By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
In an effort to maintain its position as the best selling convertible in America, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring features an all-new look to go with its upscale technology.
The new Sebring convertible, which features a retractable hardtop, was introduced Tuesday at the L.A. Auto Show. In recent years, open air enthusiasts in America could only enjoy retractable hardtops on either limited production cars such as Chevrolet's SSR or expensive, upscale nameplates such as Mercedes. This will change by 2007 when at least nine different hardtop convertibles will be manufactured with prices starting in the mid-$20,000 range.
The new Sebring convertible features a clean, smooth look with the top up or down. While it shares the same front end with its sedan sibling, the rear of the convertible is significantly different to accommodate the large steel roof and to maximize trunk space. The three-panel roof collapses delicately into the trunk at the touch of a button in about 27 seconds and is raised in about the same amount of time. Using design elements such as a raked hood, large grille and bubbled headlights, the Sebring ties in well with the rest of the Chrysler lineup.
On the inside, the retractable roof features a headliner that gives the interior a much more upscale look and should help to keep the cabin quieter. Like its predecessors, the new Sebring convertible will continue to feature integrated seat belts in the front seats allowing for better access to the spacious rear seating area. The instrument cluster is highlighted by the three large gauge pods, an elegant center stack that includes a navigation screen and is finished off with an abundance of light colored trim for a welcoming feeling.
The new Sebring convertible, which features a retractable hardtop, was introduced Tuesday at the L.A. Auto Show. In recent years, open air enthusiasts in America could only enjoy retractable hardtops on either limited production cars such as Chevrolet's SSR or expensive, upscale nameplates such as Mercedes. This will change by 2007 when at least nine different hardtop convertibles will be manufactured with prices starting in the mid-$20,000 range.
Chrysler engineers gave the Sebring convertible a clean, smooth look regardless of whether the top is up or down. While it shares the same front end with its sedan sibling, the rear of the convertible is significantly different to accommodate the large steel roof and to maximize trunk space. The three-panel roof collapses delicately into the trunk at the touch of a button in about 27 seconds and is raised in about the same amount of time. Using design elements such as a raked hood, large grille and bubbled headlights, the Sebring ties in well with the rest of the Chrysler lineup.
On the inside, the retractable roof features a headliner that gives the interior a much more upscale look and should help to keep the cabin quieter. Like its predecessors, the new Sebring convertible will continue to feature integrated seat belts in the front seats allowing for better access to the spacious rear seating area. The instrument cluster is highlighted by the three large gauge pods, an elegant center stack that includes a navigation screen and is finished off with an abundance of light colored trim for a welcoming feeling.
With the all-new Sebring convertible, Chrysler appears to have what it takes as it looks to stay atop the throne in the convertible market.
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