2011-2014 Chrysler 200 and 200 S cars
Chrysler officially unveiled the Chrysler 200 sedan on October 12, 2010; the Chrysler 200 Convertible was shown at the end of the year. Both are expected to be replaced in the 2014 model year, but in the meantime, they’re being sold at high-value prices.
The Chrysler 200, like the 2011 Dodge Avenger, comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine; most cars have a six-speed automatic, but the cheapest models have a four-speed automatic. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic — essentially, an automatically shifted manual transmission — was planned for the Limited model but may never arrive.
To create the 2011 Chrysler 200 out of the ashes of the 2010 Chrysler Sebring, the company stiffened the body mounts, changed the suspension geometry, raised the roll center, changed the rear sway bar and tires, upgraded noise reduction (including acoustic glass for the windshield and front windows), and softened the ride rate.
Interior 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” door trim panels, new “soft touch” armrests and dash and new heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel with improved design and functionality.
Even the base model, with the four-cylinder/four-speed, comes with 17 inch wheels, four speaker stereo, air conditioning, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, cruise control, stabilizer bars front and rear, and a 525 amp battery; the cost for that one is $19,995, but Chrysler believes only 5% (or fewer) of buyers will choose it when the Touring, with six-speed automatic and numerous additional features, is just $21,995.
Canadians also have an LX option with a 2.4 L I-4 engine with 173 hp and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The selected standard equipment on the LX are 17-inch wheels & covers, leather-wrapped shift knob, power windows, locks and mirrors (heated), premium cloth seats with 60/40 folding rear seat, driver heigh adjuster seat with manual lumbar adjust, body colour door handles and mirrors, LED headlamps and taillamps, instrument cluster with LED lighting, ambient LED lighting, advanced multistage front, side-curtain, and fron-seat side air bags, four-wheel disc antilock brakes, Electronic Stability Control, active front head restraints, tire pressure monitoring warning lamp, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio controls, Media Centre 130 AM/FM/CD with 4-speakers, remote keyless entry and security alarm, and air conditioning.*
Optional on the Canadian LX are 17-inch aluminum wheels, body colour bodyside moulding, front passenger forward fold flat seat, Sirius Satellite Radio with one-year subscription, and UConnect Voice Command with Bluetooth.*
Chrysler 200 Sedan
What changed from the Sebring? According to Olivier Francois, “It had to be good, and it had to be now... the brief was simple: do everything [within 12 months].” He told engineers to look at:
every thread, every weld, every stitch, every cut, every seem, every rivet, every collection, every seal, every valve, every spring, every chip, every line, every angle, every detail, I want this car to be stronger, tighter, faster, smoother, smarter, purer, bolder, sharper, louder, meaner, classier, sexier, I want it to be the Chrysler. ...
A completely new front end...new wheel design, completely new rear end... what are we not giving you? The cheap plastic... There are new fabrics, new instrument cluster, new dashboard, new steering wheel. We fixed the ride, handling, performance, and NVH. We took care of the guts.
The Chrysler 200 Touring, projected to be the best seller, uses the four-cylinder engine with a six speed automatic and optional V6; aluminum wheels; six speaker stereo; eight-way power driver seat; advanced trip computer; automatic climate control; automatic headlights; LED tail lamps; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter; satellite radio; individual tire pressure display; universal garage door opener; tilt/telescope steering wheel; alarm; ambient LED lighting; side airbags (curtain and thorax); new suspension; ABS; and stability control.
Available options on the Touring include 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, body colour bodyside moulding, UConnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, Sun & Nav II Package, Media Centre 430 CD/DVD/MP3/HDD, Media Centre 430N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/Nav, Media Centre 730N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/Nav and a power sunroof.*
The top model (other than 200S), the Chrysler 200 Limited, adds 18 inch aluminum wheels, hard-drive media center (430), heated leather seats, UConnect and iPod connector, dual exhaust with bright tips*, fog lamps, bright mirrors/handles, express up/down key fob, and remote start.
Exterior and sheet metal upgrades from the Sebring include the front and rear fascias and fenders, grille and badge, hood, rear decklid and exterior mirrors, projector headlamps and fog lamps, LED taillamps, and LED center high-mounted brake light.
The new Pentastar V-6 engine produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque; it is hooked up to a six-speed automatic transaxle.
Available options for the Limited inlcude Sun & Nav II package, Media Centre 430 CD/DVD/MP3/HDD, Media Centre 430N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/Nav, Media Centre 730N CD/DVD/Mp3/HDD/Nav, power sunroof, and six Boston Acoustics speakers.*
Chrysler 200 S
The Chrysler 200 S has unique exterior styling, including a unique front grille, Chrysler badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps, body colour exterior mirrors and door handles*, black painted front and rear fascia insert*, and 18-inch aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and "S" badging. Inside, the 200S has a perforated leather steering wheel cover; heated leather front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered "S" on the front head rests; suede door trim bolsters; a black headliner; and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center with Uconnect® voice command.
The 2011 Chrysler S models have a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with a best-in-class horsepower rating of 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, connected to a six speed automatic. The sedan starts at $26,790, while the 2011 200 S Convertible starts at $32,490.
Available options for the S include Media Centre 430N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/Nav, Media Centre 730N CD/DVD/Mp3/HDD/Nav and power sunroof.
Chrysler 200 Super S
The Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar is a rolling showcase for the latest Mopar exterior parts that will be available for the 200 sedan in 2012.
For Stage One, Mopar’s modifications include a chin spoiler and satin chrome fog light trim and grille surround and mesh in the upper and lower grilles. The upper grille is gloss black with a recessed Chrysler wing badge. The car also has new side sills, satin chrome belt molding, black chrome “200” badges, gray or black 18-inch “S” alloy wheels, a new trunk lid spoiler, satin chrome light bar, and a matte black lower diffuser with attached exhaust openings.
Stage Two adds performance with a coil-over suspension, which also lowers the center of gravity for the vehicle, a cold-air intake, and cat-back exhaust.
Chrysler 200 vs Chrysler Sebring specifications (thanks to oh2o)
| Engines | 2.4 Four | 3.5 V6 | 3.6 V6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 173 @ 6,000 | 235 @6,400 | 283 @ 6,400 |
| Torque | 166 @ 4,400 | 232 @4,000 | 260 @ 4,400 |
| Oil | 5W20 | 5W30 | 5W30 |
| Fuel | 87 | 87 OK, 89 Pref. | 87 OK, 89 Pref. |
For full engine and transmission information, see the following pages (they'll open in new windows):
Interior space in the Chrysler 200 declined somewhat as seat quality improved over the Sebring — thicker seats mean less room.
Measurement |
Chrysler Sebring |
Chrysler 200 |
|---|---|---|
EPA Interior Passenger Volume, cu. ft. |
102.5 |
100.3 |
Head Room w/o Sunroof |
40.1 / 38.4 |
same |
Head Room w/Sunroof |
37.9 / 38.4 |
same |
Leg Room |
42.4 / 37.6 |
42.4 / 36.2 |
Shoulder Room |
56.4 / 56.4 |
56.3 / 56.0 |
Hip Room |
53.5 / 53.2 |
52.6 / 52.8 |
Seat Travel |
10.2 |
10.2 |
EPA Front Compartment Volume, f/r |
55.5 / 45.3 |
54.3 / 46.0 |
Cargo liftover height |
31.8 |
31.8 |
SAE Luggage Compartment Volume, cu. ft. |
13.6 |
13.6 |
| EPA gas mileage, 4 cylinder, four speed | 21/30 | 21/30 |
Specification | Sebring | 200 |
Weight and Towing | Sebring | 200 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheelbase | 108.9” | 108.9 | I-4 weight |
3,287 |
3,389 (LX) | |
Track, Front | 61.8 | 61.7 | V6 weight |
3,499 |
3,559 | |
Track, Rear | 61.8 | 62.7 | Towing: |
1,000 |
1,000 | |
Overall Length | 190.6 | 191.7 | Towing: 2.7L |
1,500 |
n/a | |
Overall Width | 71.2 | 72.5 | Towing: 3.5L |
2,000 |
n/a | |
Overall Height | 59.0 | 58.4 | ||||
CdA (aerodynamics) | 8.29 | Fuel tank (gallons) |
16.9 |
16.9 | ||
Cd (aerodynamics) | 0.331 | 0.342 |
| Item | Chrysler Sebring | Chrysler 200 |
Steering Type | Speed-proportional, power rack-and-pinion | Same |
Overall Ratio | 16.5:1 | 16.65:1 |
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb) | 36.5 ft. (11.13) | 36.5 (37.7 with 18” wheels) |
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock) | 3.0 | 3.3 (3.0 with 18” wheels) |
Power Assist Type—All | 8 x 9 (204 x 230) tandem-diaphragm vacuum | same |
Four-wheel Anti-lock (ABS) | Standard | Standard |
Front Size and Type | 11.5 x 1.0 (294 x 26) vented rotors | same |
Front Swept Area (total front) | 223.5 sq. in. (1442.1 sq. cm) | same |
Rear Size and Type | 9.0 x 0.8 (229 x 35) machined drums (I-4) | 10.3 x 1.4 solid rotor |
Rear Swept Area (total rear) | 78.1 sq. in. (I4) / 138.6 square inches (V6) | 138.6 square inches |
Parking Brake Type | Drum (I4) / Drum-in-hat | Drum-in-hat |
Electronic Stability Program | Optional | Standard |
Traction Control | Optional | Standard |
Standard Wheels | 16 x 6.5 painted steel | 17 x 6.5 painted steel |
The Chrysler 200 is made alongside the Dodge Avenger in Michigan’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant.
2013.5 Chrysler 200S Special Edition with Carhartt
Over a century ago, Hamilton Carhartt created an apparel company in Detroit, delivering enduring apparel for industrious men and women. Standing for rugged construction, innovative design and exceptional standards of quality, durability and comfort, Carhartt workwear became a legend among America’s skilled tradesmen and craftsmen, though recently there has been talk that standards have fallen with the move of some production to China. The company remains privately, and Carhartt supports Detroit charities and activities including the Jazz Festival and the Empowerment Plan, whose goal is to help the homeless in Detroit.
The 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition, starting at $28,870, “celebrates a never-say-die attitude and the value of hard work with a car unlike any other in the marketplace,” said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.
The exterior has a new gloss black mesh grille accented with a platinum chrome grille collar, a lower front fascia in platinum black, and platinum chrome fog light “spears;” the sport suspension is more responsive. Body color sill cladding, platinum chrome belt molding and semi-gloss black wheels create a unique profile view.
A body-color decklid spoiler, platinum chrome light bar, rear valance with polished, fascia-mounted exhaust tips, unique “S” and black “200” badges complete the distinctive exterior style of the 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition.
The interior was designed in collaboration with Carhartt. Mark Valade, Carhartt CEO, said, “The vehicle is understated in its levels of sophistication which authentically mirrors our brand.” It has a water-resistant black fabric selected by Carhartt, with Carhartt triple stitching seat accents in light gray. Production begins in the second quarter of 2013; it will be produced in Sterling Heights and modified in Warren. The first public showing will be in New York on March 29.
Chrysler and Carhartt have also collaborated on an “Imported From Detroit” line of clothing, with limited editions individually hand-numbered from 1 to 200.
The Chrysler 200 rumors at Allpar
oh2o wrote that the 200/200 convertible would have S, LX, Limited, and Touring models, while the Avenger would be SXT, Express, LUX, and R/T. The transmissions will remain the same — a four speed for the four cylinder, a six speed for the six cylinder.
ShapGirl wrote that sketches have been shown to employees, and that the Sebring replacement looks much like the Chrysler 200C concept car which was shown to much acclaim at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show:
The renderings here about the 200/Sebring are close (look for the Allpar photo of the 200C color rendering by Alex Peterson). A manager said the interiors and new designs aren’t going for the Toyota Camry…they are going for Lexus.
The Chrysler 200 will be scrapped around calendar year 2012-13 in favor of new cars engineered by Chrysler using modified Fiat platforms, with the width stretched by 1.6 inches (hence the nickname “C-Wide”). Sergio Marchionne said: “The only thing [Fiat is] delivering to Chrysler is the basic platform. Everything from that point on, once we deliver it, is up to Chrysler.”
oh2o wrote on Sept. 2, 2010: a new 6-speed dual dry clutch auto trans (C635) will make it for the 2011 model year, available on the upper trim lines. [The dual clutch will end up with the 2012s, and only with four cylinder engines.]
Stas Peterson noted:
I was never in doubt about D-segment drive trains when I heard that the Sebring/Avenger would get what Frank Klegon wanted to build in the first place, back when they were going to be introduced. He envisioned, a modern flat torque profile I-4, with a relaxed cam grind, mated to the industry’s first 6-speed dual clutch manual-automatic, years before everyone else had such, for sale. Frank was sabotaged by the finances for Getrag, even more than the pitiful finances of Chrysler.
Most buyers will probably get the four-cylinder, newly retuned World Engine which should provide more low-end torque. Most likely, the V6 will stay with the six-speed and the four cylinder, much as we hate to say it, will stay with the four speed. [It turns out that's only true on the low-end LX model.]
Thanks narnga and Lawrence Shine for telling us about the 200 screenshots in early October.
Chrysler 200 Convertible • Dodge Avenger • 200 Review • 200 vs Sebring