Chrysler Officially Drops the Top on the New 200 Convertible

Following yesterday’s leak, Chrysler today officially released photos and preliminary data on its new 200 Convertible. As previously noted, the drop top model is essentially a facelifted Sebring Convertible featuring a refined exterior design, and a revamped interior with new styling and improved quality.

Customers can choose between two automatically latching tops, which is certainly not a common option in the category. The first option is a body-colored retractable hardtop, while the other is a more traditional cloth soft top, both operated by a button on the key fob.

Another highlight is the media center with voice command that offers Sirius Satellite Radio and a 30-gigabyte HDD/CD/DVD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time information.

The four-seater convertible can be specified with a 173HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder or the brawnier, 283HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, both mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. To improve handling, the Detroit firm's engineers have either re-tuned or redesigned almost every part of the suspension, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings.

In the United States, the 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible will be available in three trim levels, Touring, Limited and S.

European buyers should look for the 200 convertible with a Lancia grille and badges at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March.

Detroit Preview: 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar

Since we have a long way to go for the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Chrysler decided to give us a glimpse of what its in-house performance division Mopar is readying for the firm's redesigned Sebring, the 200 sedan, at next week's Detroit Motor Show.

The styled-up 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar seen in the teaser rendering here features a black and grey two-tone body and a full aero kit plus a lowered suspension, larger 19-inch alloy wheels and numerous accessories that will most likely be available for the production model in the near future. Hit the break for the full list of accessories and parts featured on the Detroit motorshow car.

2011 Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar Accessories and Parts

Black and Tungsten paint scheme
Gloss black grille surround
Recessed wing badge
Gloss black mesh grille
Gloss black lower mesh grille
Fog light bezel with light bar
Brake induction openings
Vented hood
Lower chin spoiler
19-inch wheels
Aero sill cladding
Mopar ghost decal
Gloss black belt molding
Gloss black mirror cap
Mopar Katzkin leather seats
Decklid spoiler
Tungsten painted license plate visor
Rear valance
Bright exhaust tip

2011 Chrysler 200: Conflicting MPG Figures Hit the Maker’s Official Website

Even though the 2011 Chrysler 200 is set to debut in the U.S. at the end of January, many facts on the mid-size sedan remain unclear. The company hasn’t officially (…) released interior pictures yet, only a video, and mpg figures were also unknown. However, as some isolated reports about EPA ratings hit the internet today, we decided to investigate. We found out that Chrysler’s sedan won’t establish any records in the segment and that, ironically, the automaker can’t decide which is the correct EPA estimated mpg.

According to one page on Chrysler.com, the 200 sedan equipped with the 173 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine returns 21/30 mpg city/highway, with both the 4-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions. This is kind of strange to begin with, as you’d expect the more modern gearbox to have better numbers for the sake of marketing, if nothing else.

The yet-to-be-revealed 200 Convertible, fitted with the same four-pot and six-speed ‘box, is rated at an identical 21/30 mpg, which is hard to believe, as open top cars need extra structural strengthening, increasing weight and lowering fuel efficiency.

And as if that wasn't enough, in the “Compare Vehicle and Model Specifications” section, the 200 sedan with the 2.4-liter engine is said to return 20/31 mpg.

Either way, the 2.4L DOHC 16V Dual VVT finishes last when compared to the Toyota Camry (22/32 mpg), Honda Accord (23/33 mpg) and Hyundai Sonata (22/35 mpg).

With the 283 hp 3.6-liter V6 under the bonnet, the situation is a bit better, as the 19/29 mpg rating helps the Chrysler 200 and 200 Convertible rank above the Ford Fusion (18/27 mpg) and Chevrolet Malibu (17/26 mpg), but below the Toyota Camry (20/29 mpg).

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VIDEO: Chrysler Promo Compares New 200 with Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion

In what may be a sign of the times, the Chrysler Group is using bloggers, and members of social media sites and forums to promote its newest models on film. Here we see the company's latest promotional clip showing off the restyled and upgraded Sebring sedan, which as most of you know, has been renamed to 200.

The video hosts a number of people from various websites as well as one of its own marketers, and compares the mid-size sedan with Chevrolet's soon-to-be-replaced Malibu (see the official drawings here) and the Ford Fusion. Being a Chrysler made / edited promotional video, we'd take everything said with plenty grains of salt. Follow the break to watch the short clip.

Lancia's 2011 New Year Greeting Card Teases 2012 Ypsilon, Announces Two More New Models

In a surprise move, Lancia literally outlined its forthcoming 2012 Ypsilon supermini through an animated New Year's greeting card posted on a special minisite. And if that's not enough news for you, the chalk-like drawings were accompanied by a teaser message that reads, "A new horizon, three new Lancia models".

The Italian firm did not elaborate on what these models are, however, we beleive that aside from the five-door Ypsilon, which is scheduled to arrive in European dealerships next summer, the other two vehicles will be based on Chrysler models. In particular, the new 300 full size sedan as the Thema flagship, and either the 200 mid-size sedan or the Town and Country, the latter as a replacement for the Phedra MPV.

It has been reported that in order to keep costs down, the Lancia models will be rebadged versions of their Chrysler counterparts with some minor styling tweaks, such as the front grille, exterior and interior trim, and bumper designs. Expect more news on the matter in early 2011.