Three engines, two transmissions
Instead of only two, the automaker now offers three different engines with the Sebring. The base powerplant is the 2.4L inline-four engine that Chrysler developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai.
Output is rated at 172 horsepower (and 165 lb-ft of torque), which represents a 22-hp increase. This mill is again mated to a four-speed automatic transmission -- a dubious choice in the eyes of progress advocates who, obviously, would have preferred a fifth and perhaps sixth gear in order to get on the same page as the competition.
For the thrill-seekers, the top-of-the-line engine is a 3.5L V6 that produces up to 235 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed autobox. Of course, the latter includes a manual mode.
Between the two is a 189-hp, 2.7L V6 engine, the same that powered my tester.
Flabby suspension
The smaller V6 continues to be paired with the four-speed automatic transmission. At first, I was rightfully disappointed: why is Chrysler still not up to date? However, on the long boulevards of Florida, where passing maneuvers are done quickly and often, this autobox served me well. No hesitations, no jerky actions. I admit it: I complained too soon...
That said, the suspension really left me on my appetite. One word to describe it: flabby. The settings are clearly comfort-oriented and any ounce of sportiness is thrown out the window. Consequently, I had to endure my share of unpleasant bounces.
That's a shame. I'll bet a buck that the new Dodge Avenger, which I'm scheduled to road test at the end of the month, will prove to be sportier -- if only because the Avenger, unlike its Chrysler cousin, will be available with all-wheel drive...
Instead of only two, the automaker now offers three different engines with the Sebring. The base powerplant is the 2.4L inline-four engine that Chrysler developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai.
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| My tester was equipped with a 2.7L V6. |
Output is rated at 172 horsepower (and 165 lb-ft of torque), which represents a 22-hp increase. This mill is again mated to a four-speed automatic transmission -- a dubious choice in the eyes of progress advocates who, obviously, would have preferred a fifth and perhaps sixth gear in order to get on the same page as the competition.
For the thrill-seekers, the top-of-the-line engine is a 3.5L V6 that produces up to 235 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed autobox. Of course, the latter includes a manual mode.
Between the two is a 189-hp, 2.7L V6 engine, the same that powered my tester.
Flabby suspension
The smaller V6 continues to be paired with the four-speed automatic transmission. At first, I was rightfully disappointed: why is Chrysler still not up to date? However, on the long boulevards of Florida, where passing maneuvers are done quickly and often, this autobox served me well. No hesitations, no jerky actions. I admit it: I complained too soon...
That said, the suspension really left me on my appetite. One word to describe it: flabby. The settings are clearly comfort-oriented and any ounce of sportiness is thrown out the window. Consequently, I had to endure my share of unpleasant bounces.
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| The suspension settings are all but sport-oriented. |
That's a shame. I'll bet a buck that the new Dodge Avenger, which I'm scheduled to road test at the end of the month, will prove to be sportier -- if only because the Avenger, unlike its Chrysler cousin, will be available with all-wheel drive...