Chrysler 200

Chrysler 200
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Production	2010[1]–present
Model years	2011-present
Assembly	United States: Sterling Heights, Michigan (Sterling Heights Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid size Luxury car
Chronology
Predecessor	Chrysler Sebring Dodge Avenger

The Chrysler 200 is a four-door mid-size car^[2] manufactured and marketed by Chrysler since 2010.

The 200 nameplate debuted on the 200C, a prototype hybrid vehicle shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and based on the Chrysler 300. While Chrysler's sales chief, Steven Landry, said it had been approved for production, CEO Sergio Marchionne later said it was not practical. The 200C concept was engineered to accept either a traditional gasoline engine, hybrid or electric powertrain.^[3]

First generation (2010–2014)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Lancia Flavia (Europe)
Production	2010[1]–2014
Model years	2011-2014
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door convertible
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Chrysler JS platform
Related	Mitsubishi Lancer Dodge Avenger Dodge Journey
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L World I4 (gasoline) 3.6 L Pentastar V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	4-speed Ultradrive 40TES automatic 6-speed Ultradrive 62TE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.9 in (2,766 mm)
Length	Sedan: 191.7 in (4,869 mm) Convertible: 194.8 in (4,948 mm)
Width	72.5 in (1,842 mm)
Height	Sedan: 58.4 in (1,483 mm) Convertible: 57.9 in (1,471 mm)

Chrysler 200 Super S at the 2012 North American International Auto Show

The first generation Chrysler 200 was a restyled, rebadged and re-engineered version of the third generation Chrysler Sebring that began production in 2006. Although the JS platform had been retained, there were many cosmetic and powertrain changes to the 200. The 2.4 L four-cylinder 173 hp (129 kW) 166 lb·ft (225 N·m)^[4] engine with either a four-speed or six-speed automatic transmission carried over. Chrysler's new Pentastar 3.6 L V6 engine was also offered with a six-speed automatic transmission, generating 283 hp (211 kW) and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque. A flex-fuel version of the 3.6 L Pentastar engine was also available. Other changes included stiffer body mounts, revised suspension geometry with a softer ride rate, a new rear sway bar, and upgraded tires. The 200 was also more highly equipped than the Sebring. Chrysler added features such as LED lighting, thicker seat cushioning with higher quality materials, along with new measures to decrease noise, vibration, and harshness.^[5]

The Chrysler 200 was manufactured at Sterling Heights Assembly (Sterling Heights, Michigan) and arrived at dealers in December 2010.^[6] A 2-door convertible model was added in early 2011 with the same engine choices.^[7]

The 200 and its badge engineered variant the Dodge Avenger, were ranked the "Most American Made" sedans and convertibles by The Kogod Made in America Auto Index in 2013.^[8]

According to Edmunds' Acevedot, "by changing the name, Chrysler was able to let its midsize offering ride the coattails of the Chrysler 300 and to encourage consumers to think of the 200 as the younger brother of the flagship 300"; as an all-new generation of the 300 was released at the same time. Acevedot also noted that the name change has the added benefit of distancing itself from its predecessor, a vehicle notorious for quality issues and fleet pervasiveness.^[9]

In early 2013, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that the first generation model will be short lived and a redesigned next generation model would appear in auto shows January 2014.^[10]

The limited edition 2014 Chrysler 200 Super S was a Mopar modified version and included two stages. Stage One enhancements up front include a chin spoiler, mesh upper and lower grilles with the upper grille finished in gloss black, and satin chrome grille and fog light trim. Side sills and gray or hyper black 18-inch wheels give a firmly planted look, while black chrome badges and satin chrome side molding further differentiate the Super S. In back, more satin chrome finishes the light bar, and a new trunk lid spoiler and a matte black diffuser with integrated exhaust complete the package.

Stage Two enhancements are mechanical. A cold-air intake is fitted under the hood while a cat-back exhaust replaces the stock setup. Finally, a coil-over suspension implemented at the corners results in a lower ride height and a lower center of gravity.

Lancia Flavia

Lancia Flavia 2.4 16v convertible

2013 Lancia Flavia Convertible at the Geneva Motor Show

In Europe between 2012 and 2014, the 200 Convertible was rebranded and marketed under the Italian Lancia marque. ^[11]

The Lancia Flavia was only available in left-hand drive markets, and was not sold in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Chrysler discontinued exportation in September 2013.

Engines

Safety

NHTSA 2013 Chrysler 200 FWD:^[12]

Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover:	/ 11.1%

Second generation (2015–present)

Second generation
Overview
Production	May 2014–present
Model years	2015-present
Designer	Jeff Hammoud - exterior (2012)[13] Cristian Farcas - interior (2012)[14]
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform	Fiat Compact/Compact U.S. Wide
Related	Alfa Romeo Giulietta Dodge Dart (2013) Jeep Cherokee (2014)
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L Tigershark I4 (gasoline) 3.6 L Pentastar V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	9-speed 948TE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.0 in (2,742 mm)
Length	192.3 in (4,884.7 mm)
Width	73.7 in (1,871 mm)
Height	58.7 in (1,491 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Chrysler Sebring Dodge Avenger

The 2015 model year Chrysler 200 debuted on January 13, 2014 at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.^[15] Based on the Fiat Compact platform, FCA (Fiat Chysler America) used the long wheelbase version dubbed CUSW (Compact US Wide) for the second generation Chrysler 200. It is offered in four trim levels, LX, Limited, S as well as C — and is positioned as a mid-size entry intended to compete with Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat, Chevrolet Malibu, and Ford Fusion.^[16]

Becoming available in mid-2014 as an early 2015 Model Year vehicle, the all-new Chrysler 200 became available to Build and Price the same day it was unveiled at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, and became available in dealership showrooms shortly after.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 also includes class-exclusive features that may be available as options on, though do not come as standard equipment on, its competitors, such as: push-button start with keyless access, exterior color-keyed components, and more.

The convertible model was discontinued with model year 2014.^[17][18]

The LX model serves as the "base" model of the 200, and includes keyless access with push-button start, the ZF nine-speed automatic rotary-shifted transmission, a 2.4 L inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, seventeen-inch steel wheels with full plastic wheel covers, cloth seating surfaces, the U Connect 3.0 A/M-F/M stereo with four speakers and USB and auxiliary audio input jacks, power windows and power door locks, and exterior color-keyed components.

The Limited model, previously the "top-of-the-line" model of the first-generation, or previous-generation, 200, will serve as the volume seller. It adds a power front driver's seat, the U Connect 5.0BT A/M-F/M stereo with six speakers, USB and auxiliary audio input jacks, a touch-screen, voice recognition, U Connect hands-free Bluetooth telephone system with wireless A2DP stereo audio streaming capabilities, and more, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, a temporary spare tire with steel spare wheel, front and rear carpeted floor mats, power rear trunk release, more chrome exterior accents, upgrade interior trim, and more. A "Spring Special Edition" adds the U Connect ACCESS 8.4A infotainment system, eighteen-inch alloy wheels, dual power front bucket seats, dual heated front bucket seats, and SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio. The 3.6 L V6 engine producing 295 HP (299 PS) and all-wheel-drive are also available on the Limited model, starting in late 2015.

The S model is the "sporty" model of the 200 lineup, and adds "blacked-out" exterior accents, brushed metallic blue interior trim, available dark-finished alloy wheels, less chrome exterior accents, upgraded interior trim, SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, and more. The 3.6 L V6 engine with 295 HP (299 PS) and all-wheel-drive are also available on the S model.

The C model is the "top-of-the-line" and "luxury" 200 model, and adds chrome exterior accents, polished alloy wheels, the U Connect ACCESS 8.4A infotainment system, leather seating surfaces, heated dual front seats, remote starter system, power dual front bucket seats, and wood interior trim. The 3.6 L V6 engine and all-wheel-drive are also available on the C model.

Production

The 200 continued in production at Sterling Heights Assembly with the plant's paint shop received upgrades to facilitate production.^[19] 2015 Chrysler 200 production assembly began in May 2014, a month prior to going on sale. The vehicle had a base price of $21,700 excluding a $995 destination charge.^[20]

The 200 is equipped with either a 2.4 L TigerShark (184-hp and 173-lb ft) or 3.6 L Pentastar engine (295-hp and 262-lb ft) both matched to a 9-speed automatic transmission. An all wheel drive system is available with the 3.6 L engine, including a fully disconnecting rear drive axle to improve fuel efficiency. The system detects adverse road conditions and engages, sending power to all 4 wheels. The system disengages when increased traction is no longer needed. The 200 would also offer a stop/start system to aid fuel efficiency with the 2.4 L TigerShark engine.^[21]

Equipment

• Full speed-range Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
• Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Active Braking
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring System
• Rear Back Up Camera
• Electric Park Brake with Safehold
• Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist
• Uconnect Systems: Bluetooth Streaming Audio, Uconnect Voice Command and Bluetooth (with Uconnect Access). The 8.4AN System adds, navigation, featuring full-color 3-D graphics and HD Radio
• 7-inch customizable Driver Information Display (DID) electronic instrument cluster
• Standard nine-speed automatic transmission with Rotary E-shift
• Keyless Enter 'n Go

Technology features include a 7-inch LED screen full color instrument cluster, standard electronic rotary dial replacing the console shifter, push button start, an available 8.4 inch Uconnect(TM) touch screen and a hands off the steering wheel automated parking system. An open pass through center console provides storage. An Alpine 9 speaker and subwoofer system as well as a dual panoramic sunroof are available options.

Discontinuation

On January 27, 2016, Fiat Chrysler announced that it will end production of the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 due to the company's decision to redirect its energies towards building Crossover vehicles. A plan to move production from its Belvidere Assembly Plant to Mexico was in the works but later scrapped. Another factor was in how the vehicle was reviewed by Consumer Reports and laying blame on the vehicle's designers, along with declining sales.^[22]

Marketing and sales

Marketing

For the Super Bowl XLV, Chrysler purchased a 2-minute-long advertisement featuring Eminem with the motto Imported from Detroit. Chrysler was thinking about using the Chrysler 300 in the advertisement, since it had a higher retail price than the 200 and also enjoyed better press-reviews, but quickly rejected the idea since the 300 is not manufactured in the United States, but in Ontario, Canada and would not fit the company's new branding. This commercial enjoyed great popularity among viewers,^[23] with the term "Chrysler 200" being the second most-searched term on Google the day after the Super Bowl and search traffic for the vehicle going up by 685 percent on AOL Autos. Shortly after being uploaded to YouTube after the Super Bowl, the ad quickly received over 5 million views.^[24] As of October 2014, the video has nearly 17 million views.

Sales

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chrysler 200.

• Chrysler 200
• Lancia Flavia
• Chrysler 200 Super Bowl Commercial on YouTube