Chrysler Group’s redesigned Chrysler Sebring sedan will start below $19,000, while the ’07 Aspen – the pentastar brand’s first SUV – will sticker for less than $32,000, the auto maker says.
The base-model ’07 Sebring equipped with a 2.4L 4-cyl., the top-end mill in Chrysler’s new World Engine family, will start at $18,995, including a $675 destination charge. The 173-hp engine delivers 166 lb.-ft. (225 Nm) of peak torque.
Mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, it has an estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/32 mpg (9.8-7.4 L/100 km).
Chrysler offers two other engine choices in the Sebring: a 189-hp flex-fuel 2.7L V-6 that generates 191 lb.-ft. (259 Nm) of torque and a 235-hp 3.5L V-6 that produces 232 lb.-ft. (315 Nm). These engines are available in the $20,195 Sebring Touring and the $23,995 Sebring Limited, respectively.
The Sebring Limited also comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and 18-in. wheels as standard equipment.
The ’07 Aspen, which shares a platform with the Dodge Durango, is available in two trim levels. The Aspen Limited “E” package starts at $31,490 for a 4x2 drivetrain and $34,265 in 4x4 dress. Both prices include a $745 destination charge.
The Aspen “E” comes equipped with a 4.7L V-8. A 5.7L Hemi V-8 is optional, as is 3-passenger, third-row seating.
The Aspen Limited “J” starts at $36,905 for 4x2 and $39,225 for 4x4 models, including destination. The Hemi comes standard with the Aspen “J,” as do 20-in. chromed wheels and a 60/40 third-row seat.
Chrysler has high hopes for the Sebring. David R. Rooney, director-Chrysler marketing and global communications, says the car “represents the next phase of the Chrysler brand’s passenger-car renaissance.”
The auto maker expects Aspen will bring incremental sales because, to date, Chrysler has been absent from the SUV market. This despite the pressure that volatile gasoline prices have had on large SUV sales.
“I think it’s still an extremely strong segment,” says Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour. “I’m very bullish on the segment. There are still people who want to take their gear and their kids and go on vacation and do things. At the margin, you’ll see some people change as fuel prices change. But I think the bulk of the market is still there.”
Through July, sales of large domestic SUVs are down 29.4%, while total SUV deliveries are off 19.9%, according to Ward’s data.
Since 1990, Chrysler-brand sales have more than tripled, culminating in last year’s record full-year total of 649,293 deliveries.
In addition to Sebring and Aspen, the remainder of this year has Chrysler Group launching five new products: the Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Patriot SUVs; Dodge Nitro SUV and Dodge Chassis Cab commercial truck.
