all-new engines that were introduced three years
ago, and is eight to 10 percent more efficient than the engine it replaces.
The optional AutoStick(R) provides drivers the control of a manual
transmission with the convenience of an automatic.
A greatly improved new body structure yields a 13 percent reduction in
twist and 33 percent reduction in bending, for even better road feel and
cornering. Other refinements include new larger 15" tires and wheels, larger
four-wheel disc brakes and 25 percent brighter headlamp system with improved
down-the-road light pattern.
The all-new Chrysler Sebring sedan is packed with even more safety
features including an available side air bag curtain, rear center lap/shoulder
belt, multi-stage front air bags, front seat belt pretensioners and load-
limiters, as well as an improved occupant structure.
Expanding the appeal
With the debut of the new 2001 Sebring Convertible, Sebring coupe and
Sebring sedan, the Chrysler brand is in the midst of a full-line passenger car
renewal program. Combine the Chrysler 300M and Chrysler LHS with the all-new
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Voyager minivan and Chrysler Town & Country
minivan, and the brand has an impressive product portfolio of new entries that
cover the heart of the volume-leading vehicle segments.
"We're redefining Chrysler with a portfolio of products that expand the
depth and breadth of the brand," said Liebler. "Not only are we offering an
expanded line-up, but we're giving customers a new level of performance,
safety, quality and quietness all wrapped in distinctive designs that will
outshine the competition."
