Chrysler is introducing a new Sebring sedan for 2001 to replace the aging Cirrus. Retaining the cab-forward design of the Cirrus and larger LH cars, Chrysler has adopted many styling cues from the Sebring's larger sibling, the Concorde. This gives Chrysler a much stronger identity in the highly competitive midsize sedan market. More than a cosmetic makeover, this total redesign focused on improving performance and overall refinement—and building a car that's more fun to drive than the Cirrus it replaces.
An all-new chassis/body structure shares the same wheelbase and track as the previous Cirrus. Claims of increased body rigidity are believable—the body is taught and quiet. Damping and bump absorption are excellent, and ride and handling are as agile as any car in its class. Much of this newfound road-worthiness is the result of a revised front crossmember with short- and long-arm suspension pieces, rebound springs added to the shocks and new swaybar isolators. These changes complement the rear multi-link suspension setup for increased control without sacrificing ride quality. Standard 15-inch, P205/65R15 wheels and tires replace the Cirrus' 14-inchers. Optional 16-inch, P205/60R16s are available, giving the new Sebring a sportier image and considerably more grip and steering response.
Power is improved over the present Cirrus 2.5-liter V-6 with an all-new aluminum 2.7-liter DOHC engine, boasting 32 more horsepower and 22 more lb.-ft. of torque. Producing 200 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque, Chrysler claims that this engine is also approximately 10 percent more fuel-efficient than the previous 2.5-liter V-6. An active intake-tuning valve makes low- and mid-range torque more accessible.
Transmission choices are limited to a single electronically controlled, 4-speed automatic with overdrive. Sebrings with 2.7-liter engines can add the available AutoStick feature that enables the driver to manually shift through the gears, adding a touch of sportiness. A 5-speed manual will be available later in production, most likely aimed for the European market.
Body build quality appears excellent, a sure sign that the influence of the LH cars has definitely trickled down to their less-expensive siblings. Touches of fine craftsmanship are evident, such as the lack of a seam at the roof panel to C-pillar joint, and a finish quality that would be expected in a more expensive car.
After a brief drive over a variety of road conditions, it was apparent that Chrysler had met its goals of improved performance and refinement. Its increased body structure, refined suspension and new powerplants deliver as promised. However, there is one area of refinement that could use more work: road/tire noise is above average on coarse road surfaces. This may very well be a tire issue, though we did notice it on both 15- and 16-inch-equipped models.
One thing is fairly certain: the new Sebring sedans have positioned Chrysler as a much stronger competitor in the midsize sedan market. Concorde styling at Cirrus pricing is hard to ignore.
Interior appointments are on par with most domestic competitors, but still not quite the quality of some imports. However, now that Sebring sedans are hitting the showrooms, fit and finish has improved from the early production pre-release models we drove. The instrument panel is a rather plain, linear design, but the black on white gauges (similar to those found in the 300M) are well-positioned. One minor quibble is the controls for the CD player, below and separate from the stereo, are set a few inches in from the rest of the center panel controls and require a bit of a stretch to operate. We're not sure why they aren't in line with the rest of the controls. Seat support is good, and the LXi's leather seating is quite nice for its class.
The Sebring sedan looks longer and sleeker than the Cirrus because it is. A total of five inches of overall length have been added to accommodate styling cues adopted from the Concorde, such as the wide oval egg-crate grille. There are two trim levels, the base LX packed with standard features and the fully equipped Lxi. The LX comes standard with the 2.4-liter 4-banger and the 2.7-liter alloy V-6 is optional. Standard equipment on the LXi includes the 2.7-liter engine and the 16-inch wheel package.
Even the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder found in the Cirrus has been upgraded with a revised 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder pumping out 150-hp and 167 lb.-ft. of torque. Chrysler has been working on reducing the noise and vibration transmitted into the passenger compartment from its 4-cylinder engines with good results.
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all sedan models and offer good feel and sure stopping. With available ABS Plus stability control, and available side air bags, the Sebring sedan looks to be a strong value in the safety department.
The all-new Sebring sedan shares its architecture and platform with the new Dodge Stratus sedan. Developed by Chrysler's Large Car team, it will also carry the next Sebring convertible due in January. The Sebring coupe, and its Dodge variation, the Stratus, remains inexplicably a separate, but also totally new platform for 2001.
Author: Andy Mikonis
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