Chrysler Group has been riding high in 2005, but if the new Sebring sedan isn't any more interesting than this spy shot hints, it may get shot down in 2006. Its success in the face of GM and Ford problems this year hinges largely on the brisk sales of the bold, groundbreaking Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Chrysler execs have assured us the new JS models, the Sebring and Dodge Stratus replacement (the latter likely to be renamed), will be just as bold and interesting as the bigger, rear-drive LXs. We'll see.
The 2007 Sebring is expected next summer (a year later than originally planned) and the convertible, as well as the Dodge Stratus replacement, could come a full eight months later, as 2008 models. The Stratus was first planned as a two-box hatchback, but test mules have been spotted with traditional three-box sedan designs. The mules feature a version of the bold Dodge crosshair grille, which looks trucklike on some cars. Chryslers and Dodges will get a version of the Chrysler/Hyundai/ Mitsubishi "global engine," probably a 170-horsepower, 165-pound-foot 2.4-liter version, plus a V-6, likely the current 200-horsepower 2.7.
Meanwhile, Dieter Zetsche, one of two men largely responsible for Chrysler Group's current success, won't have much time to devote to the launch of the new JS models. He took control from Juergen Schrempp as chief executive of DaimlerChrysler on September 1 and also took control of its Mercedes-Benz car division after Eckhard Cordes resigned. Cordes had wanted Schrempp's position, and when he lost it to Zetsche, he made it clear he wouldn't stick around. Word is Zetsche had been courting Wolfgang Bernhard to replace Cordes, but Bernhard, slapped down from that job last year, has elected to remain at Volkswagen AG.