Press Kit: 2007 Chrysler Sebring, What's New for '07

ENGINEERING

“The all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring’s performance is extremely competitive with the best in its class,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Front-wheel-drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. “Based on 0-60 mph acceleration tests, the Sebring Limited’s performance, with its new 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle, rivals the leaders in the mid-size class.”

Three engine options power the 2007 Chrysler Sebring: the new 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, a 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with AutoStick that provides 0-60 mph performance to rival the best in the mid-size-car class.

Sebring’s standard 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing (VVT) rivals all four-cylinder engines in the mid-size-car segment with its combination of fuel economy and solid performance. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 13 percent increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and 4 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

An available enhanced 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 competition’s four-cylinder engine. Chrysler Sebring’s available 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it replaces.

Chrysler Sebring sedan also is available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with AutoStick. The combination of the upgraded 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency and quiet operation.

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring is one of the first Chrysler Group vehicles to offer the new six-speed automatic transaxle, which 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 quieter ride and improved fuel economy at highway speeds.

For the first time in the mid-size car segment, the Chrysler Group also will offer a state-of-the-art 2.0-liter diesel engine on the Chrysler Sebring for key diesel markets outside North America.