Chrysler exec: Single model to replace Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger; turbocharged engines under development
06/24/2008, 3:02 PM
By Drew Johnson
It’s no secret that Chrysler’s mid-size sedan offerings – the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger – haven’t exactly set the market on fire, but it looks as though the Michigan-based automaker is hard at work trying to right the ship.
According to Chrysler’s Vice President and Chief Engineer, Mark Chernoby, Project D – Chrysler’s replacement program for its ailing mid-size sedans – is well underway. Although Chernoby failed to mention a time frame for the launch of the Sebring/Avenger replacement, he did reveal that Chrysler will replace the twins with a single model. It remains unclear which brand is the current front-runner for the new sedan and, with Chrysler attempting to bring all of its brands under one roof, the decision could come down the eleventh hour.
Although the Sebring/Avenger twins have more than a few flaws that have prevented them from being competitive in the mid-size market, their most criticized attribute – by far — are their less-than-stellar interiors. But Chernoby assures us that Chrysler will never make the same interior mistakes again and that you can take the interior quality of the Project D car “to the bank.”
Look for the new car to offer both four and six-cylinder engines, but Chernoby expects the new sedan to best the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in terms of fuel economy. In order to accomplish this, the new sedan will likely feature direct-injection and a six-speed transmission.
Chernoby also revealed that Chrysler has already begun development of a new range of turbocharged engines. Because the program is highly classified, Chernoby wasn’t able to divulge much information, but it’s highly possible that the new powerplant could be used in the upcoming Nissan-based Chrysler small car. Displacement will more than likely be less than 2.0L, but the combination of a turbocharger and a six-speed transmission should translate into good performance and excellent fuel economy.
06/24, 3:09 PM
posted by:
foster1
Fantastic
06/24, 3:10 PM
posted by:
foster1
Lets bring back the New Yorker, or Le Baron name for the coupe verson. Hum how about even making the new wagon the Town and country.
06/24, 3:30 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
No way Foster, it has to be the Dodge Dart and I’ll be first in line for the Al Bundy special edition.
06/24, 3:34 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Al Bundy’s was special edition, ’cause it turned rust collar due to its age. You plan to wait that long or expect it to rust upon delivery?
06/24, 3:36 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Nowhere to go but up.
06/24, 3:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Well, xyunya, if you remember that was actually true when the Aspen and Volare came out.
06/24, 3:40 PM
posted by:
xyunya
johnnycanuck, I remember it well. Those cars were horrible in every aspect, but they did look good. Unfortunately current crop of twins does not look that good, but still complete POS in every aspect.
06/24, 4:01 PM
posted by:
cookie4me
They had to have their head in the sand when they launched with those interiors.
06/24, 4:19 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
thats exciting. hopefully its Dodge that gets the new car. they have better designs by far, IMO.
06/24, 5:09 PM
posted by:
inline6
Yeah, Chrysler needs a smaller offering, but it’s best if it comes off a shortened next-gen LX platform, so they can actually move upscale and compete with the likes of Lexus and Acura.
Let Dodge have the mainstream front-drive mid-sizer.
06/24, 5:50 PM
posted by:
bolex
inline6, that would be nice but i think the challenger is the revised and shortened new LX. which would be too large for a midsizer. so the sebring lives, avenger dies and gets the hornet. which makes your comment correct coz the PT died, in part, because it was too small to be under Chrysler as they try to stay close to luxury. pretty cool.
06/24, 6:01 PM
posted by:
inline6
Yeah, but that’s why I said “next-gen LX”. If Chrysler’s smart, the next-gen platform will be more flexible than the current one, so that midsize AND fullsize cars will be able to be built from it.
They can’t can the Avenger and expect the Hornet to make up for it. If Dodge is going to be a mainstream player, it needs a mainstream midsize front-driver.
06/24, 6:19 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
inline6 is right.. I would guess the next sedan will be a Dodge and the convertible will remain a Chrysler. Unless, of course, they decide to build a proper midsize RWD sedan for Chrysler, then the convertible would migrate to that platform.
06/24, 6:20 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
^ that should say “the next FWD sedan will be a Dodge”.
06/24, 10:51 PM
posted by:
bolex
inline6, is it possible for a manufacturer to make a chassis, both FWD and RWD? seriously i didnt know. I am familiar with Chryslers ‘Flex’ but it stays on the same platform. plus the article seems to imply that one of them is going to get canned, no?”…launch of the Sebring/Avenger replacement, he did reveal that Chrysler will replace the twins with a single model.” Also, Chrysler replaced the Neon with the Caliber. it would be mistake, but i wouldnt be surprised if a midsize Dodge got canned.
06/25, 2:55 AM
posted by:
The Stig
Adding “rich corinthian leather” will make up for all product shortcomings – and there will be plenty of those.
06/25, 8:10 AM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
I hope they kick the $H!T out of toyota and honda. Drop the bomb on them again. Is Ricardo Montalban even still alive?
06/25, 8:30 AM
posted by:
Fletch
Kill the current names. Bring back the Conquest.
06/25, 12:33 PM
posted by:
inline6
bolex, it is possible to do a RWD and a FWD car off the same platform. Just ask Triumph (oh wait, you can’t). They did it with the 1500/Dolomite back in the ’70s.
The Caliber replaced the Neon back when Chrysler had the idea of making all Dodges hatchbacks instead of sedans. That’s why they had the Magnum out first, and the Charger was an afterthought. It was a stupid idea I doubt they’ll make again.
However, back to the “they’re only replacing with one model” issue. If Chrysler replaces the Sebring with a CTS-type competitor, can you really call that a direct replacement? I think they can replace the Avenger with the new midsize front-drive mainstreamer they’re talking about, and that will effectively replace both cars in that market. However, they can still give Chrysler a car of similar size, just RWD, luxurious, and in a different market segment.
11/05, 12:15 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
These need to be replaced