New Car: 2011 Chrysler 200

Chrysler has taken the wraps off their new compact executive sedan; the 200. The 200 replaces the unloved Sebring and will be offered with two petrol engines; a 173bhp (175PS) 2.4 litre 4-cylinder, linked to either a 4 speed or 6 speed automatic transmission, and a 283bhp (287PS) 3.6 litre V6 with the 6 speed automatic.

The 200 debuts Chrysler's new fascia, which is conquered by a large, multi-slat chrome grille. A reworked chassis over the Sebring means a softer ride and improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).

Internally, Chrysler has ditched the Sebring’s hard, plastic, poor-quality interior in favour for more upscale, soft touch materials and a new instrument and centre console design is featured.

Unlike the Sebring, the 200 won’t reach European shores because Chrysler say it believes that the larger 300C covers the market well enough.

The 200 will hit dealerships late this year.

Press Release:

Offering consumers exceptional craftsmanship inside and out, a refined and spirited driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content, the 2011 Chrysler 200 is an exciting alternative for customers that want style and substance, all at a surprising value.

Virtually every system in the sedan is new or upgraded for 2011, giving the Chrysler 200 its own identity and space in the highly competitive mid-size sedan segment. Exterior and sheet metal upgrades include: front and rear fascias and fenders, grille featuring the new Chrysler brand winged badge, hood, rear decklid and exterior mirrors, new projector headlamps and fog lamps, new LED taillamps and a LED center high-mounted stop light.

The Chrysler 200 gets a new powertrain lineup featuring the 2.4-liter I-4 World Gas Engine mated to either a four-speed or six-speed automatic transaxle, or the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle; improved ride and handling tuning which includes stiffened body mounts and softer ride rate, improved suspension geometry with a raised roll center, a new rear sway bar, and new tires and an extensively upgraded treatment for the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness including acoustic laminated glass for the windshield and front door windows.

Quality materials abound in the beautifully updated new interior for 2011. Updates include a new instrument panel, bezels and gauge face, upgraded seats with a new design that incorporates more cushion material and revised spring geometry as well as new leather and cloth seating materials, new "soft touch" armrests and dash, and new heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel with improved design and functionality.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 provides drivers a beautifully inspired sedan that doesn't compromise safety or practicality and offers the best value in its class. The Chrysler 200 will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich. and will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter 2010.