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Chrysler For 1998 |
By Carey Russ |
Chrysler's stylists have done it again with the 1998 Concorde. The second-generation of the Chrysler-badged LH car leads the Corporation's premium division into 1998 with show car styling. Other Chrysler cars and minivans have refinements as well. All have "Next Generation" depowered air bags and a new brand medallion evocative of that used on the first Chrysler car in 1924.
Concorde
The Chrysler Concorde has been completely redesigned for the first time since its introduction five years ago, and what a redesign it is. Conventional wisdom says that large luxury sedans aren't supposed to look like sports cars, but once again the Chrysler design team has thrown conventional wisdom out the window. The 1998 Concorde has the look of a classic European exotic and room for 5 or 6 passengers depending on seating configuration.
The new Concorde still uses Chrysler's trademark "cab forward" design philosophy, and, as a result, has even more interior and trunk space than its predecessor. The body structure has been refined and the suspension redesigned for quieter, more luxurious operation. Two new, 24-valve, all-aluminum V6 engines provide power. LX trim level cars have a 200-horsepower 2.7-liter; LXi models have a 220-horsepower 3.2 liter that has more power and better fuel economy that the previous 3.5-liter engine.
Sebring Convertible
There is nothing like having a niche to yourself to guarantee success, and the Sebring Convertible is the only convertible made today that comfortably holds 4 people. It is also the best-selling convertible available, period. It has previously been offered in two trim levels. An upscale, "Limited" version is new for 1998, and all models have mechanical and equipment refinements.
The Limited includes all of the options available on the other models, and its own special interior and exterior trim. It has the 168- horsepower, 2.5-liter V6 engine and 4-speed "AutoStick" manually- shiftable automatic transmission optional on other Sebring Convertibles.
Town & Country
Chrysler's luxury minivan has new look for 1998. The grille has been restyled to resemble that of other current Chrysler brand vehicles, and new headlights give better night vision. There are many interior enhancements for additional comfort and convenience, including improvements to mirrors, seating enhancements, and even special hooks on the back of the third-row seat to support plastic grocery bags.
Three trim levels are offered. The standard engine is a low- emissions 3.3-liter V6, with a 3.8-liter V6 optional. The larger engine has more power this year.
Cirrus
"One-price-class" is the word on the 1998 Cirrus. A single, well-appointed trim level is being offered. This roomy midsized sedan has a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter V6, 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with adaptive shift logic, leather upholstery, antilock brakes, and more as standard equipment.
Sebring Coupe
The sporty, roomy Sebring coupe had freshened styling last year, and has new color schemes this year.
