Chrysler Nassau, the Name of the 2011 Sebring

As you already know, when Fiat's Sergio Marchionne took charge of Chrysler, he announced he means business and an overhaul of Chysler's operations is to follow. Among the models targeted for change is the Sebring, a model which never managed to meet the carmaker's expectations.

Initially believed to be discontinued, the Sebring got a second chance this February, when Sergio Marchionne confirmed the Sebring will only be renamed.

“We’ve rolled up our sleeves and have torn apart that architecture. You’ll see a completely different animal,” Marchionne said back in February. “We’re having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury is still out."

Today, Freep.com reports the new name for the Sebring is Nassau.

Initially used as the name for a concept car presented in 2007 at the Detroit Auto Show, but the car to bear its name will look nothing like that, says Jim Hall, a consultant for 2953 Analytics, a consulting firm for carmaker.

“Chrysler bought the Nassau name when they came out with the concept so it makes sense they would use it,” Hall was quoted as saying by the source.

The facelifted Sebring is expected to be released sometime in 2011, but Chrysler is yet to confirm this. However, only a few aspects of the car will actually get to be improved, including handling and comfort and probably some exterior styling components.

For the current generation, Chrysler is offering the Sebring with two engines, a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve engine that develops 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve configuration that puts out 235 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.