While the vehicles debuted at the SEMA show are often only created to draw attention to the various displays, this year’s Mopar display at the aftermarket show featured some gorgeous Mopars that are not all that unrealistic.  While the Challenger Super Sport, with its wheelie bars, roll cage, drag slicks, and carbureted motor will not likely see production any time soon, the “Chrysler Sebring Tuner” as designed by the SkunkWerks presents a good look at what could make for a sporty high powered and low priced performance sedan. 

While there are no sure clues to the new Sebring ever wearing an SRT badge, this SEMA show custom Sebring would fit nicely into the current trend of high performance sedans from DCX.  The interest over the SRT-8 Charger and 300C has been excellent, but with each wearing a price tag of around $40,000 USD, the SRT-8 models may be out of the reach of many new car buyers.  However, with a price of the base model Sebring starting around $18,000 USD, this high performance Sebring could offer a less expensive option for those interested in a performance sedan.  Also, with the relatively unsuccessful life of the SRT-6 Crossfire (presumably from its $50,000 USD price tag) the SRT-6 moniker is likely to be vacant within the next few years.

When the new Sebring was debuted, many hoped for one powered by the SRT-4 drivetrain, but with the currently listed options as being an naturally aspirated 2.4L, as well as a pair of NA V6s, those hopes seemed fruitless.  Even though the 3.5L V6 offers 235 horsepower, the Sebring would not pack the power, or the style, to rightfully sport the SRT badging.  However, packed the 285 horsepower 4.0L V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, this mid-sized sedan would easily compete with the stronger cars in its market segment, and with its custom 4” Corsa exhaust system, the Sebring Tuner announces its own arrival.  Combine with that added power the greatly enhanced braking system, with 13.5” slotted/drilled rotors tucked under StopTech 4 pistons calipers, and you have yourself a well designed performance sedan for those who cannot afford the price tag attached to the larger performance sedans.

Another great refinement of this new Sebring by the SkunkWerks team is the over look of the vehicle.  The exterior of the production Sebring carries a mild yet sporty feel, but the Sebring Tuner is wrapped in a far more aggressive skin.  A redesigned front fascia with large openings for better cooling as well as relocated fog lights gives the Sebring Tuner sportier look, and along the sides of the car, the skirts extend further down to fit with the front fascia.  The Sebring Tuner rides on custom 20 inch Alcoa wheels, with a gun metal finish helping to announce the bright red brake calipers.

Inside the Sebring Tuner are more cues of SRT styling, starting with the front seats, which are similar to the leather wrapped seats found in the SRT-8 models.  The Sebring Tuner also comes equipped with an upgraded sound system thanks to Boston Acoustics, featuring custom 10” subwoofer enclosures (somewhat similar to the enclosure found in the Neon SRT-4).  The final touch was the gauge cluster, which is finished in stainless steel, and this custom cluster would look right at home with an SRT badge embossed into the center.

While this is probably just an enthusiast looking to see an affordable performance sedan from DCX, the cues from SRT models are not easily ignored, and with the outgoing Crossfire leaving an opening in the SRT-6 ‘lineup’, the Chrysler Sebring Tuner would make an excellent addition to the already famous SRT family.