2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Overview

The 2008 Sebring Convertible is in a sense a comeback model, back after a year�s hiatus. Seeking to make up for the lost year, this newly packaged model offers more than cosmetic changes. The 2008 model comes with three types of roofs: in cloth, vinyl and a retractable hardtop. All three can be operated by the touch of a button or with a key fob.

Powertrain and performance

The 2008 model offers a choice of three engines. A 2.4-liter producing 173 horsepower; 2.7-liter generating 189 horsepower; and 3.5-liter generating 235 horsepower. While the least powerful of these comes with a 16-valve, in-line 4 DOHC; the second is a 24-valve V-6; and the powerful 3.5-liter has an SOHC, 24-valve, V-6 configuration. The engines come with either a four-speed or a six-speed transmission. The Sebring can reach a speed of 60 mph in 7.5 to 9.9 seconds. The front engine, FWD, two-door convertible accommodates up to four passengers.

Styling

Apart from the three new tops, there are changes in the dimensions. The length has been increased by 3.1 inches; the wheelbase by 2.9 inches; the height by 3.5 inches; and the width by 2 inches. Inside, the legroom is a little cramped, but there are some good optional features like navigation, a 20-GB hard drive for storing music, and a heating-cooling cup holder.

Safety

Standard air bags, anti-lock braking, and tire-pressure monitoring are just some of the features that helped the Sebring Convertible to earn the best score of five stars in side crash tests.