2006 L.A. Auto Show: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Chrysler’s Sebring convertible has been one of the most consistent sellers in recent automotive history. The Sebring sedan underwent an underwhelming redesign earlier this year, and today Chrysler will unveil the all-new convertible, seen here, at the L.A. Auto Show. The company is joining the retractable-hardtop market, which also includes the Pontiac G6 convertible and Mazda MX-5 Miata, but Chrysler is going to produce two soft-top versions as well, one in vinyl and one in cloth. All will open automatically and feature a hard tonneau cover.

The cars will meet various price points, with the soft-tops dominating the lower end of the price spectrum and the hardtop being most expensive. Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date, in the second quarter of 2007, but Chrysler says they will be “surprisingly affordable.” The current base Sebring convertible starts at $26,115, and we don’t expect the price of the new model to be significantly lower than that. 

Engine and trim options will match the new sedan with base, Touring and Limited models, and engines ranging from a 173-hp four-cylinder to a 235-hp V-6. 

More images can be found below. 

Cars.com’s L.A. Auto Show Coverage

Comments

[Mark]

If you don't expect the price to be much lower than the current model, you will be VERY surprised when you see the price.

[M3]

Very classy looking, indeed. Obviously not a "sporty" car but a comfy cruiser. Very interesting to engineer two different tops, but could that extra money have been better spent elsewhere? Will there be a Sebring 2-door coupe, at an even lower price?

[Christopher in Sacramento]

Why oh why didn't they just make a two door out of the three hundred and remove the roof. THAT would have been SOMETHING. This is a bulbous affront to design taste, and the interior isn't any better.

[M3]

Chris, good point. Since Chrysler is making a 2-door version of the 300 platform for the upcoming Challenger coupe, how hard can it be to make a Chrysler convertible 2 door? A V6/V8 RWD convertible with 300 styling cues would be a much better car than this FWD thing. Chrysler even did a 4-door 300 convertible concept a little while ago but decided not to produce it. Shorten that concept into a 2-door and there you have it, most of the hard work's already done.

[Carole]

I like it! Except for one thing. What ever were they thinking when they put in the back window? It looks like the window size diminished, which would create even MORE of a blind spot than there was before. They should get input from Sebring owners before they build the new ones, and improve on the things that matter most....then design the exterior around that! Just a thought! :)

[Policywank]

Chrysler seems intent on moving backwards on rear visibility in their convertibles. I owned a 1996 Sebring and currently own a turbo 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible. I love the car, but feel like I'm driving blind any time I have to go in reverse. The tiny rear window combined with the giant "pillar" of the ragtop make even backing out of parking spaces a royal pain.

I wish I could find pricing info on the new Sebring convertible. We're looking at buying a car in 2007. Depending on what it is, it might be something for my wife or she might take my PT Convertible and I'd get the new one. If I could get a V6 cloth top Sebring in the $25-$26k range, it would definitely be on our list.

[Chris Croden]

Advice required for 'Limey' planning a vacation in San Francisco this summer and looking for car hire. Considering available space in the rear and trunk, would the Sebring Convertible be a viable rental option for a family of four during a two-week vacation or should I go for the sensible option?

[john]

hey you guys in la think that rwd is good . here in Boston we like fwd cars to get us through snow . I HAVE A RAG TOP .2004 CHRYSLER

[Kevin Greg Wobil Jr]

Oh Gush this is what I call a classic toy.
Man Ima hook with one soon the price is announced.
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn this ride is hot all over jus like ma girlfriend Mandy.

[Christine]

I have a JXI and I love her! But alas she is getting on with the years and so I am looking to purchase a newer model shortly. I want a sportier look with my car - will there be a sportier version available for people like me?

[Big Bret]

I just put $1,000.00 down and ordered my Sebring Convertible Limited - Inferno Red w/beige premium leather, Electronics Convenience Group, Luxury Group, 3.5 Liter V6 24-valve engine, including AutoStick® 6-speed Automatic Transmission, Dual Bright Exhaust Tips, and Dual Rear Exhaust, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System w/ Navigation, Electronic Stability Program and Body-Color Molding.... all for only $38,350.00

It should be here in 6-8 weeks.

[David]

This car just got totally slammed in the L.A. Times ( www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-hy-neil8aug08,0,4387817.story )

I can't ever remember seeing Dan Neil hating a car so much!

David