Chrysler recently performed a makeover, hoping to make the Sebring more desirable to consumers. It’s now available as a sedan and a convertible (with either a soft- or hardtop), and overall it’s a higher-quality car that’s more interesting to behold and roomier than its predecessor.

It is offered with several engine choices, an extensive equipment list and advanced technology. However, mediocre performance and cut-rate interior materials drop the Chrysler Sebring back in the pack among midsize cars in this price range. It’s still worth considering, particularly if you’re looking for an affordable hardtop convertible, but consumers should be aware that it’s one of many viable choices.

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German carmakers, who are sometimes criticized for their gas-guzzling vehicles, were able to explain the development of their own hybrid engines and showed off emission-control technology. DaimlerChrysler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit put its BlueTec science on view and demonstrated how a 170-horsepower engine can be powered with about 1½ gallons of diesel fuel per 62 miles. BMW AG and DaimlerChrysler are cooperating on new engine technology by developing hybrid engine components. Thomas Weber, an executive board member with DaimlerChrysler, said the Mercedes-Benz unit is set to launch its first hybrid car in 2009.

“We’ll launch a hybrid model for our Dodge brand in 2008, and the first Mercedes-Benz brand hybrid will come in 2009,” he told reporters, but he did not specify models. BMW also pointed to its involvement with General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler on new, advanced hybrid engines and its own work on hydrogen power, though buyers won’t see that technology any time soon. “BMW has been leading the way regarding efficient diesel engines for many years,” BMW Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer said.

Diesel engines produce less CO2 emissions, but contribute more nitrates, which are harmful to the environment. Hybrid engines, which derive their power from an electric motor and gas-power transmission, produce less CO2 and less nitrates. As it moves to combat global warming, the European Union has set a goal of 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer per vehicle by 2012, down from around 163 grams per kilometer on average now. Porsche AG CEO Wendelin Wiedeking said that while he realized the automotive industry had a responsibility to reduce CO2 emissions, he said Porsches will not be powered by diesel engines.

The company has teamed up with Volkswagen AG to develop hybrid engines and plans to launch a hybrid-version of the Porsche Cayenne model by the end of this decade, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption by some 30 percent to around 2.4 gallons per 62 miles. General Motors Corp., meanwhile, unveiled a new 2.9-liter V-6 turbo-diesel engine that boasts new injection and combustion technology aimed at reducing emissions without hampering performance. The 250-horsepower engine will be mainly sold in Europe and is scheduled to be in the new Cadillac CTS starting in 2009.

“We expect the V-6 diesel to be highly competitive in the European luxury segment,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “With its excellent low-end torque and its high power output, it is a great fit with Cadillac’s performance-oriented brand character.” The compact dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine belongs to a new GM family of diesel engines, featuring a closed-loop combustion control system designed to meet future emissions standards.

GM CEO Rick Wagoner said the push for better, cleaner fuels and power is accelerating. “We’re going to move to ethanol. We’re going to see more hybrids,” he said. “Eventually, we’re going to see fuel cells.” Fuel-cell vehicles run on the power produced when oxygen in the air combines with hydrogen that’s stored in the fuel tank, producing only harmless water vapor.

BMW is keen on fuel cells, too, citing hydrogen as the best sustainable solution for such power, as are DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co. and truckmaker MAN AG, which last year along with energy companies Shell Hydrogen BV and Total France, announced a joint project to advance the use of hydrogen as a fuel for trucks in Europe. But Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp., viewed as a pioneer because of its Prius hybrid, is still the leader in the field. It showed off its Hybrid X, a four-door, four-seat concept car powered by the Hybrid Synergy Drive that is low to the ground and evocative of something in a Japanese manga comic book.

Masatami Takimoto, the executive in charge of research and development for the world’s second-biggest car maker by sales, said the company is looking at a range of more efficient gas and diesel engines, hybrid technologies, fuel cells and electric power. Even its luxury unit, Lexus, expects to sell 45,000 Lexus 450h hybrids this year.

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Chairman Dieter Zetsche wouldn’t deny the rumors that they were out selling Chrysler, and late last week, reports surfaced that General Motors Corp. was among the entities interested in purchasing the company. In his e-mail, LaSorda said he couldn’t respond to the reports because of legal requirements, but said the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management has a duty to consider all options.

“It may take weeks or months before official comments can be made on some issues,” the e-mail said, adding that the DaimlerChrysler board has strongly endorsed the struggling Chrysler’s recovery plan. “Meanwhile, our job is very clear. Our mission is to produce great cars and trucks, to take care of our customers and to restore profitability,” he said in the e-mail. “Whatever fork in the road we may take, we first have to make sure we’re on the road, and the recovery and transformation plan is that road.”

Last week the company announced plans to shed 13,000 jobs, including 11,000 production workers and 2,000 salaried employees as it trims expenses and factory capacity to match declining sales. It also announced the closure of one plant and layoffs at several others. LaSorda said in the e-mail, first reported Thursday in The Detroit News and later confirmed by the automaker, that information on voluntary separation and early retirement programs will be communicated to employees in the next few days.

LaSorda also visited two dealers in the Los Angeles area and will talk to others on Thursday, said company spokesman Mike Aberlich. “Tom is very, very focused on communicating as directly as he can. He has a calming effect on people,” Aberlich said. GM won’t comment on reports that it is interested in buying Chrysler, calling them speculation. But officials wouldn’t deny the reports, either. Chrysler last week announced a 2006 operating loss of $1.475 billion and said it expects to show losses through 2007. DaimlerChrysler earned $4.26 billion in 2006.

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The styling cues on the exterior are indications of themes the company is exploring for future vehicles, it adds, and notes that the concept “highlights sweeping curves to define the front and rear fasciae.”

Since it rides on a 120-inch wheelbase, it’s not hard to picture the Nassau as a precursor to the next 300C, which Chrysler even name-checks in its press materials. The coupe-like roofline plays off the 10-spoke, 21-inch wheels, Chrysler adds. Inside, Chrysler says the Nassau evokes high art and sculpture with a pod-like controller and a three-layer instrument panel that displays information, navigation, and other controls.

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Touring models get 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded interior trim and lighting, and a lengthier options list, while the Limited adds single-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, Boston Acoustics speakers and, in a nod to the 300C, tortoise-shell interior accents.

An extensive options list includes everything from predictable extras like stability control, satellite radio and remote start to more unusual stuff like front cupholders that can warm your latte or chill your cola, and a Harman Kardon-designed, hard drive-based navigation and audio system with real-time traffic rerouting and 20GB of MP3 file storage.

No matter which trim level you select, a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine is standard. Also used in the Caliber and Jeep Compass, the engine makes 173 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 166 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. It comes only with a four-speed automatic transmission. Thusly equipped, the Sebring earns a 24 mpg city, 32 mpg EPA rating.

Unfortunately, the mileage isn’t good enough to justify the 2.4-liter’s lethargic response and coarse power delivery. It’s no match for the standard four-cylinder engines in the Camry, Accord or Nissan Altima. Plus, the Camry and Accord have more sophisticated five-speed automatics (in addition to offering manual gearboxes), while the Altima has a continuously variable transmission.

A better choice for most buyers is the carryover 2.7-liter, twin-cam V6 optional on the Sebring Touring. Its 189-hp rating may look feeble next to last year’s even 200, but engineers retuned it to provide more torque at lower rpm — 191 lb-ft at 4000 rpm compared to 190 lb-ft at 4850 rpm on the ‘06 Sebring.

Although you’re still forced to get friendly with a four-speed automatic, the small V6 is infinitely more livable in everyday traffic situations. It’s not as smooth as we’d like, but its 22/30 mileage rating is respectable.

The 3.5-liter SOHC V6, available only on the Sebring Limited, is far and away the best engine in the lineup. Rated for 235 hp at 6400 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque, this V6 is light on off-the-line pull but plenty satisfying once it revs up. It also earns you the right to have a six-speed automatic, which likely accounts for the Limited’s 19/28 fuel economy estimate with this engine option. Upshifts happen at redline under full throttle, but downshifts take a little longer than they should whether you’re in “D” or the autostick manual mode.

Chrysler claims a 7.7-second 0-60-mph time with the 3.5-liter — slower than a V6-equipped Camry, but right on target with the V6 Accord, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu SS.

Ride quality is vastly improved, thanks to the Sebring’s stiffer structure and a new front strut/rear multilink suspension with increased travel. Commuters will find it acceptably smooth for this class, and the sedan feels stable at high speeds. Radical it isn’t, but the ‘07 Sebring does meet the minimum requirements for a midsize family sedan. It starts at a comfortable $19,000, tops out just over $30 grand and can deliver 30 mpg on the highway.[Edmunds]

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Optional for those models is the W.P. Chrylser Executive Series package that includes the long-wheelbase body. It adds 6 inches to wheelbase and to rear seat leg room. The base 300 has a 190-hp 2.7-liter V6, the Touring a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. The 300C and SRT8 use 5.7- and 6.1-liter versions of Chrysler’s Hemi V8, with 340 hp and 425 hp, respectively.

Exclusive to the 5.7 V8 is Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System, which shuts off four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. The base 300 has a 4-speed automatic transmission; all others use a 5-speed automatic.

The SRT8 has specific brakes and suspension. ABS and traction/antiskid control are optional on the base 300, standard otherwise. Curtain side airbags are optional, as are a cell phone link and DVD entertainment. Also new for ‘07 are available heated rear seats and adaptive cruise control.

We hear the 300 and counterpart Dodges will be “restyled and reengineered” for 2009, which likely means a full makeover. Also expected for Chrysler’s LX-platform trio is more parts-sharing with the C- and E-Class lines at corporate cousin Mercedes-Benz. This is said to involve a new electronics “architecture” and, from model-year 2010, new “modular” V6 engines tuned to suit each brand.

Though a rumored 4-dr 300 convertible is apparently dead, Chrysler is still said to be mulling a luxury-class sedan patterned on the 2005 Imperial concept. Sources expect a decision by early 2007 and a possible introduction for model-year 2009. If approved, this car would be basically a stretched 300 with “neoclassic” lines a la Rolls-Royce. It would mark the Imperial nameplate’s third resurrection since 1975.[ConsumerGuide]

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But the chassis tuning prioritizes ride comfort over handling. Not only is the Imperial nearly a foot and a half longer than the 300, but it’s six inches taller as well, for a more upright seating package and greater interior space.

The suicide doors and the shape of the side window opening are both a rather blatant ripoff of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. More than a mere flight of fancy, we expect that if the Imperial doesn’t elicit too much giggling.

Chrysler will add a full-luxury range topper like this to its lineup. Priced in the low $40,000 range, it would go up against the Cadillac DTS and Lincoln Town Car and to try and extend Chrysler’s celebrity cred beyond the 300C if it is ever approved for production, which would probably be in 2009.[AutomobileMag]

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All of the vehicles use a 250-hp V6. A 4-speed automatic with manual shift gate is the only transmission. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and a driver knee airbag are standard. Curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows are standard on Limited, optional on base and Touring. No antiskid system is offered for this vehicle.

Pacifica’s 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold down but don’t remove. Base versions are not available with certain features that are standard or optional on the Touring and Limited. These include traction control, power liftgate, sunroof, navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, rear obstacle detection, and DVD entertainment.

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Base Sebring sedans and convertibles are reasonably well equipped, with air conditioning, power windows, and cruise control as standard. Things become confusing when progressing through the trim levels. The Touring version of the sedan has a satin silver instrument panel and electronic cruise control, but you need to move to the Limited or TSi models to get a full share of luxury features such as leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.

The GTC convertible has a sportier interior than the base car, with bucket seats and a sport steering wheel. Touring has leather seats, a power driver’s seat, leather shift knob, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The Limited is mildly uprated, with fancier leather and an Infinity speaker system for the stereo. As with the sedan, real California wood inserts, heated seats, and navigation can turn the car into a relatively luxurious piece.

Essentially, Sebrings have either an inline-four or a V-6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The base sedans are fitted with a 2.4-liter/150-hp DOHC four-cylinder engine that makes solid power, but doesn’t seem too happy about its work. Touring, Limited, and TSi models get a small-displacement 2.7-liter V-6 engine that makes 200 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.

The TSi gets the four-speed driver-interactive AutoStick transmission. The convertible has a similar powertrain hierarchy: the base model has the four, while the other three have the V-6 as standard. The Limited, however, is available with the AutoStick transmission.

The Sebring sedan is a pleasant car to drive, but it’s underpowered relative to its Japanese competition, whether you choose the four- or six-cylinder engine. The powerplants also want for smoothness, sounding quite coarse at the top of their rev ranges. And while the four-speed transmissions are smooth shifting, they aren’t quite up to par with a Honda automatic.

The sedans ride nicely, though, with a bit more body movement than the current norm, as they ultimately lack the subtle refinement of the Japanese sales leaders. The one exception is the TSi. With its sport suspension, standard anti-lock brakes, and AutoStick transmission, the TSi is the eye-opener of the range, instilling more immediate dynamic response from the Sebring than expected, leaving us wanting more engine. It’s quite entertaining to drive, though the rear wing may be a bit much for some buyers over 18 years old. MSRP Price Range on 2006 Chrysler Sebring: $20,055 – $31,675.

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It is exhilarating and fun, and as close to a sports car as you can get, driving the new Crossfire. A six-speed manual transmission or an auto-stick shift, the single model of the Chrysler Crossfire is available with either, and will leap off the line to produce an impressive acceleration curve.

With its 3.2-liter 18 valve DOHC V6 engine developing a healthy 215 horsepower, the Crossfire accelerates smoothly and firmly, producing a throaty, assertive exhaust note. A test drive will convince anyone that the 2007 Chrysler Crossfire is a true sports car with its tight suspension and crisp handling. Adding to Crossfire’s appealing style as well as its handling are its large 225/40 by 18-inch front and 255/35 by 19-inch rear tires.

For those who love touring the open road, the 2007 Chrysler Crossfire will be a pleasure to drive.  Crossfire looks great and performs exceptionally well, important features to note in our 2007 Chrysler Crossfire specs review. The interior of the Crossfire has an attractive center console and comfortable, supportive seats and lots of storage cubbies peppered throughout the spacious cabin. The new 2007 Crossfire is generously equipped with an impressive array of safety features.

Chrysler’s intent on designing the new 2007 Crossfire was to create a purely American design that would be attractive to the American buying public as well as the European crowd. Viewed from any angle, there is a lot to like about the Crossfire’s looks and accessory package which includes a lot of the best features Mercedes has to offer plus the amazing Crossfire style, for the 2007 Chrysler Crossfire price, compared to the competition.

One glance at the Chrysler Crossfire specs will be encouragement enough to take the Crossfire out for a test drive. We update the Crossfire specs and pictures in our 2007 Chrysler Crossfire review as new info becomes available. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back frequently.

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