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2008 Chrysler Sebring – Chrysler Builds on Winning Formula, Creating Inspiration for the Mid-size Sedan Segment
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring combines stunning design with interior craftsmanship, high levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency, all at a surprisingly affordable price.
New for the 2008 model year is a Chrysler Sebring Limited all-wheel-drive (AWD) model, which is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, six-speed transmission and standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control. This Sebring Limited AWD model is the Chrysler brand’s first mid-size sedan to offer all-wheel-drive capability. The AWD system, available on models sold in the United States, works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed. All-wheel drive also is used on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to enhance handling during performance driving. This system provides added traction on snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces without having to be switched on and off.
Three fuel-efficient engine options power the 2008 Chrysler Sebring: the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick that provides 0-60 mph performance to rival the best in the standard mid-size-car class.
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring also offers class-leading safety features, with a combination of standard safety items not typically found in the mid-size-car segment, including standard side-curtain and standard front-seat-mounted side air bags, standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and available ESP with traction control.
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring sedan also features many class-leading technologies not available in the mid-size segment, including:
• MyGIG™, a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system with available navigation
• YES Essentials® stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static seat fabric
• Available DVD rear-seat entertainment system
• Heated/cooled front cup holder that can heat beverages to 140 degrees F or cool to nearly freezing at 35 degrees F
• Light-emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights in both the front and rear seats
• Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on all audio systems
• Available remote start
• Express up/down front windows on the key fob
• Standard 60/40 fold-flat rear seat with folding armrest
• Available heated cloth front seats
• Available heated leather seats
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat
• Cabin air-filtration system
• Sliding center console armrest with dual bin storage
• HomeLink® universal garage door opener
Design
Inspired by the 2003 Chrysler Airflite concept vehicle that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring’s elegant lines evoke the exterior styling features of the concept vehicle, bringing the Chrysler brand’s expressive design attributes to the mid-size segment.
From the front, the Chrysler Sebring sedan features the distinctive face of the Chrysler brand, with the Chrysler signature grille, a uniquely sculptured hood, large, distinctive quad headlamps and available fog lamps.
A long hood profile, chrome beltline molding and long roofline emulate a five-door appearance. High-gloss blackouts on the B-pillars enhance the length of the Sebring’s greenhouse. Sculptured character lines running along the body accentuate Sebring’s athletic stance.
The expressive character of the vehicle continues at the rear where Sebring’s wide tail lamps are integrated into both the rear quarters and extend into the deck lid for visual impact. Rear fog lamps mounted in the backup lamps maintain a uniform appearance between domestic and export vehicles. Chrysler Sebring Limited models equipped with the optional 3.5-liter V6 engine add chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets to hint at the performance capability engineered into the powertrain.
The elegance found in Sebring’s exterior styling also runs through the vehicle’s interior, which features a modern, clean appearance with intense focus on quality, detail and execution. Sebring’s finely crafted interior features soft surfaces, mechanical grains and selective gloss levels on the interior surfaces.
Sebring’s H-point is 2.54 inches (64.6 mm) higher than the vehicle it replaces, giving drivers a command-of-the-road feel. Standard 60/40 fold-flat rear seats make room for more gear, and an available fold-flat passenger seat creates a table-like surface to enhance the versatility of Sebring’s interior.
All Chrysler Sebring models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige, which provides a spacious and well-appointed look. The Chrysler Sebring Limited model also features an exclusive two-tone Cream and Pebble Beige interior with leather seats. The Chrysler Sebring Limited model’s available upscale accent materials and finishes include Tortoise Shell, Satin Silver, Alloy Silver and Chrome.
Engineering
New for the 2008 model year is a Chrysler Sebring Limited AWD model, which comes standard with ESP. The Sebring’s all-wheel-drive system requires no driver input or control. Under most driving conditions, it is passive, and power is transmitted solely to the front wheels. However, Sebring’s AWD can sense when extra traction is needed, responding to pedal position and transferring power to the rear wheels.
If the driver, via the pedal, is asking for a lot of power, the system immediately starts clamping the Electronically Controlled Coupling (ECC), transferring a high percentage of power to the rear wheels. Power is transmitted to all four wheels, which helps prevent the front wheels from slipping. Sebring’s AWD system also uses feedback from wheel-speed sensors to determine how much torque to transfer to the rear wheels. If the Sebring’s front wheels start to slip on ice, but the rear wheels are on dry pavement, the AWD system tells the ECC to start clamping and sends even more torque to the rear wheels to minimize slippage and get the vehicle moving.
The ECC system also knows when to modulate the amount of power sent to the rear wheels. If the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds and starts to hydroplane, the system sends very little power to the rear wheels because the ECC knows the rear wheels don’t need a lot of power in that situation.
When traveling faster than 25 mph, Chrysler Sebring’s AWD system sends torque to the rear wheels when cornering with the throttle open to make the car turn more easily, which makes the handling more neutral. This is more readily accomplished with Sebring’s ECC than with viscous-coupling, Torsen® or gerotor systems that require some degree of front-to-rear slip to transfer torque to the rear wheels. At speeds greater than 53 mph, the control strategy provides minimal torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions to provide better fuel economy. The Sebring’s AWD system contributes to good fuel economy by operating only on demand, thereby minimizing power-robbing friction and inertia. Sebring’s AWD system also is easier to calibrate, more flexible, more precise and less costly than viscous-coupling, Torsen or gerotor systems.
Three engine options power the 2008 Chrysler Sebring sold in the United States: the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick.
Fuel economy is a high-priority for many of today’s car buyers, and the 2008 Chrysler Sebring, with its standard four-cylinder engine rivals the best in the mid-size car segment. Sebring's 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing delivers excellent fuel efficiency in the city of 21 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway based on 2007 EPA standards), as well as smooth, quiet operation.
All 2008 Chrysler Sebring sedans equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine built after July 2007 and sold in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island meet the cleanest tailpipe and evaporative standards in the world and will be certified as a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV). The engine, exhaust and fuel system hardware are upgraded for the 2008 model year.
The available, Flexible Fuel vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine provides value- and performance-conscious consumers the power of a V-6 engine with a price that compares with the competitions’ four-cylinder engines. Chrysler Sebring's available 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 186 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. This 2.7-liter V-6 engine achieves 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. It also can operate effectively on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85.
Chrysler Sebring Limited sedans sold in the United States also are available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. The combination of the upgraded 3.5L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as smooth quiet operation. This 3.5-liter V-6 engine achieves 16 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Chrysler Sebring Limited AWD model achieves 15 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway based on 2008 EPA standards.
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring’s six-speed automatic transaxle provides quicker standing-start acceleration than a four- or five-speed transaxle because of its numerically higher first gear ratio. A more robust differential with increased torque capacity enhances launch performance by requiring less torque management, electronically limiting the torque that is available during the initial stages of standing-start acceleration. Smaller steps between ratios also make for a smoother, quieter ride, as the engine speed doesn’t change as often with each shift. In addition, more ratio choices, more appropriate ratios for quicker acceleration and a lower overall top gear ratio provide a quiet ride and improved fuel economy at highway speeds.
Product Highlights
Inspiration for the common car – more style, more craftsmanship, more performance, more value – more car
• The Chrysler Sebring builds on the winning formula begun with the award-winning Chrysler 300 in the large car segment, and the Dodge Caliber in the compact car segment. This formula combines stunning design with interior craftsmanship, high levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency, all at a surprisingly affordable price
Strikingly beautiful design with world-class interior craftsmanship
• The new Chrysler Sebring will give buyers upscale styling, quality and refinement in a mid-size sedan, providing passion and excitement at an affordable price
• The Chrysler Sebring sculptured hood brings Chrysler brand’s elegant lines to the mid-size-car segment
Purposeful technology that makes life easier and safer
• The Chrysler Sebring is a mid-size vehicle that has a refined interior with many premium appointments that provide value to the buyer, including:
o MyGIG, a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system with available navigation
o Available heated/cooled cup holder
o Available rear-seat DVD/entertainment system
o YES Essentials premium seat fabric
o Aimable LED lights in front and rear seats
Class-leading safety features
• Standard seat-mounted (thorax) side air bags
• Standard side-curtain air bags
• Low-risk deployment air bags
• Standard ABS
• Available ESP with traction control
• ESP with traction control standard on Chrysler Sebring Limited AWD model
Exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency
• A fuel-efficient 2.4-liter I-4 World Engine is standard on all Sebring models and delivers 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque
• An enhanced flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 186 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque
• The Chrysler Sebring Limited and the Chrysler Sebring Limited AWD models with a 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transaxle rival the quickest mid-size sedans in the segment based on 0-60 mph tests. This 3.5-liter V-6 produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque
• Auto Stick is standard with the 3.5-liter engine, providing a fun-to-drive feel
MODEL LINEUP
2008 Chrysler Sebring LX
Standard Features
• Front-wheel drive
• 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine (173 horsepower [129 kW] and 166 lb.-ft. [225 N•m] of torque)
• Four-speed automatic transmission
• Side-curtain air bags
• Side seat-mounted thorax air bags
• Front disc/rear drum ABS
• Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPM)
• Electroluminescent cluster with outside temperature display
• Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Driver seat lumbar with manual height adjuster
• AM/FM/CD stereo with six-disc CD player and MP3 connectivity and play capability
• Chrysler signature analog clock
• Sliding sun visor
• Sliding front center armrest
• Upper and lower bin in the center console
• Second power outlet
• 60/40 folding rear seat with center arm rest
• Rear door map pockets with bottle holders
• Passenger side front-seat-back map pocket
• Standard power mirrors
• Quad headlamps with off-time delay
• Bright beltline molding
• 16-inch wheel covers and tires
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Optional Features
• Engine block heater
• Smoker’s group
• Premium floor mats
• Safety, Security and Convenience Group (which includes security alarm, daytime running lamps, YES Essentials seat fabric and fold-flat passenger seat)
2008 Chrysler Sebring Touring
Standard Features
In addition to the standard features on the Chrysler Sebring LX model, the Chrysler Sebring Touring model includes:
• YES Essentials seat fabric
• Fold-flat passenger seat
• Brushed aluminum instrument panel, cluster bezels and door trim
• Chrome interior door handles
• Express-up/down windows for both the driver and passenger
• Express-down windows on the key fob
• LED map lights
• Lighted visor mirrors
• Body-color heated power mirrors
• Rear passenger assist grab handles
• Six speakers
• Touring Edition badge
• Automatic headlamps
• Four-wheel-disc ABS
• 17-inch tires with machined aluminum wheels
Optional Features
Available options on the Chrysler Sebring Touring model, in addition to the options available on the Sebring LX model, include:
• 2.7-liter Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) V-6 engine (186 hp [139 kW] and 192 lb.-ft. [260 N•m] of torque
• MyGIG Entertainment System with AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 radio featuring touch screen operation
• MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System and navigation featuring touch screen and voice recognition
• Rear-seat DVD system
• Premium 276-watt six-channel Boston Acoustics sound system
• Heated/cooled cup holder (which is included with Electronic Convenience Group)
• ESP with traction control
• Eight-way power driver seat
• Body-color bodyside molding
• 18-inch tires with cast-aluminum wheels
• Electronic Convenience Group (which includes heated and cooled cup holder, heated front seats, remote start, travel computer and TPM, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), cabin air filtration system, universal garage door opener, automatic-dimming rearview mirror and single-zone automatic temperature control)
• Safety, Security and Convenience Group (which includes body-color bodyside molding, security alarm, daytime running lamps, UConnect and ESP [includes four-wheel disc ABS brakes and rear sway bar with I-4 engine])
• Sound Group (which includes Boston Acoustics speaker system and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls)
2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited
Standard Features
In addition to the standard features on the Chrysler Sebring LX and Sebring Touring models, the Chrysler Sebring Limited includes:
• Two-tone leather seats and leather shift knob
• Premium front console armrest
• Premium Boston Acoustics Sound System
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Eight-way power driver seat
• Travel computer
• EVIC
• Single-zone automatic temperature control
• Theft alarm
• Tortoise shell accents on the steering wheel, instrument panel and doors
• Universal garage door opener
• Automatic-dimming rearview mirror
• Fog lamps
• Chrome exterior door handles
• Satin Silver door handles and PRNDL bezel
• Limited badge
Optional Features
Available options on the Chrysler Sebring Limited model, in addition to the options available on the Sebring LX and Sebring Touring models, include:
• 3.5-liter V-6 engine (235 horsepower [175W] and 232 lb.-ft. [232 N•m] of torque)
• Six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick
• Premium Group (included with the 2.4-liter I4 engine features cabin air filtration system, heated/cooled cup holder, heated front seats and remote start)
• Luxury Group (included with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine features heated seats, cabin air filtration system, heated/cooled cup holder, remote start and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels)
• Safety, Security and Convenience Group (which includes body-color bodyside molding, daytime running lamps, UConnect Hands-free Communication System and ESP)
Chrysler Sebring Limited All-wheel drive
Standard Features
In addition to the standard features on the Chrysler Sebring LX, Sebring Touring and Sebring Limited models, the Chrysler Sebring Limited AWD model includes:
• ESP with traction control
Safety and Security
Please refer to the safety glossary in the Safety and Technology section for descriptions of the following available features:
• Advanced Multi-stage Front Air Bags
• Standard Side-curtain Air Bags
• Front-seat-mounted Side Air Bags
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control
• Brake Assist (included with ESP)
• All-speed Traction Control (included with ESP)
• Auto-reverse Sun Roof
• Auto-reverse Windows
• Structural Safety Cage
• Side Guard Door Beams
• Available Automatic-dimming Rearview Mirror
• BeltAlert
• Brake/Park Interlock
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
• Child-protection Rear Door Locks
• Constant Force Retractors (CFR)
• Crumple Zones
• Daytime Running Lamps
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column
• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
• Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts
• HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver
• Interior Head-impact Protection
• Knee Bolsters
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Seat-belt Pretensioners
• Security Alarm
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) System
• UConnect Hands-free Communication System
Color Availability
• Light Sandstone Metallic Clear Coat (New)
• Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
• Marathon Blue Pearl Coat
• Modern Blue Pearl Coat
• Silver Steel Metallic Pearl Coat
• Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
• Brilliant Black Pearl Coat
• Stone White Clear Coat
Manufacturing Information
• 2008 model year production start: August 2007
• Production location: Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Mich.
• 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine: Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich.
• 2.7-liter V-6: Kenosha Engine Plant, Kenosha, Wis.
• 3.5-liter V-6: Kenosha Engine Plant, Kenosha, Wis.
• Four-speed automatic transaxle: Kokomo Transmission, Kokomo, Ind.
• Six-speed automatic transaxle: Kokomo Transmission, Kokomo, Ind.
Market Position
Chrysler Sebring sedan is inspiration for the common car, with more style, more craftsmanship, more performance and value.
Following in the footsteps of the runaway blockbuster hit Chrysler 300, which signaled the return of the great American car, the Chrysler brand once again shatters another long-established automotive paradigm that a mid-size car from an American company can’t be competitive with the imports with the 2008 Chrysler Sebring mid-size sedan. Chrysler Sebring sedan features unexpected levels of craftsmanship, style and performance at a surprisingly affordable price.
Demographics
• Gender: Female 55 percent/Male 45 percent
• Age: Trailing Baby Boomers – 35-55 years old
• Median Annual Household Income: $65,000
• Married: 70 percent
• Household: Mostly married and well-educated. Many have small families with one or two children. Epicurean, young thinking, open-minded, self-confident, conservative nature, passion for life, down-to-earth. While middle and upper-middle class, their lives are active, simple, yet stylish. Their self image is grounded in their accomplishments and future prospects.
• Education: 60% college graduate
Market Advantages
Chrysler Sebring distinguishes itself in the market by having a higher level of style, refined craftsmanship and performance and driving dynamics than other vehicles in the mid-size-car segment.
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring features a cutting-edge MyGIG information and entertainment system with available navigation that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications. This best-in-class next-generation navigation radio features a 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colors, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation capability, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. The system follows voice-activated commands, and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalized picture displays, including:
• A 20 gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organizing music and pictures to the hard drive
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) provides both MP3 connectivity and downloading of WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive
• GraceNotes database installed on the hard disk drive, which provides song identification, including title, composer, artist and title
• Playlist creation capability to provide easy access to files
• Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to three-minutes long to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rearview mirror
• Radio screen, which can display movies when the Sebring is moving at speeds below 5 mph
• SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, which provides customers with 130 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast-to-coast, commercial free, 24 hours a day
• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible cell phone and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility
In addition to this cutting-edge navigation radio, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring also offers a unique combination of features not available on other mid-size competitors, including:
• YES Essentials® stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static seat fabric
• Available DVD rear-seat entertainment system
• Heated/cooled front cup holder for keeping cool beverages cool and hot beverages hot. Cup holder can heat beverage to 140 degrees F or to nearly freezing at 35 degrees F
• LED interior lighting with high-focus white lights in both the front and rear seats
• Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on all audio systems
• MP3 play capability
• Automatic temperature control
• Available remote start
• Express down front windows on the key fobs
• Standard 60/40 fold-flat rear seat
• Available heated cloth front seats
• Available heated leather seats
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat
• Cabin air-filtration system
• Sliding center console armrest bin with dual bin front seat storage
• HomeLink universal garage door opener
Product Chronology
• All-new 2007 model year production start: August 2006.