All-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Tops Segment with Class-leading Innovations and Three Convertible Top Offerings


* Chrysler brand reinforces its leadership position as America's favorite
convertible company with all-new Sebring Convertible
* Three automatically latching tops, including a retractable hard top, can
drop with the press of a button on the key fob
* Spacious interior makes comfortable room for four adults, exceptional
cargo room easily fits four golf bags, two golf bags when top is dropped
* Exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency of 31 mpg and
Flexible-fuel Vehicle (FFV) engine availability

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler is raising the
roof on the convertible segment, introducing the all-new 2008 Chrysler
Sebring Convertible. This completely redesigned Sebring Convertible is
built on the company's new D-segment platform and offers what no other
convertible on the road can offer: Chrysler's sleek and elegant design,
exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency, a spacious
interior that comfortably sits four adults and enough room in the trunk to
hold two golf bags, even when the top is dropped.

The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible also offers what no other
convertible has offered before-three automatically latching convertible top
options: vinyl, cloth and a first for this new 2008 Sebring Convertible, a
body-color painted steel retractable hard top, all of which can be
retracted with a push of a button on the key fob. Top that with a standard
power hard tonneau cover on all models, and top up or down, Sebring
Convertible provides the benefits of coupe and the true open-air freedom of
a convertible, all at a surprisingly affordable price.

"America's favorite convertible is now better than ever," said George
Murphy, Senior Vice President-Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. "The
all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers the unprecedented combination
of unmistakable road presence, athletic handling, innovative technologies,
as well as plenty of room for people and gear. In fact, the all-new Sebring
Convertible is the only convertible in the segment that can pass the
two-golf- bag test. The sky's the limit on what this vehicle can accomplish
in the marketplace."

The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held the honor of America's
favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade. In
fact, Sebring Convertible has earned the title of best-selling convertible
in the United States for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler
Sebring Convertible is poised to reign supreme when it becomes available in
U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets
in the second half of 2007.

In markets outside North America, Sebring Convertible will be the first
D- segment cabriolet for the Chrysler Group to offer both a diesel engine
and right-hand-drive availability, thereby equipping the vehicle to become
a stronger competitor in the segment.

Elegant Design both Inside and Out, Top up or Down
Chrysler designers looked at the future brand showroom when seeking
inspiration for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. From the original
sketches to the production vehicle, the all-new convertible was designed to
provide a familial tie to its new sedan sibling, and the resemblance is
unmistakable. Beyond that, the convertible stretches the look to create
usable space in the trunk when the convertible top is stowed.

"Top up or down, the all-new Sebring Convertible's design captures the
essence of the Chrysler brand," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President-
Design. "The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible's design is a
showcase for the expressive, refined, athletic and passionate."

From the front view, the new Sebring Convertible shares many traits
with its sedan sibling, including the distinctive face of Chrysler, the
brand's signature eggcrate grille and a uniquely sculptured hood that
features the Chrysler brand's elegant lines. The Chrysler winged medallion
is centered at the top of the grille just below the leading edge of the
hood. Large quad headlamps wrap around to the side of the vehicle, where
the all-new Sebring Convertible's profile takes on a shape all its own.

The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible's wheelbase is 2.9 inches
longer, and the car is 3.5 inches taller and more than 2 inches wider than
the vehicle it replaces. Its overall length also is 3 inches longer than
the sedan, which lengthens the side profile and provides enough cargo room
in the trunk to hold two golf bags when the roof is retracted. Sebring
Convertible's profile is defined by a long hood, a long roofline and a high
chrome beltline, all of which give the vehicle a nicely proportioned,
elegant greenhouse with the top up. Designers also minimized the width of
the C-pillar, improving the convertible's sleek side profile and increasing
rearward visibility when the convertible top is up. Sculpted character
lines run across the body, underneath the door handles and across the lower
bodyside, producing the Sebring Convertible's athletic stance.

From the rear, wide tail lamps are mounted on the corners and deck lid
for visibility and visual impact. Rear fog lamps mounted in the backup
lamps help maintain a uniform appearance among models sold around the
world. Chrome- tipped dual exhaust outputs hint at the Limited model's
performance capability when equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and
six-speed automatic transaxle.

World-class Craftsmanship
The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible's interior features a
modern, clean design with intense focus on quality, detail, craftsmanship
and execution. Soft surfaces on interior touch points, including the
instrument panel cover and door arm rests, complement the convertible's
luxurious interior.

Inspired by the Chrysler winged badge, the convertible's center stack
features a Chrysler signature analog clock, which is surrounded by dual
heating and air conditioning vents. Sebring Convertible's instrument panel
also includes a locking glove box that can secure important documents and
small items. The center floor console features dual storage bins and a
sliding armrest that moves 3 inches to provide a comfortable position for
all drivers.

As many as four occupants can experience the new Sebring Convertible's
comfortable, roomy interior. Occupants sit 2.5 inches higher than they did
in the previous Sebring Convertible model, giving them a
command-of-the-road seating position. Rear seat passengers also have plenty
of leg and head room, making this a functional convertible that can be
enjoyed year round in all seasons.

All 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible models feature a two-tone
interior theme with dark and lighter shades of Khaki or Gray on the
instrument panel and door trim. The Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited
model also features an exclusive Cream and Pebble Beige interior with
leather seats. Interior accents include Alloy Silver and chrome on the
Sebring Convertible model, Satin Silver and chrome on the Touring model and
Satin Silver, chrome and Tortoise Shell on the Limited model.

Thoughtful Attention to Details
The Sebring Convertible's development team paid keen attention to
details, finding ways to make life easier for the driver and passengers,
while creating a clean design in the process. The result is a 2008 Chrysler
Sebring Convertible that delivers many standard innovative and thoughtful
features that will both surprise and delight the driver and passenger,
including:

* A trunk spacious enough to hold four golf bags when the convertible
top is up and two golf bags when the convertible top is down
* Available remote convertible top operation on the key fob
* No manual convertible top latches, as Sebring's new convertible top
system automatically latches
* A standard power hard tonneau that neatly conceals each of the three
convertible tops when retracted
* Seatbelts integrated into the front and rear seats, which looks
clean, enhances seat comfort and makes it easier for passengers to get into
the back seat
* Easy-entry rear seat, as passenger seat features slide and memory
recline position
* Available remote start that allows drivers to warm up or cool down
their convertible from a distance
* An available windscreen that reduces wind and road noise
* A locking glove box that can secure important documents and small
items, top up or down
* An available heated/cooled cup holder that keeps warm beverages warm
and cold beverages cool
* Available YES Essentials(R) stain-resistant, odor resistant,
anti-static seat fabric
* Rear cup holders that are positioned in the rear quarter panels for
easy access by rear-seat passengers
* Passenger seat back that includes a map pocket for storage
* Doors that include map pocket inserts

Exhilarating Performance with Excellent Fuel Efficiency
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is available in the United States
in three models: Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Touring and Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited.

Three engine options power the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible sold
in the United States: 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 new 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 Convertible's standard four-cylinder engine rivals
the best four-cylinder engines in the segment. Sebring Convertible's
2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing delivers fuel
efficiency of 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the
highway, as well as smooth, quiet operation. Mated to a four-speed
automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 15 percent increase in
horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

An available 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 competition's four-cylinder engines. Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Touring model's 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. This 2.7-liter V-6 engine
achieves 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. It also can operate
effectively on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85.

Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited models 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 new six-speed automatic transaxle
that comes standard with Auto Stick. The combination of the 3.5-liter V6
engine and six- speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance
and fuel efficiency, as well as smooth quiet operation. Sebring
Convertible's 3.5-liter V-6 engine achieves 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg
on the highway.

SOLID STRUCTURE PROVIDES A SMOOTH RIDE
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible was engineered to have an
extremely rigid body structure, which provides its quiet, comfortable ride,
devoid of cowl shake, even when the top is down. Compared with the model it
replaces, the new Sebring Convertible's body structure is substantially
stiffer than its predecessor in bending and torsion-especially bending-due
to very large sills. In fact, its new front-wheel-drive architecture and
the three-box vehicle design contribute to a body that is 2.5 times stiffer
in twist and 1.5 times stiffer in bending than the previous generation
convertible. These refinements also make the new Sebring Convertible
structure stiffer than other convertibles on the market that cost thousands
of dollars more.

A Breath of Fresh Air
The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible brings new levels of function
and technology to the U.S. convertible segment. Innovative new features
include the cutting-edge MyGIG navigation/entertainment/infotainment
system, a heated/cooled cup holder, YES(R) Essentials stain-resistant seat
fabric and an available feature every convertible owner will love-the
ability to drop the convertible top and all four windows with the push of a
button on the key fob.

"The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible does for the convertible
segment what the Chrysler 300 did for the large car segment and the all-new
Sebring Sedan does for the mid-size sedan segment-it brings innovative,
useful technologies to customers," said David Rooney, Director-Chrysler
Marketing and Global Communications. "These features make life easier and
safer for the driver and passengers, while making the overall driving
experience much more enjoyable for all."

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible features MyGIG, a cutting-edge
information, entertainment and safety navigation audio system 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, as well as
multiple font sizes and styles. The MyGIG 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 on the hard drive
* Universal Serial Bus (USB) provides both MP3 connectivity and
downloading of WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive
* Gracenote(R) database installed on the hard drive, which provides
song identification, including composer, artist and title
* Playlist creation capability to provide easy access to files
* Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to 3 minutes long to
be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rearview mirror
* Radio screen, which can display movies (when vehicle is not in
motion)
* SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio, which provides customers with more than
125 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast-to
coast, 24 hours a day. This includes 100 percent commercial-free music, as
well as sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather

* UConnect(TM) Hands-free Communication System that uses Bluetooth(R)
technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the
occupants' compatible cell phones and the Sebring Convertible's onboard
receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and
flexibility

Class-leading Safety Features
The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible also offers a unique
combination of class-leading safety features that are designed to keep
occupants both safe and secure, top up or down.

A new integrated seat-belt system for 2008 connects all seat belts to
the seats, making them more comfortable for the driver and passengers, as
well as making it much easier for passengers to get in and out of the rear
seat.

Sebring Convertible's safety cage is constructed with dual-phase, high-
strength and ultra-high-strength steel components designed to protect
occupants in all driving situations. Side-guard door beams help protect
occupants in side impacts.

Sebring Convertible's extremely strong safety cage is complemented with
standard advanced multi-stage front air bags and standard front-seat-mounted side air bags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on
all 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible models. Electronic Stability Program
is also available.

Rising to the Top
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible competes primarily in the
Standard Specialty segment, with some consideration from Luxury Specialty
segment buyers in the U.S. market. The convertible portion of the Standard
Specialty segment has remained fairly steady over the past 5 calendar
years, with an average of 150,000 units sold each year. The convertible
segment is expected to achieve steady growth in the near future, due to a
trend toward niche vehicles.

In the United States, Chrysler Sebring Convertible is designed to
appeal to successful Baby Boomers who want a car for themselves. They love
the open- air freedom of a convertible, but also appreciate that the new
Sebring Convertible is practical 365 days of the year. These buyers are
40-50 years old, and 70 percent of them are married. They are well-educated
and earn a median income of approximately $90,000. Fifty percent are male,
50 percent are female and 60 percent are college-educated. These Sebring
Convertible buyers are fun, carefree, classy, friendly, smart and
easy-going. The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible meets their demands
for a vehicle that can do triple duty for going to work, running errands
and pleasure drives with the top down.

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Production
Production of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible begins in the first
quarter of 2007 at the newly refurbished Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly
Plant. Sebring Convertible's new 173 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder
World Engine is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing
Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich. The 2.7-liter V-6 engine and the
3.5-liter V-6 engine are built at the Kenosha (Wis.) Engine Plant.

Chrysler Brand
Driven by award-winning new models, the Chrysler brand has seen a
dramatic increase in sales, market share and brand image, culminating in
2005 calendar year sales of 649,293 units-an all-time sales record. Since
1990, Chrysler brand sales have jumped 251 percent. No other American
automotive brand has grown as much during the same time frame.

"The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions
continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in great design,
purposeful technology and value," Rooney said. "With the introduction of
the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, as well as the launch of the
all- new 2007 Chrysler Sebring and the 2007 Chrysler Aspen-the first-ever
full-size SUV for the brand-the momentum is sure to continue," he added.


SOURCE Chrysler Group