The next generation Stratus and Sebring, expected in June 2006, will be based on the Mitsubishi Galant platform, but Chrysler is the "engineering lead." Mitsubishi had already been working on the next-generation Galant/Eclipse (Montero Sport outside the US) for some time. The resulting sedan would use Chrysler V6 and joint-venture four cylinder engines.

2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan rendering provided by JP Designs via “Charger” and “E8502” of the Allpar forums. This rendering makes use of the current under-bumper area (as seen on the 2006 PT), the scalloped headlights and Chrysler grille, Crossfire body-shaping, and general “Audi look” of non-LX Chrysler designs. Notable and perhaps less likely is the vintage-Charger door shaping. Their rendering conforms in proportion to the various spy shots that have appeared on the Internet as well as current Chrysler design trends. The Dodge version will most likely have a more Charger-like front clip, rounded doors (as in the spy shots below), and perhaps be offered initially as a hatchback; a coupe is likely.

Dan Minick believes the Mitsubishi platform was chosen because it is newer, and because it is more adaptable - it can fit all wheel drive, transverse or longitudinal engines, etc. This is important for something that will become an sedan, wagon, convertible, and possibly SUV and sports car (sedan, hatchback, wagon, and ragtop are confirmed).

Some expect the Dodge Challenger name to be applied to a coupe version. The Challenger was a specially designed sports car with a huge engine bay and relatively small interior.

Chrysler said that the joint-venture Neon replacement will be the basis of the next-after-this-next-generation Sebring, Stratus, and Galant, which would be "stretch" versions - much as the Spirit (and Daytona, and Caravan, and Limousine, and LeBaron, etc.) was based on the Reliant. This will happen around 2011 and is regardless of the current 2006-2010 project. Mitsubishi has dropped out of this second project.

Currently, the Sebring and Stratus sedans, combined, are selling around 200,000 units per year, including the closely-related Sebring Convertible, while the Neon is selling around 120,000 units. The Sedans outsold the Mitsubishi-designed Coupes by more than a 4:1 margin when sales data was still separated.

The 2006 Chrysler Sebring will probably be based on the modified Galant platform, with Chrysler taking the engineering lead on a redesign of that platform and other components. We had expected it to move to a shortened LX platform but that doesn't seem to be in the cards.

"Stealth Rob" wrote that these cars are very impressive and good looking inside and out, with more size, sophistication, and a real power boost. All wheel drive and four wheel drive will be offered, with LX-style interiors that "should satisfy many who miss the LH, too." The Dodge version will be sporty and flexible, the Chrysler beautiful.

-Matt-