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Chrysler at Geneva Salon 2000: Sebring Completes Chrysler's All-New Passenger Car Range, PT Cruiser Defies Segments |
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AutoWorld.com - David Lee - The global unveiling of the all-new, second-generation Chrysler Sebring at the Geneva motor show today (February 29) gives the brand a completely redesigned passenger car range that is less than three years old. The new Sebring-which goes on sale later this year-will join the Neon and the luxurious executive 300M, in combining Chrysler's acclaimed cab-forward design philosophy with industry-leading com-puter-aided design and engineering technologies. These ensure a unique blend of fun-to-drive characteristics, spacious accommodation and relaxed performance. "One of Chrysler's core values is a deep-rooted emphasis on design and distinctiveness," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President-Product Strategy & Design and General Manager-Passenger Car Operations. "But our creativity does not end in the styling studio. We have developed sophisticated tools, such as Digital Modelling Assembly (DMA) and a Virtual Reality Chamber, which enables the platform teams to take our concepts and execute them to our customers' practical, day-to-day needs. The end results are expressively-styled polarising products, which also meet European consumers' rational product expectations."  Following its highly successful launch last year, the 2.0-litre, 98 kW Chrysler Neon four-door saloon has proved a success with its new levels of ride comfort and refinement, along with Chrysler's highly-acclaimed responsive handling characteristics. The Neon shares its design cues with the sleek Chrysler 300M executive saloon, which has been further developed. Both the 2.7- and the 3.5-litre versions of this luxury saloon are now fitted with a stereo radio cassette player with integral CD changer as standard. They are also available in a range of attractive new colours, including silver and steel blue. Sixteen years and over eight million vehicles after it first transformed the industry, the Chrysler Voyager is still the world's most popular 'people mover.' The latest generation of the "original" MPV still offers the widest model range anywhere on the market-with five powerful engines, three equipment levels, two transmission types and both Voyager and Grand Voyager body options.  The Chrysler brand will continue its total product renewal cycle for the 2001 model year with an all-new Voyager range. New features include power-opening tailgate, powered removable centre console and powered dual sliding doors-featuring an industry-first door obstacle detection system when opening and closing. Enhanced chassis dynamics aid drive- ability and ensure that the new Voyager is one of the safest MPVs on the market. The all-new body structure meets European off-set impact requirements and improves the energy-absorbing character of the vehicle. Other passive safety features include supplementary side (head and thorax) air bags; air bags with dual stage inflators to reduce the potential for injury in a low-speed collision; seat belt pretensioners and a steering column designed to absorb and manage energy from frontal impacts.  As with the original Voyager, Chrysler has created another segment-buster for the new millennium-the PT Cruiser. First seen at Geneva last year, this revolutionary model shows that Chrysler threw away the rulebook when it came to creating this exciting new family car. The PT Cruiser has a uniquely American style, yet it provides the practicality and spaciousness of an MPV. The five-door PT Cruiser is an all-new proposition for the European customer who demands individuality and functionality in equal measure. With a fully-flexible interior-which allows the removal of the front passenger seat and the split rear seats to maximise cargo space-PT Cruiser offers a unique alternative to conventional hatchbacks and station wagons, as well as compact vans and sport-utility vehicles. The distinctive design includes neat touches like interior parts painted to match the exterior body colour, and instrument faces modelled on classic watch faces. "This is the ultimate vehicle for the growing number of customers who want to express personal style and individuality, without compromising their need for functionality, space and practicality," commented Gale. "The PT Cruiser not only makes a superb style statement, it does so without compromising the owner's daily driving needs in any way. The Chrysler PT Cruiser truly is a segment-buster," he added. - Autoworld.com Back to Today's News |
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