2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

What's special about it?
You may not have noticed, but the Chrysler Sebring convertible still exists. A rental lot superstar, it's been fully redesigned in hopes of elevating the midsize convertible out of obscurity. Not only does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible look different from its predecessor, it now has some class-exclusive features to set it apart from its competition.

Three trim levels will be available. All three come with a standard power-operated soft top. The midlevel Touring and top-of-the-line Limited, however, can be outfitted with a power-retractable hardtop. That's right, it's an option. Constructed of three separate panels, the retractable hardtop opens and closes in less than 30 seconds and does away with the need for a Sebring coupe.

Compared to the previous Sebring convertible, the new car is 6 inches longer, 2 inches wider and 3 plus inches taller. Chrysler also stretched the wheelbase 3 inches and raised the seating position 2.5 inches. The interior can accommodate four adult passengers comfortably, while the larger trunk can also haul four golf bags with the top up. To load rear-seat passengers more easily, the front seatbelts are installed in the seat, not attached to the pillar.

The base model comes with Chrysler's 2.4-liter four-cylinder, mated to a four-speed automatic. The powertrain is rated at 173 horsepower (up from 150 on the previous base model) and 23/31 mpg city/highway mileage, an 8-percent improvement.

A 2.7-liter V6 is standard on Touring and Limited models. It's rated at 189 horsepower, 191 pound-feet of torque and 20/28 mpg city/highway mileage. The flex-fuel V6 runs on any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to E85. The Limited also offers an optional 3.5-liter V6 paired with a new six-speed automatic with AutoStick for manual shifting. The engine produces 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque.

Like the Sebring sedan, the convertible offers a long list of high-tech features. Among them are an onboard hard drive, heated and cooled cupholders, remote start, UConnect hands-free technology and Sirius Satellite Radio.

The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible goes on sale next spring. No prices have yet been announced.

What's Edmunds' take?
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible provides plenty of practicality — open-air choices, spacious cabin for four passengers and a roomy cargo area for multiple golf bags. But function comes at the expense of form as the car's proportions leave it as bland-looking as its predecessor. — Michelle Krebs