2011 Chrysler 200

Chrysler announced that its all-new midsize sedan will be called the 200. Chrysler has ended the long run of its Sebring sedan after the last generation was met with a lackluster reception by the press and, more importantly, the buying public.

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, new hood, LED positioning light pipe in front headlamps, rear deck lid and exterior mirrors, new projector headlamps and fog lamps, new LED taillamps and an LED center high-mounted stoplight.

"Today's customer is smarter and they expect their vehicle to be smart as well. They want beauty coupled with substance," said Olivier Francois, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The new Chrysler 200 delivers reliability, capability, comfort, safety, fuel efficiency and style - beauty and substance."

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 provides drivers an agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it's commuting to work, a weekend adventure on twisty roads or going out with family and friends. Virtually every part of the suspension has been retuned or redesigned for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.

The best part of the upgrade, however, is under the hood. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder "World Engine" is now the base choice, paired with a choice of four- or six-speed automatics. The star of the engine lineup is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, available only with the six-speed auto, which should deliver around 300 horsepower, making the 2011 200 peppy enough to run with most of the midsize luxury sedan class.

The suspension is also retuned for tauter handling without compromising comfort, including stiffer body mounts, a new rear sway bar, and upgraded tires balanced against softer spring rates. The cabin is also aimed to be a quieter place, with acoustic laminated glass for the windshield and front door windows.

Powertrain Positives and Negatives

Powertrains for the 200 will include the 2.4-liter four cylinder mated to a four- or six-speed automatic and the new Pentastar V-6, which produces up to 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in other applications and will exclusively be paired with a six-speed auto. The four-speed transmission will do the 2.4-liter no favors, but the V-6’s output will put it at the top of the segment and should make for spirited stoplight drags.

Having been uncompetitive for many years now and not building on a new platform, Chrysler remains at a serious disadvantage in a segment packed with power hitters—the Honda Accord, the Ford Fusion, and the Hyundai Sonata, to name a few. With a revised Chevrolet Malibu also on the way, Chrysler faces a steep uphill battle when the new 200 hits dealers at the end of this year. Good or bad, at least it isn’t called the Sebring anymore.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 will be assembled at the company's Sterling Heights plant, north of Detroit, and will reach U.S. dealers later this year.