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Motor Authority - blog Category: Sebring

  • Chrysler looking to replace Sebring and Avenger with new RWD sedan

    Chrysler looking to replace Sebring and Avenger with new RWD sedan June 22nd, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, June 22nd, 2009 James Martinez 4 Comments

    Chrysler looking to replace Sebring and Avenger with new RWD sedan Chrysler’s viability plan presented to the U.S. Treasury back in February turned out to be a goldmine for information about the company’s future plans. Not only were there details about the next-generation Chrysler 300 and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but the documents also outlined details for some of Fiat’s future models that will be heading to North America once the alliance between the two was formed.

    One of the models mentioned was a brand new sedan to be designed and built in the U.S. but based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform, which currently underpins cars like the Fiat Bravo and upcoming 2010 Alfa Romeo Milano. This... Chrysler’s viability plan presented to the U.S. Treasury back in February turned out to be a goldmine for information about the company’s future plans. Not only were there details about the next-generation Chrysler 300 and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but the documents also outlined details for some of Fiat’s future models that will be heading to North America once the alliance between the two was formed. One of the models mentioned was a brand new sedan to be designed and built in the U.S. but based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform, which currently underpins cars like the Fiat Bravo and upcoming 2010 Alfa Romeo Milano. This isn’t the only American designed and built sedan Chrysler is planning, however. Automotive News is reporting that Chrysler is currently considering launching a new RWD sedan to replace the slow-selling Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger. Current options for the car include using a stretched version of Fiat’s D-Evo platform, which is currently found in the Alfa Romeo 159 sedan, as well as sourcing a platform from Opel. However, inside sources have revealed that Chrysler would most likely use the shortened ‘LX’ RWD platform developed for its 200C electric vehicle concept from January’s Detroit Auto Show if the project goes ahead. The LX underpins cars like the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. The sources explained that development could be sped up by borrowing components, such as powertrains and suspension units, from Fiat and installing them in the shortened LX platform. An affordable RWD model in the midsize sedan segment would leave Chrysler with a relatively unique offering in one of the most lucrative - and competitive - segments in the industry. Whether the project is green-lighted remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain and that is Chrysler needs a new model for the midsize sedan segment. Both the Sebring and Avenger will be phased out late next year as production at the cars’ Sterling Heights plant in Michigan comes to an end. You can read about the rest of Chrysler's planned lineup changes in our previous story by clicking here.Chrysler 200C EV Concept Read More

  • Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring safe from the axe through 2010

    Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring safe from the axe through 2010 May 6th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 6th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 3 Comments

    Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring safe from the axe through 2010 As Chrysler pushes forward during its bankruptcy period and prepares for its new face and alliance with Fiat, many are wondering what will come along for the ride and what will be left behind. News today from within Chrysler reveals that the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, as oft-maligned as they are, will be sticking around.

    Neither of the two sedans are going to win any beauty pageants, and sales have absolutely plummeted, charting just under 7,000 units so far this year - down 80% from 2008's figures. But in an interview with Edmunds, Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau said, "We definitely have plans for these vehicles beyond December... As Chrysler pushes forward during its bankruptcy period and prepares for its new face and alliance with Fiat, many are wondering what will come along for the ride and what will be left behind. News today from within Chrysler reveals that the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, as oft-maligned as they are, will be sticking around. Neither of the two sedans are going to win any beauty pageants, and sales have absolutely plummeted, charting just under 7,000 units so far this year - down 80% from 2008's figures. But in an interview with Edmunds, Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau said, "We definitely have plans for these vehicles beyond December 2010. That's about all I can tell you, but it's pretty definitive." The 2010 deadline was thrown out there because that is the date of the expected closure of Chrysler's Sterling Heights plant, where the two cars are made. Instead, it appears the Avenger and Sebring could be made elsewhere, leveraging Chrysler's flexibility in plant configuration. The Belvidere plant was given as an example, but it's not the confirmed location for the post-2010 production of either car. In the end, however, despite Chrysler's plans for the cars extending beyond 2010, if the market continues to reject them as they have so far this year, those plans may change - especially once Fiat enters the picture.2009 Chrysler 300, Sebring and Dodge Avenger updates Read More

  • Photo update: up close and personal with Audi's R15 TDI Le Mans racer

    Photo update: up close and personal with Audi's R15 TDI Le Mans racer March 13th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, March 13th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Photo update: up close and personal with Audi's R15 TDI Le Mans racer Diesel is fast - scary fast - as Audi's R10 TDI proved when it swept through the world of Le Mans and endurance racing by storm. Since then rule changes have dampened the flame somewhat, but it's still a competitive and formidable platform. This season, it's getting a full-scale upgrade with the launch of the R15 TDI Le Mans racer. Today, Audi has let loose a drool-worthy selection of close-up shots of the dry carbon fiber work, cockpit, and more in anticipation of the car's first trial by fire the legendary 12-hour race at Sebring, Florida, on March 21.

    The real proving grounds for the car will be the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13-14,... Diesel is fast - scary fast - as Audi's R10 TDI proved when it swept through the world of Le Mans and endurance racing by storm. Since then rule changes have dampened the flame somewhat, but it's still a competitive and formidable platform. This season, it's getting a full-scale upgrade with the launch of the R15 TDI Le Mans racer. Today, Audi has let loose a drool-worthy selection of close-up shots of the dry carbon fiber work, cockpit, and more in anticipation of the car's first trial by fire the legendary 12-hour race at Sebring, Florida, on March 21. The real proving grounds for the car will be the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13-14, however. Underneath the hood of the car will sit a newly developed V10 TDI engine producing more than 600hp (448kW), with a maximum torque output in excess of 774lb-ft (1,050Nm). The power unit is more compact and lighter than the twelve-cylinder engine used in the preceding R10 TDI model but innovations in turbo-charging and fuel injection simultaneously ensure improved engine response. The aerodynamics of the car has also been carefully refined. Studying airflow around and through the car was optimized with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Additionally, a longer wheelbase and a lighter weight make the R15 TDI significantly more agile than the R10 TDI, which should make for some good race results. For the full visual feast, check out the gallery below. Initial testing has shown the car to be very promising. "So far the R15 TDI has performed as we expected," said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "Now it must also prove itself in race conditions. Sebring is a particularly hard race and is therefore perfectly suited to reveal even the smallest of weaknesses." In the cockpits of the new R15 at Sebring will be Allan McNish, Dindo Capello and Tom Kristensen, while a second car will be manned by Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller, and Marco Werner. The two trios hope to pilot the new car to a ninth victory at the event.Audi R15 TDI Le Mans Prototype race car Read More

  • Audi R15 TDI to contend three ALMS events this year

    Audi R15 TDI to contend three ALMS events this year March 5th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, March 5th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 0 Comments

    Audi R15 TDI to contend three ALMS events this year Diesel is fast - scary fast - as Audi's R10 TDI proved when it swept through the world of Le Mans and endurance racing by storm in previous years. Since then rule changes have dampened the flame somewhat, but it's still a competitive and formidable platform. This season, it's getting a full-scale upgrade with the launch of the R15 TDI Le Mans Prototype racer.

    The first test-in-anger of the new car will be at the legendary 12-hour race at Sebring, Florida, on March 21, but according to a new report the car will contend two additional Le Mans races on American soil. The Bleacher Report claims Audi has reversed an earlier decision to avoid... Diesel is fast - scary fast - as Audi's R10 TDI proved when it swept through the world of Le Mans and endurance racing by storm in previous years. Since then rule changes have dampened the flame somewhat, but it's still a competitive and formidable platform. This season, it's getting a full-scale upgrade with the launch of the R15 TDI Le Mans Prototype racer. The first test-in-anger of the new car will be at the legendary 12-hour race at Sebring, Florida, on March 21, but according to a new report the car will contend two additional Le Mans races on American soil. The Bleacher Report claims Audi has reversed an earlier decision to avoid most of the 2009 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and will now compete in a total of three races. The information comes from Audi boss Rupert Stadler, who revealed that the two new R15 TDI race cars will appear at the Petit Le Mans event at Road Atlanta on September 26 and the season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on October 10. In the cockpits of the first R15 for the first rate at Sebring will be Allan McNish, Dindo Capello and Tom Kristensen, while the second car will be manned by Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller, and Marco Werner. The two trios hope to pilot the new car to a ninth victory at the event.Audi R15 TDI Le Mans Prototype race car Read More

  • Bourdais confirmed for Le Mans, Sebring

    Bourdais confirmed for Le Mans, Sebring February 10th, 2009 ByGMM  GMM , Author, February 10th, 2009 GMM 0 Comments

    Bourdais confirmed for Le Mans, Sebring Feb.10 (GMM) Peugeot on Monday confirmed that Sebastien Bourdais, to race full-time in F1 with Toro Rosso in 2009, will also contest the famous Le Mans 24 hour race in June.

    It was reported at the weekend that the 29-year-old Frenchman would race at Le Mans this year for the seventh time in his career.

    Peugeot also said Bourdais will contest the forthcoming Sebring 12 hour race with the diesel-powered 908 HDi prototype in late March, with BMW-Sauber test driver Christian Klien part of the team for the other Peugeot entrant. Feb.10 (GMM) Peugeot on Monday confirmed that Sebastien Bourdais, to race full-time in F1 with Toro Rosso in 2009, will also contest the famous Le Mans 24 hour race in June. It was reported at the weekend that the 29-year-old Frenchman would race at Le Mans this year for the seventh time in his career. Peugeot also said Bourdais will contest the forthcoming Sebring 12 hour race with the diesel-powered 908 HDi prototype in late March, with BMW-Sauber test driver Christian Klien part of the team for the other Peugeot entrant. Read More

  • Chrysler adds features, efficiency to Sebring, 300 and Dodge Avenger

    Chrysler adds features, efficiency to Sebring, 300 and Dodge Avenger November 3rd, 2008 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, November 3rd, 2008 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Chrysler adds features, efficiency to Sebring, 300 and Dodge Avenger Stronger fuel efficiency, better value and more features are the focus of the 2009 model year updates for Chrysler's Sebring, 300 and Dodge Avenger. Other touches include updated exterior design and upgraded interior materials.

    Fuel consumption is improved by offering smaller engines, such as the 2.7L V6 in the Chrysler 300 or the 2.4L four in the Sebring and Avenger, while maintaining a relatively higher options trim level than in the past. Value is added by keeping prices low - entry pricing for the Sebring sedan is just $23,380, the Avenger SXT base model at $21,255 and the 300 at $27.415.

    The Sebring also gets standard leather... Stronger fuel efficiency, better value and more features are the focus of the 2009 model year updates for Chrysler's Sebring, 300 and Dodge Avenger. Other touches include updated exterior design and upgraded interior materials. Fuel consumption is improved by offering smaller engines, such as the 2.7L V6 in the Chrysler 300 or the 2.4L four in the Sebring and Avenger, while maintaining a relatively higher options trim level than in the past. Value is added by keeping prices low - entry pricing for the Sebring sedan is just $23,380, the Avenger SXT base model at $21,255 and the 300 at $27.415. The Sebring also gets standard leather interior, chrome and brushed metal-look trim accents - features of the Limited sedan - at the pricing of the 2008 model year Touring model. Buyers can of course still upgrade to the V6 engine, six-speed Auto Stick transmission, dual exhaust tips and 18" wheels for $25,630. The 300 lineup is simplified by moving the Touring trim model to the entry position, retaining the upgraded interior and adding a new front grille. Moving up to the WPC Touring Signature Edition raises the price to $31,825 and adds 18" wheels, touring ride control, 60/40 folding rear seat, power adjustable pedals, Lifetime Powertrain warranty, plus navigation, side airbags and - though the option is no longer available for 2009 Avengers or Sebrings, the 300 retains the option of all-wheel drive. The Limited adds the exterior and interior features of the 300C while retaining the 3.5L V6 engine for better efficiency and a price of $36,035. The 300C remains largely the same, but now also offers the option of the V6 engine, though the V8 is standard and included in the $37,585 price. Dodge treats the Avenger to most of the same changes as its platform-mate the Sebring gets, plus the range-topping R/T model gets the option of the 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a price cut of $1,160 over the previous R/T when equipped with the 3.5L V6. A new entry-level model dubbed the SXT joins the range as well, featuring the four-cylinder engine mentioned above. Increasing the value proposition for its core models is a hopeful move to spur sales in the few areas where Chrysler is still doing relatively well. Starting November 3, all of the new model-year examples of these three lines will feature the new equipment.2009 Chrysler 300, Sebring and Dodge Avenger updates Read More

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