Chrysler releases the first detailed pictures of the new 200 midsize sedan.
Chrysler has released the first full pictures of the 200 sedan, a new midsize offering that will replace the much-maligned Chrysler Sebring.
The upcoming launch of the Chrysler 200 marks a critical step in the planned revival of the Detroit automaker, which went through bankruptcy last year, emerging only with the help of a massive government bailout – which, in turn, was based on the U.S. maker’s effective takeover by Italy’s Fiat Automotive.
The once-popular Sebring largely crashed and burned following an ill-fated redesign a few years back. Though it can cost as much as $100 million to launch an all-new nameplate, Chrysler officials decided they needed to start fresh and initially planned to name the redesigned sedan Nassau, in honor of a popular concept vehicle.
But ultimately, they shifted gears and went with the Chrysler 200, a logical progression as the little brother of the brand’s full-size 300 sedan.
The new 200 will have a relatively short shelf-life, however, as it will be replaced, in several years, by a ground-up alternative sharing one of Fiat’s global platforms. But the 2011 200 gives a good indication of where the brand is now going.
The 200 will replace the slow-selling Sebring.
The front-drive sedan gets a cleaner look, with all-new front and rear fascias and fenders, a revised version of the Chrysler grille and winged badge, a new hood and trunklid, new projector headlamps, foglamps and LED tail and CHMSL brakelights.
In keeping with a corporate mandate, the interior goes through a major upgrade, with a more stylish and up-market look to the all-new instrument panels and gauges.
A new powertrain line-up includes a 2.4-liter I4 gas engine – offered with either a 4- or 6-speed automatic – and an optional new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 which comes standard with the 6-speed automatic.
Chrysler claims an improved ride and sportier handling thanks to such things as stiffened body mounts and improved suspension geometry. To reduce wind noise, the 2011 Chrysler 200 will use acoustically laminated glass for the windshield and front side windows.
While the maker is promising improvements to the safety content of the ’11 sedan it isn’t providing details. But electronic stability control is expected to now be among the list of standard features.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 will be built at Chrysler’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, in suburban Detroit, with the first cars rolling into showrooms by the end of the year. The addition of the new model will require