Overview

What's New
Chrysler's midsize sedan is all new for the 2007 model year. In addition to a distinct design, it offers many unique new features, including: stain- and odor-resistant YES Essentials cloth-covered seats (heated leather seats also are available); a cupholder that can be heated (to 140 degrees) or cooled (to 35 degrees); and a My GIG entertainment/navigation/hands-free mobile telephone system with a 20-gig hard drive.

Overview
When it came time to redesign its midsize sedan, Chrysler first followed the natural inclination to make it a smaller version of the very popular Chrysler 300. But, according to Chrysler, the big car's proportions just didn't work when scaled down. So the designers went back to their drawing boards and used the Airflite concept car that was shown at the Geneva auto show in Switzerland as their inspiration. Thus, the new Sebring sedan has a very European look to its exterior design, with an almost coupe-like roof arching over the 4-door architecture. The design includes a Crossfire -style hood with ridges running back from the grille. This hood design will become a feature on all Chrysler-brand models as they are redesigned.

While the exterior is distinctive, the interior is distinguished, with the dashboard inspired by Chrysler's winged emblem and with available two-tone leather seating. The interior also features several up-market options, including the My GIG entertainment setup, and the hot/cold cupholder in the center console. Note, however, that the hot/cold feature is offered only on one of the two cupholders located in the console, so if the driver wants a hot drink and the passenger wants a cold one, someone may be disappointed.

Power for the new Sebring sedan comes from a 173-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine; a 189-hp, 2.7-liter V-6; or a 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. The 2.4- and 2.7-liter engines connect to 4-speed automatic transmissions, while the 3.5-liter engine comes with a 6-speed automatic. Safety features on the new car include the protective shell, which is made from five different types of steel; standard anti-lock brakes; tire-pressure monitors; and front, side, and curtain air bags. Also, electronic stability control is on the option list.

The Competition
The Chrysler Sebring sedan competes in the Midsize Conventional segment, which consists of 18 models. Buyers in this segment look for reliability, fuel economy, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Toyota Camry (397,630 units sold), Honda Accord (354,441), and Nissan Altima (232,457). The Chrysler Sebring sold 66,286 units (including the Convertible) in 2006, a decrease of 21.1 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Conventional segment include the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, and Subaru Legacy. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Saturn Aura.