Poor Chrysler. Stung by the one-two punch of an economic recession/downturn (is there a difference?) and a lackluster model lineup, the automaker has pushed up development of its new D segment Sebring/Avenger sedans.
Surprisingly, the smallest domestic automaker is rumored to be considering axing the Sebring entirely to cut down on model redundancies between brands.
So they are saying there will be no badge engineering like we get with the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln Zephyer -- exsqueeze me -- MKZ? We think it is a great idea.
The current Sebring and Avenger sedans have consistently been ranked in the press below all competitors. The sales charts also bear that out.
Personally, while we see the Sebring sedan may get the axe, the perennially popular Sebring convertible will continue to soldier on through the next redesign. Chrysler doesn’t really have all that much competition on the market for a four-seat convertible that actually has room for four. Think about it. Have you ever tried to sit in the back of a Mustang convertible, the Sebring’s main competitor?
Not a comfy place (though your chiropractor's luvin' it).
Another boon for the new Avenger is that it will most likely be the introduction point for the new Phoenix V-6 variants co-developed with Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. The current six-cylinder family at Chrysler has been aging since the Bush administration. And we mean Bush Sr. and not W.
Speculation hiding as technospecs can be found here. Our take? Due in 2011, the new Avenger and Sebring convertible can’t come soon enough for the beleaguered automaker. We sincerely hope Chrysler can pull another styling miracle out of its hat and make these models the must have vehicles of their segment. Like the K-car before it, nothing saves Chrysler like a great midsize sedan!