Stratusphere

GENERAL INFORMATION FAQ

last updated long ago...and many links are likely dead...
  • Q: What's the scoop on the 2001 Dodge Stratus?

    • A: The 2001 Dodge Stratus was introduced at the February 2000 Chicago Auto Show. In an attempt to create a mid-size "family" of cars (and allegedly to save on marketing expenses), the Dodge Avenger coupe was renamed Stratus. So there is now the Stratus sedan (based on the new JR platform) and the Stratus coupe (based on a stretched Mitsubishi 3G Eclipse platform.)

    The Stratus sedan will come in 2 models; the base model with the 2.4L 150HP 4-cylinder motor and the ES with the new 2.7L 200HP V6 motor from the Intrepid. Both engines are only available with automatic transmissions (standard for 2.4, AutoStick for 2.7)

    The Stratus coupe will also come in 2 models; the base with a 2.4L SOHC 148HP motor and the R/T with a 3.0L 200HP V6 engine (available as an option on the base model). Both engines are made by Mitsubishi, and both are available with either automatics (AutoStick on the 3.0) or 5-speed manual transmissions. A comparison of the 2000 models versus the 2001 models is available HERE .

    As of this writing (7/28/2000), the 2001 Stratus R/T coupe is appearing in dealer lots. Fully loaded models seem to be running around $23-$27K depending on options and fees. Job One of the 2001 Stratus sedan was on 7/18/2000; cars are expected to hit dealers sometime in August 2000.

    Photos of the 2001 Stratus can be seen HERE .

  • Q: What's the scoop on the 2001 Chrysler Sebring? And where's the Cirrus?

    • A: Most of the above information on the 2001 Stratus applies to the Sebring. The 2001 Cirrus is renamed Sebring, and is based on the new JR platform. The 2001 Sebring Convertible is also JR-based, and will now be built in Michigan (previous models were built in Toluca, Mexico - now the home of the PT Cruiser.) Rumors have the 2.7L V6 with the AutoStick as the only powertrain option for the Sebring sedan and convertible.

    The 2001 Sebring coupe is based on a stretched Mitsubishi 3G Eclipse platform, and should offer the same powertrains as the 2001 Stratus coupe.

    The 2001 Sebring line-up was officially introduced at the April 2000 New York Auto Show.

    Photos of the 2001 Sebring can be seen HERE .

  • Q: What's with the 'Cloud Car' name?

    • A: Stratus and Cirrus are types of cloud forms, hence the name 'Cloud Car.' The Sebring convertible and the Breeze are also considered cloud cars, since they are built off the same Chrysler JA platform.

  • Q: What cars in Chrsyler's line-up did the cloud cars replace?

    • A: The Cloud Cars replaced the K-car-derived Dodge Spirit, Chrysler LeBaron sedan, and Plymouth Acclaim. The Dodge Avenger (now Stratus for 2001) replaced the Dodge Daytona, and the Chrysler Sebring essentially replaced the Plymouth Laser.

  • Q: Why no R/T version of the Dodge Stratus sedan?

    • A: Actually, there is a Stratus R/T sedan - but it's sold only in Mexico. The R/T uses a turbo-charged version of the 2.4L 4-cylinder motor and is very popular with the Mexican Police. The Chrysler Cirrus is also offered in Mexico with the turbo motor. More information on the Mexican Stratus R/T can be found at the link above this FAQ. With the intro of the 2001 Dodge Stratus, no word is available yet on whether there will be an R/T version - in Mexico or otherwise.

    Current rumors have Chrysler testing the 2.4L Turbo, destined for use in the PT Cruiser, in the new 2001 Stratus sedan. Adding the turbo as a Stratus R/T sedan would allow it to better compete with other turbo and supercharged offerings from other manufacturers - we'll keep our eyes on this one.

  • Q: Are the engines in the Cloud Car shared with any other cars?

    • A: FOR 2000 AND EARLIER MODELS:
    The 2.0L 4-cylinder is also used in the Dodge/Plymouth Neon, and the pre-2000 Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is also used in the Chrysler mini-vans. The 2.5L 6-cylinder is a Mitsubishi-designed motor and is used in the Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring.

    FOR 2001 MODELS:
    The 2.4L engine will also be used in the Chrysler PT Cruiser. It may have been dropped from the mini-vans. The 2.7L V6 is used in the Dodge Intrepid and Chrysler Concorde.
    The Mitsubishi engines used in the new Stratus/Sebring coupes are shared with other Mitsubishi models, most notably the Eclipse.

  • Q: What are the specs on the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine?

    • A: The following specs are from the 2000 models, although not much has changed since introduction:
    Displacement 121.8 in3 (1996 cm3)
    Bore x Stroke 3.44 x 3.27 (87.5 x 83.0)
    Valve System SOHC, 16 valves, aluminum rocker arms w/roller followers, hydraulic lash adjusters
    Fuel Injection Sequential multi-port, electronic
    Construction Cast iron block & bedplate, aluminum alloy head, structural aluminum oil pan
    Compression Ratio 9.8:1
    Power (SAE net) 132 bhp (98 kW) @ 6000 rpm
    Torque (SAE net) 129 lb.-ft. (175 Nom) @ 4950 rpm BHP/Liter 66.2
    Max. Engine Speed 6752 rpm, electronically limited
    Fuel Requirement Unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
    Oil Capacity 4 qt. (3.8 L) plus filter
    Coolant Capacity 8.5 qt. (8.0 L)
    Emission Controls 3-way catalytic converter, heated oxygen sensors, engine modifications, EGR
    Max. Gross Trailer Weight 1000 lbs. (454 kg)
    Estimated EPA Fuel Economy 26/36

  • Q: What are the specs on the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine?

    • A: The following specs are from the 2000 models, although not much has changed since introduction:
    Displacement 148.2 in3 (2429 cm3)
    Bore x Stroke 3.44 x 3.98 (87.5 x 101.0)
    Valve System DOHC, 16 valves, stamped steel rocker arms w/roller followers, hydraulic lash adjusters
    Fuel Injection Sequential multi-port, electronic
    Construction Cast iron block & bedplate, aluminum alloy head, acoustic oil pan
    Compression Ratio 9.4:1
    Power (SAE net) 150 bhp (112 kW) @ 5200 rpm
    Torque (SAE net) 167 lb.-ft. (226 Nom) @ 4000 rpm BHP/Liter 62.5
    Max. Engine Speed 6240 rpm electronically limited
    Fuel Requirement Unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
    Oil Capacity 4.5 qt. (4.3 L) plus filter
    Coolant Capacity 9.0 qt. (8.5 L)
    Emission Controls 3-way catalytic converter, heated oxygen sensors, engine modifications, EGR
    Max. Gross Trailer Weight 1500 lbs. (680 kg)
    Estimated EPA Fuel Economy 21/29

  • Q: What are the specs on the 2.5L 6-cylinder engine?

    • A: The following specs are from the 2000 models, although not much has changed since introduction:
    Displacement 152.3 in3 (2497 cm3)
    Bore x Stroke 3.29 x 2.99 (83.5 x 76)
    Valve System SOHC, 4 valves/cylinder, roller followers, hydraulic lifters
    Fuel Injection Sequential, multi-port, electronic
    Construction Cast iron block, aluminum alloy heads
    Compression Ratio 9.4:1
    Power (SAE net) 168 bhp (125 kW) @ 5800 rpm
    Torque (SAE net) 170 lb.-ft. (230 Nom) @ 4350 rpm BHP/Liter 67.2
    Max. Engine Speed 6560 rpm electronically limited
    Fuel Requirement Unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
    Oil Capacity 4 qt. (3.8 L) plus filter
    Coolant Capacity 10.5 qt. (10.0 L)
    Emission Controls 3-way catalytic converter, heated oxygen sensors, engine modifications, EGR
    Max. Gross Trailer Weight 1000 lbs. (900 kg)
    Estimated EPA Fuel Economy 19/26

    Q: Is there some history on the cloud cars (like introductions and feature changes)?
    A: Sure there is:
    1995
    Stratus
    Cirrus     		Models Introduced
    1996
    Sebring Convertible Initial introduction
    Breeze Breeze introduction
    Cirrus Chrome-plated cast aluminum wheels
    Stratus AutoStick® transaxle control system
    1997
    Sebring Convertible AutoStick® Transaxle Control System - available w/2.5-Liter engine
    Breeze Power sun roof option
    Floor console with armrest & covered storage
    Cirrus Exterior "Gold" package
    New Power sunroof option
    Floor console with armrest and covered storage
    Stratus New power sunroof option
    Floor console with armrest & covered storage
    1998
    Sebring Convertible Four-Wheel Disc Brakes w/Traction Control - optional
    Sentry Key Theft-Deterrent System
    Sebring Limited Package
    Breeze 2.4-liter engine available
    2.4-liter TLEV engine available
    2.0-liter LEV engine available
    Next-generation driver & passenger air bags
    "Expresso" appearance package
    Cirrus One-price-class Cirrus (LXi only)
    Reduced interior noise, vibration & harshness
    No-charge eight-way Power Leather Seating option
    On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system
    2.5-liter TLEV engines available
    Next-generation driver & front passenger air bags
    Stratus On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system
    2.4 & 2.5-liter TLEV engines available
    Next-generation driver air bag
    1999
    Sebring Convertible 2.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve, SMPI V-6 standard
    Next-Generation Driver Air Bag
    New Grille w/Winged "Chrysler Seal" Medallion
    Breeze Interior noise, vibration & harshness reductions
    Sentry Key Theft-Deterrent System available
    2.4-liter LEV engine available
    8-way power seat option
    Long life automatic transaxle fluid introduced - 100,000 miles service interval
    Cirrus Interior Noise, Vibration & Harshness reductions
    Sentry Key Theft-Deterrent System - available
    New grille w/winged "Chrysler Seal" medallion
    New Instrument Cluster Graphics
    Four wheel disc ABS system (with V-6 engine)
    Long life automatic transaxle fluid introduced - 100,000 miles service interval
    Stratus New instrument cluster graphics
    Interior noise, vibration & harshness reduction
    Sentry Key Theft-Deterrent System available
    2.4-liter LEV engine available
    Long-life automatic transaxle fluid introduced - 100,000 miles service interval
    Four-wheel disc ABS system (with V-6 engine)
    2000
    Sebring Convertible Chrysler seal on steering wheel
    Refined rear suspension
    Breeze 2.4-liter engine available as no-cost option
    Plymouth brand and thus Breeze discontinued after 2000
    Cirrus LX model reintroduced to 'replace' Plymouth Breeze
    User-ready child seat Top Tether anchors
    Long life automatic transaxle fluid—100,000-mile service interval
    Stratus New "SE" Badging for Base Model
    New Instrument Cluster Graphics
    User-ready Child Seat Top Tether Anchors
    Standard 2.4-liter Engine
    2001
    Sebring Convertible 2.7-liter V-6 engine standard (200-horsepower, 192 lb.-ft. torque)
    Standard four-wheel disc brakes
    Available ABS Plus anti-lock brake system
    All-new body structure
    All-new interior trim, seats and instrument panel
    Next-generation multi-stage front air bags (driver and passenger)
    Inside emergency trunk release
    Sebring Coupe All-new 2.4-liter, SOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine with balance shafts (142 horsepower, 158 lb.-ft. torque)
    All-new 3.0-liter, SOHC, 24-valve V-6 engine (200 horsepower, 205 lb.-ft. torque)
    All-new exterior—hood, trunk, doors, roof, fascias, headlamps and taillamps
    All-new instrument panel
    AutoStick® automatic transaxle
    Rear center shoulder belt
    Sentry Key™ Engine Immobilizer
    Sebring Sedan All-new exterior and interior design
    Renamed Sebring from Cirrus Available new 2.7-liter V-6 engine (200 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. torque)
    Standard 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve engine
    Available AutoStick driver-interactive transaxle control system
    Standard four-wheel disc brakes
    Available ABS Plus anti-lock brake system
    All-new body structure
    All-new interior including seats, trim and instrument panel
    Next-generation multi-stage front air bags (driver and passenger)
    Available supplemental side air bag curtains for front and rear outboard occupants
    Three-point rear center seat belt
    Rear seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
    Inside emergency trunk release
    Stratus Sedan All-new Exterior and Interior Design
    Available New 2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 Engine (200-horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. torque)
    Available AutoStick® Driver-interactive Transaxle Control System
    Standard Four-wheel Disc Brakes
    Available ABS Plus Four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System
    All-new Body Structure
    All-new Interior Including Seats, Trim and Instrument Panel
    Multi-stage Next-generation Front Air Bags (driver and passenger)
    Available Supplemental Side Air Bag Curtains for front and rear outboard occupants
    Three-point Center Rear Seat Belt
    Rear Seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
    Inside Emergency Trunk Release
    Stratus Coupe All-new 2.4-liter, SOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine with balance shafts (147 horsepower, 158 lb.-ft. torque)
    All new 3.0-liter, SOHC, 24-valve V-6 engine (200 horsepower, 205 lb.-ft. torque)
    All-new exterior—hood, trunk, doors, roof, fascias, headlamps and taillamps
    All-new instrument panel
    AutoStick® automatic transaxle
    Rear center shoulder belt
    Sentry Key™ Engine Immobilizer
    Formerly Dodge Avenger, renamed to create mid-size "family"