Sebring offers droptop freedom
Forget about the bad raps about domestic convertibles. This one is both a ragtop and a hardtop convertible in the same vein as the more expensive specimens from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
For the 2008 model year, Chrysler LLC upped the ante in the midrange market with the new Sebring two-door convertible. On the heels of last year's all-new Chrysler Sebring sedan, the automaker moves the needle upmarket with this latest entry.
In the all-new Sebring convertible, the sky is there with the simple push of a button. A top retracts and folds, a trunk opens and closes, a tonneau emerges and engages with nothing more than a finger's command. The magic takes 30 seconds. Not only does the Sebring provide an impressive one-touch power roof system, it is also the world's first four-passenger convertible to offer either a retractable soft top or a retractable hardtop. While the cloth soft top is standard on the Limited model, the available hardtop provides unparalleled four-season comfort. Regardless of the top chosen the Sebring convertible is engineered to accommodate two golf bags in the trunk.
Available in Base, Touring and Limited trim levels, Chrysler equipped the Sebring convertible with a trio of engines: an economical 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the FlexFuel-capable 2.7-liter V6 and the performance-oriented 3.5-liter high-output V6. Transmission choices include a four-speed automatic for the 2.4-liter and 2.7-liter engined models and a sophisticated six-speed automatic with AutoStick for the 3.5L high-output prime mover.
On the road, the Sebring convertible, equipped with the high-end 3.5-liter engine, is a solid performer. Fast and secure, it is fun to drive with the top up or down. Handling and performance are on par with hardtop coupes in its class.
Inside the cabin, Chrysler designed plenty of advanced creature comforts. The modern dashboard is derived from the Sebring sedan with automatic temperature controls and HomeLink universal transceiver as available options. Another whiz-bang feature available in the Sebring convertible is the impressive voice-activated MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with SIRIUS satellite radio.
The remote key fob even has the options of remote engine start and one-touch button for the power retractable top.
Engines: 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 173 hp at 6,000 rpm and 166 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm; 2.7-liter V6, 189 hp at 6,400 rpm and 191 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm; 3.5-liter HO V6, 235 hp at 6,400 rpm and 232 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm
Transmissions: four-speed automatic, six-speed automatic w/AutoStick.
EPA fuel economy: 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 20 city/29 hwy.; 2.7-liter V6, 18 city/26 hwy.; 3.5-liter HO V6, 16 city/26 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 12.1 cubic feet (top up)
Safety features include dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and automatic power door locks. Limited adds fog lamps and alarm system.
Optional safety features include remote engine start, garage door opener, automatic headlamp control, UConnect communications system, daytime running lamps, electronic stability control and navigation system.
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible starts from $$25,840 for the base, $28,615 for Touring and $32,055 for the Limited. Destination charges add $675. 2008 Chrysler Sebring