The Chrysler Sebring Coupe, specifically the ST-22 variant powered by the 3.0-liter V6 24-valve engine paired with an automatic transmission, was produced from 2000 to 2007. This coupe represented a departure from the Sebring’s traditionally more conservative styling, aiming for a sportier aesthetic and broader appeal. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Sebring lineup, it slotted between the base 2.4L four-cylinder models and potential higher-performance trims (though a true performance variant was never fully realized). The ST-22 chassis code designates this generation of the Sebring coupe, which shared a platform with the Dodge Stratus coupe.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chrysler |
| Model | Sebring |
| Generation | Sebring Coupe (ST-22) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 24V (203 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 year |
| End of production | 2007 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 203 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 278 Nm @ 4500 rpm (205.04 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 2972 cm3 (181.36 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 91 mm (3.58 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1445 kg (3185.68 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Length | 4830 mm (190.16 in.) |
| Width | 1785 mm (70.28 in.) |
| Height | 1365 mm (53.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2635 mm (103.74 in.) |
| Front track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Sebring Coupe ST-22 was the 3.0-liter (2972 cc) Chrysler 6G72 V6 engine. This engine featured a 60-degree V-angle, a cast iron block, and aluminum cylinder heads. It employed a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its respectable power output. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system. The 9:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the ability to run on readily available gasoline. The engine produced 203 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 278 Nm (205 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, a common choice for American market vehicles prioritizing ease of use over outright performance. This transmission was designed for smooth shifts but lacked the responsiveness of a manual gearbox or more modern automatic transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0L V6 automatic Sebring Coupe offered a comfortable and relatively refined driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 8 seconds, which was adequate for the time but not particularly sporty. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did exhibit some hunting for the right gear, especially during highway passing maneuvers. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and cruising comfort rather than aggressive acceleration. Compared to a hypothetical manual transmission version, the automatic would have felt noticeably slower and less engaging. The V6 provided sufficient power for everyday driving, but it lacked the punch of higher-output engines found in some competing models. The front-wheel-drive configuration contributed to predictable handling, but also to some degree of torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Sebring Coupe ST-22 3.0L Automatic typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and cloth upholstery. Optional extras included leather seats, a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The interior design was generally functional and comfortable, though the materials used were not particularly luxurious. The dashboard layout was straightforward and easy to use. The ST-22 trim level generally represented a step up from the base models, offering a more comprehensive list of standard features.
Chassis & Braking
The Sebring Coupe utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and a coil-spring rear suspension. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort, resulting in a relatively soft ride. Stabilizer bars were present at both the front and rear, helping to reduce body roll during cornering. The chassis was designed to provide a balance between handling and ride quality, prioritizing comfort over sporty dynamics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Chrysler Sebring Coupe, including the 3.0L V6 Automatic variant, received mixed reviews from automotive critics. It was generally praised for its stylish design and comfortable ride, but criticized for its lack of sporty handling and somewhat unrefined automatic transmission. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to other coupes in its price range, such as the Ford Mustang or Honda Civic Coupe, the Sebring offered a more comfortable and spacious interior, but lacked the performance and handling prowess of those models. The 2.4L four-cylinder Sebring models offered better fuel economy, while higher-trim levels (if available) offered more features and potentially more power, but at a higher cost.
Legacy
The 3.0L V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission combination in the Sebring Coupe ST-22 proved to be reasonably reliable, although not without its potential issues. Common concerns included occasional transmission slippage and oil leaks from the engine. However, with proper maintenance, these powertrains could provide many years of service. Today, the Sebring Coupe is a relatively affordable used car, appealing to buyers looking for a stylish and comfortable coupe at a budget price. It hasn’t achieved classic status, but it represents a unique design statement from Chrysler during the early 2000s. Parts availability is generally good, and the relatively simple mechanical design makes it accessible for DIY repairs.
