A Chrysler Sebring-Based Bentley Replica that could Actually Pass for its Inspiration

Here’s a scary admission for you: I actually don’t mind the first generation Chrysler Sebring. It was sort of “Mustang-lite” in the styling department and is still a lot better looking than the latest incarnation of America’s middle-age spread, the almost universally despised third generation Sebring. And, as you no doubt know by now, here at Carscoop we love us some eBay-found Euro reskins of fifteen plus year old American cars.

Today’s entrant is this, dare I say it, rather convincing replica of a 2009 Bentley Continental GT convertible or GTC based on a ’96 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Fashioned in ghetto / Saudi Arabian sheik white with the typical, so-not-a-Bentley blinger rims that’d make even Lil’ Jon a lil ill, our wanna-B (you see what I did there?) comes complete with 175,000 miles on the clock and a full fibreglass body.

Before it leaves the seller’s hands, he or she claims to be fitting new carpet, a new windscreen, new door mirrors and a custom dual exhaust with genuine Bentley tips. All the buyer needs to do, we are told, is reupholster the seats, install a Bentley dash and centre console and fit a new convertible top, a new sound system and a sat nav system. And et voilà, your very own Bentley - sort of.

You have to admit, US$21,100 (€16,302) isn’t half bad for something that looks this good. You could get a ’96 Sebring for a lot less, but who wants one of those? You certainly can’t pick up a second-hand Bentley for this sort of money, that’s for sure. So, what’s the verdict? Would you or wouldn’t you? Let us know in the comments.

Link: eBay

READ MORE - A Chrysler Sebring-Based Bentley Replica that could Actually Pass for its Inspiration

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible: First Official Photos Hit the Web

We don't know if Chrysler's affiliation with the Fiat Group has anything to do with this story, but fact is Italian websites have managed get their hands on the first official photographs of the redesigned Sebring Convertible, which like the sedan variant, gains the 200 moniker.

There's nothing surprising about the 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertibles design, which follows the same recipe as the sedan with softer and more elegant styling for the front and rear end, plus a fully redesigned interior boasting higher quality materials and build.

Naturally, the 200 Convertible will feature the same mechanical tweaks as the sedan with engine options including a 173HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder motor and the new 283HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, both offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.

We're still waiting for the Fiat Group to share some info on its newest Chrysler Group model with us here in the States (if that's not too much to ask, that is...). As reported yesterday, the Fiat Group's CEO Sergio Marchionne has approved a Lancia-badged versions of both the Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible models.

Source: Quattroruote

READ MORE - 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible: First Official Photos Hit the Web

Fresh Photos of New Chrysler 200 Sporting Brand's New Grille

Now that Chrysler Group has announced its new European Jeep lineup and revealed the next-gen Dodge Durango and Charger, the most important cars to expect soon are the 200 and 300 sedans. Chrysler has put out some new photos of its redesigned and renamed Sebring replacement, and we finally get a better look at the car's nose plus a peek at the leather interior with contrasting stitching.

You already know the car will get a the 2.4-liter I4 World Gas Engine and the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 with 283 horsepower. For the rest of all the released info, head over to our previous post. Right now we're here to check out the latest teasers from Chrysler.

With a full, if dim, view of the front end, it looks like the new Chrysler grille will get some styling cues from -wait for the shocker- Hyundai's latest proposals. Hopefully we'll be getting some proper pictures soon that will put any fears to rest.

Remember, this is just meant to be a stop-gap solution using the 200C concept's style on an old Sebring chassis; the next all-new 200 should be significantly less Sebring and more its own model in-line dimensionally with the concept it's based on.

By Phil Alex

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READ MORE - Fresh Photos of New Chrysler 200 Sporting Brand's New Grille

2011 Chrysler 200 Begins its Striptease, Puts the Sebring to Rest

Chrysler began the tease-y reveal of a few new models that are essential to its survival. Following the Fiat 500 and the facelifted Town & Country minivan, next up is the refreshed, renamed, and Sebring-replacing Chrysler 200.

For 2011 the mid-size Chrysler gets enough new stuff to earn itself a brand new name to go along with its gangsta big brother: 200. See a similarity? You should, because Chrysler has finally gotten on the ball with family names.

The car formerly known as Sebring gets "virtually every system" replaced or improved for 2011, and hopefully more than just a few styling cues from 2009's 200C concept.

Exterior improvements include the new Chrysler grille, as well as fenders, front/rear fascias, hood, mirrors and decklid. From that list, it sounds as if all that's carrying over are the roof and doors, items the Sebring didn't make ugly.

Projector headlights and fog lamps round out the upgrades in front, while LEDs are incorporated out back in the taillights and third brake light.

Under the hood, the Sebring will finally compete with other modern players in the segment. The 2.4 liter engine still trudges on with a base 4-speed automatic (tsk, tsk), but also gains a 6-speed automatic as an option. To make up for that fleet-friendly 4-speed automatic, the big engine option in the 200 - likely standard in a highline 200C - will be a 283-horsepower / 260 lb-ft Pentastar V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic.

Ride quality and comfort should be drastically improved by using a new suspension geometry, rear sway bar, laminated glass (windshield and front doors), and "stiffened body mounts and softer ride rate." Inside, consumers can expect to see new seats, a dash/instrument panel with snazzier bezels / gauges / vents, and plenty of soft-touch surfaces.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 will be built at the company's Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan and should be on dealer lots by the fourth quarter of this year. Expect more news as it becomes available.

By Phil Alex

READ MORE - 2011 Chrysler 200 Begins its Striptease, Puts the Sebring to Rest