What We Drove
2011 Chrysler 200 Touring
Why We Drove It
A lot of speculation has surrounded the 2011 Chrysler 200 (read review). Rumors were all over the board, from calling it a rebadged, Italian-brand Lancia to dismissing it as nothing more than a renamed Chrysler Sebring. The latter is closer to the truth, as we discovered at a recent Chrysler Group LLC media event where we got a chance to get behind the wheel. Though based upon the lamentable Sebring, there is some good news: much of this Chrysler is new and vastly improved.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 has a new nose, new interior, new V6 engine option and updated running gear. The old 2.4 has been reengineered to excise some of its almost demonic noise, vibration and harshness. Even the 200’s graceful presence usurps the dismal existence of the old Sebring. To say this is a new car is a misrepresentation, but it is a significantly different car.
2011 Chrysler 200 Driving Impressions
Klaus Busse, head of Chrysler Brand Interior Design, walked us through the Chrysler 200’s interior and came up with some interesting analogies for the new components. For example, while urging us to explore the cabin and feel how rewarding the materials and switchgear are to touch, he explained how he used a stone found in Lake Michigan as a benchmark for how some of the plastics should feel. It was an intriguing visual.
Busse was definitely on to something with that bit of Lake Michigan geology, as we did indeed feel a higher quality texture to the plastics. Even in the base 200, the cheap and flimsy materials of the Sebring are banished. Little details like the edges of the plastic bins and the glove box door are devoid of the typical jagged bits. Even the plastic pillars feels more substantial.
The Chrysler 200’s dashboard pad is thick and spongy which helps silence the already quiet interior. Designers double laminated the 200’s front door glass and invested time and money into better sound deadening materials. Pillars are filled with foam and components no longer chatter and squeak when the mid-size Chrysler moves over a large bump in the road.
Once seated, we knew things had improved. The 200’s new seats are firm and well made in contrast to the lumpy seats from the Sebring. Control layout is simple. It took very little time to learn where everything is and how to use the various systems and, unlike the old Sebring, nothing felt cheap.
Three elegant gauges sit within a chrome-lined binnacle. Design details of the binnacle, center stack and air vents have a reoccurring theme, the borders similarly curved and carefully trimmed with chrome and metal. The new steering wheel design is tasteful and unique to the Chrysler brand, featuring stylish metal components that bookend the horn and create four spokes. Even the centrally mounted clock has a look and feel of quality.
It’s the small touches that make the Chrysler 200 feel special.
This markedly improved interior was pushed into production after only one development year. Usually, a completely reworked interior takes much longer to design, test and build (three to four years is common). Holidays were missed, hours were doubled and persnickety new bosses HAD to be appeased with high quality work. The effort is noticeable, especially on the higher-end Chrysler 200s. But, even at the entry level, high quality interior work is abundantly noticeable.
As for the driving dynamics, yes, the standard 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is a return of an old powerplant from the Sebring. Engineers retuned the 2.4 for smoother, quieter and more efficient performance. Optionally available is an all-new, 3.6-liter V6 making 283 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. This engine choice wakes up the somber Chrysler 200 and gives surprisingly fast acceleration.
A four-speed automatic transmission is only available on the base Chrysler 200 with the 2.4-liter engine. For all other models, a new six-speed automatic transmission is standard. We did not sample the four-speed, but we did get some seat time with the V6 six-speed combo. Later in 2011, an advanced dual-clutch, six-speed transmission will be available. According to Chrysler representatives, it will get better mileage and be more exciting to drive than the six-speed automatic.
Although the Chrysler 200’s corporate sibling, the similarly updated Dodge Avenger (view photos), shares many components, the two cars ride and handle differently. Off the line, the 200 does not lift its front end as abruptly as the Dodge Avenger does. With its softer springs and cushier ride, the Chrysler’s overall driving character reflects luxury and comfort while the Dodge Avenger serves as the sporty choice.
Despite the 200’s role in the manufacturer’s lineup, it is immediately obvious that the old days of heavy understeer and clumsy handling have given way to flatter, more capable cornering and better steering feel. On long stretches of road, the 200’s on-center steering feel is vastly superior to the old Sebring, as is overall ride comfort. The brakes inspire confidence, feeling responsive and never grabby.
We’re very curious as to how the upcoming dual-clutch transmission will feel in the 2011 Chrysler 200. It’s already a pleasant ride with great power and we like the smooth six-speed automatic. The dual-clutch transmission could truly lift the Chrysler 200’s image in terms of sophistication – but at what cost?
That’s the elephant in the room: Does this vehicle, which still has clear ties to the discarded Sebring, have the goods to move up market? We’ll have to wait and see.
The Vehix View
Given its checkered past as the Sebring, the new Chrysler 200 (read review) represents a rather remarkable remake. It’s such a better machine in so many ways that it took us by surprise. But we’re not sure the 200 has what it takes to gain market share from established mid-size sedan leaders.