Chrysler's Sebring convertible sure to be a showstopper
Chrysler's Sebring convertible 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.
Leading edge
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.
Independent
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.