2012 Chrysler 200 Preview

Chrysler is betting big with the 2012 200 model. According to some sources, it will likely hit the market as early as 2011. The mid-size sedan is Chrysler’s latest attempt at replacing the venerable, yet sluggish in sales, Sebring and Sebring convertible. If the recently revamped Jeep Grand Cherokee and the star 300/C are any indicator of the 200’s aptitude, it’ll be a very good bet for reclaiming sales lost from the Sebring.

Expected Release

The 2011-2012 Chrysler 200 Sedan, a future product of the Sterling Heights Assembly plant, will be unveiled in late November of this year at the L.A. Auto Show, while the 200 Convertible is set to hit the showroom floor at the New York Auto show, also around the end of November. The sedan is expected at dealerships around the end of 2010, and the drop-top will likely go on sale in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Powertrain and Suspension

Aside from the platform, the new 200’s mechanical specs will be significantly different from the outgoing Sebring’s. The base model gets a 2.4L I-4 that’s available with a traditional 4-speed automatic as base equipment or a new-and-improved six-speed auto as optional equipment. Moving up to Chrysler’s Pentastar V-6 gives the sedan (and upcoming convertible) a generous 282 horsepower/260 lb-ft. of torque and comes mated to a 6-speed auto as standard equipment. Opting for the V6 in the Sedan or Convertible will give consumers enough power to at least to run neck-and-neck with most other mid-size competitors at red-light showdowns.
Further improving on the now-defunct Sebring is the 200’s revamped driving dynamics, thanks to Chrysler’s D-segment suspension. New, stiffer body mounts, better standard and optional tires, a reworked sway-bar in the rear, and a re-engineered suspension system all should contribute to a more cushioned, supple ride. What does this mean for any sporting capabilities? Like any modern mid-size sedan, it is fully-expected to ride the fine line between being a comfortable highway cruiser and a fun, sporty drive.

Interior Specifications

Inside, the 200 is expected to be a big triumph over its predecessor. Chrysler says that upgraded materials, particularly on the dash and armrests, will be in the new 200–as well as a more functional and aesthetically-pleasing center stack and instrument cluster. Furthermore, Chrysler promises a big improvement in material quality of both the cloth and leather seats and their spring geometry design.

Summary

The all-new 200 faces some fierce competition, however. Some of the biggest, and perhaps most formidable, rivals include the similarly priced and powered Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord.
Adding a bit of diversity to the lineup, expect a Chrysler 200 Limited version that will have a MSRP of around $25k and a sportier 200 S model in either the 2011 or 2012 model year.