Chrysler's convertible Sebring sure to be a showstopper
Chrysler's convertible Sebring sure to be a showstopper
By Russell Williamson
Chrysler's growth in the Indonesian market has been impressive
over the past two years, with the four-wheel drive Cherokee now
commanding top spot in its market sector.
From its launch nearly two years ago, the Cherokee has notched
up sales of almost 3000 cars for the local assembler and
distributor, PT Ningz Pacific.
The 4000cc straight-six powered Cherokee is available in two
forms: the top-spec Limited with leather, an automatic
transmission and all the goodies for Rp125 million; and the
Sport, with a five-speed manual gearbox for Rp105 million.
Together with the smaller, more rugged looking off-roader,
Wrangler -- which has added about 600 cars in the past year to
the company's sales volumes -- Chrysler has garnered a reputation
for tough, reliable and stylish four-wheel drive vehicles.
However, this is not the only market the giant United States
corporation operates in, as visitors to this year's Jakarta Auto
Expo will be able to testify to.
Taking center stage on the Chrysler display stand --
alongside the Cherokee and Wrangler -- is the company's Sebring
convertible.
Although this car is not likely to make it onto the Indonesian
market in the near future, it nevertheless demonstrates
Chrysler's ability to manufacture modern cars at the leading edge
of automotive design.
The Sebring convertible is unique in its sector in that it is
not simply a modified sedan or coupe, but has been designed as a
convertible from the ground up.
As such, its design offers excellent balance and dynamic
characteristics in the chassis and extra body stiffness to reduce
the scuttle shake that many convertibles suffer from.
The car carries on Chrysler's theme of cab-forward design,
which is intended to help increase visibility and roominess
inside, evidenced in the Sebring's full four-passenger capacity.
In Europe and the US, the car is available with a choice of
two drivetrains - a four cylinder 2000cc single overhead cam 16
valve engine driven through a five-speed manual gearbox, and a
smooth 24-valve 2500cc V6 power plant linked to a four-speed
electronic automatic transmission.
In keeping with the car's sports orientation, the suspension
is fully independent with a double wishbone, coil spring, anti-
roll bar setup at both ends.
Rack and pinion speed-sensitive power assisted steering is
standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock system.
Comfort and convenience equipment levels are high, with the
Sebring fitted with both driver and passenger air bags, air-
conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system,
central locking and six-way power adjustable driver's seat.
The electric roof can be lowered and raised at the touch of a
button and features a heated glass rear window.
Although the Sebring is unlikely to be sold in Indonesia, it
gives some clues as to what customers can expect when Chrysler
does start selling passenger cars here.
The company was expecting to have its small Neon sedan on sale
by August. However, concern over the government's national car
policy has delayed its introduction for an indefinite period.
On a brighter note, the company still expects to be
introducing its large people mover Voyager by about September
next year, and is committed to the Indonesian market to introduce
new models following that.
The managing director of PT Ningz Pacific, Rudi Bachrie, said
the company was in the process of building its own assembly
plant, which could start production as soon as March next year.
He said the facility would have a capacity of about 30,000
cars per year once it was completed around the third quarter of
next year.
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Caption:
Chrysler's Sebring convertible offers design clues to future
vehicles which will be sold here.