From a technological-feature perspective, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is important for two main reasons: it’s the world’s first mid-size sedan fitted as standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission and the first 200 to be available with all-wheel drive. The latter features an automatic fully disconnecting rear axle, which improves fuel economy by reducing parasitic loss when all-wheel drive is not needed.
Thanks in part to the 9-speed auto, the base Chrysler 200 fitted with the 184hp 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder gasoline engine is expected to return 35 mpg on the highway (6.7 l/100 km). Chrysler says the new standard Tigershark engine delivers fuel economy improvements of 13 percent, horsepower improvements of 6 percent and torque improvements of 10 percent compared with the outgoing four-cylinder engine. The sedan is also available with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 295hp.
Another important addition to the 200 is the rotary e-shift dial that replaces the traditional console shifter, with Chrysler saying it enables intuitive operation with a direct and confident feel. Complemented by available paddle shifters, the new design also yields space for more functional and usable storage in the center console.
The 2015 Chrysler 200 is available in four different models in the United States: LX, Limited, 200S and the premium 200C. The 200S model brings a darker, more sinister look thanks to gloss black trim and accent pieces including the area surrounding the side windows. 200S models also feature integrated dual exhausts and are available with 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels.
The sedan will arrive in dealerships in the second quarter of 2014 priced from $21,700 plus $995 destination for the base LX model.
By Dan Mihalascu
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