2007 Chrysler Sebring Preview

2007 Chrysler Sebring (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

The DaimlerChrysler group unveiled their all-new 2007 Sebring sedan today, while CEO and Chrysler Group President Tom LaSorda flaunted the car as being "As good or better than any other mid-size sedan, period".

Inspired by the 2003 Chrysler Airflite concept, the new Sebring is much more beautiful than the outgoing model. The front end features wraparound headlights, sculpted hood lines and a grille that reminds us of the Crossfire. At the rear, the arched roofline makes the car look slightly like a 5-door hatchback, which should please European markets.

2007 Chrysler Sebring (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Inside, you'll find LED reading lights and heated cloth and leather seats. A Harmon-Kardon information/navigation system, complete with voice command and an integrated 20-gigabyte hard drive to store MP3 files, is available. You can also get a cupholder that can warm your beverage up to 60°C (140°F) or chill it down to 1.6°C (35°F).

Three engines are available in the new Sebring. The first is a 2.4L 4-cylinder that develops 172 horsepower, which you will also find in the Caliber R/T and the new Jeep Compass. It offers 13% more power and consumes 4% less fuel than the current Sebring's base engine. Next up, the 2.7L V6 produces 190 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque will power mid-level models. Finally, a 3.5L V6 will power the top-end Sebring, which develops 235 horsepower and 232 lb-ft, and is coupled to a new 6-speed AutoStick transmission. According to Larry Lyons, Vice-President--Front-wheel-drive Product Team, "the Sebring Limited's performance, with its new 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle, rivals the leaders in the mid-size class."

2007 Chrysler Sebring (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

And, just so you know what we'll be missing, Sebrings sold in Europe will be available with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that develops 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.

A host of standard safety features include front airbags, side-curtain airbags, available front-seat-mounted side airbags, ABS brakes and available ESP with Traction control.

No prices yet, but the new Sebring will be available in the fourth quarter of 2006.