Chrysler Sebring JX/JXI

To follow up the successful launch of its Sebring coupe this spring, Chrysler is expand- ing the model range by releasing this handsome convertible in the first quarter of 1996. Although the Sebring hardtop (and its Dodge Avenger platform-mate) is based on a chassis derived from the Mitsubishi Galant, the Sebring JX shares a good deal of its basic mechanical heritage with the JA-platform Chrysler Cirrus/Dodge Stratus. Unlike the JA sedans, however, the Sebring softtop was developed by Chrysler's small-car-platform team and shares no common sheetmetal with its four-door relatives. Because it was intended to be a convertible from the start, all necessary structural reinforcing has been built in, not added on.

Chrysler plans to offer the Sebring convertible in two trim levels, JX and upline JXi. A power top will be part of the car's lengthy roster of standards; a premium sound system and leather upholstery are expected to be options. The base powertrain will be Chrysler's 2.4-liter/150-horsepower DOHC 16-valve four linked to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle. Those in search of a bit more muscle can opt for a 2.5-liter/164-horse Mitsubishi-sourced SOHC V-6, also paired with the four-speed autoshifter.

The newest Sebring rides on a 106.0-inch wheelbase, two inches shorter than that of the sedans. Its roomy passenger compartment can comfortably accommodate four adults, and its spacious trunk can swallow plenty of luggage. Although it shares some basic styling cues with the Sebring coupe, a number of detail changes in the front and rear fascias endow the car with a considerably more aggressive look-one reminiscent of Chrysler 300s of yore.

Chrysler hopes its new Sebring convertible will continue the proud sales legacy begun by the now-departed LeBaron ragtop, which had annual volumes in the 30,000-40,000 range. No pricing information was released before we went to press, but a sticker starting in the low- to mid-$20,000 range appears likely.-B.N.

Plymouth BreezePlymouth dealers get a welcome addition to the franchise lineup with the arrival of the new Breeze. The third member of the JA family, which also includes the eminently successful Chrysler Cirrus/Dodge Stratus, this value-packaged four-door is expected to carry the lowest base price of the three (probably in the neighborhood of $14,500) and a slightly shorter list of standard equipment when it goes on sale early in 1996.

The design team was still fiddling with front and rear fascia details as of our deadline, but the basic package will closely resemble this shot of the Breeze concept car shown in Detroit in January. Expect the sunroof and oversize chrome wheels to vanish on production models, which will come standard with Chrysler's 2.0-liter/132-horsepower SOHC four-cylinder and a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed auto-matic will be optional-B.N.