2011 Chrysler 200: First Look

This morning, Chrysler announced that its all-new midsize sedan will be called the 200. Chrysler has ended the long run of its Sebring sedan after the last generation was met with a lackluster reception by the press and, more importantly, the buying public.

While the overall style hasn’t been revealed, we have larger versions of three teaser images below, as well as shots of the 200 concept car that made the auto show circuit a few years ago. Most notable from these snapshots are the narrower front and rear lights and the restyled Chrysler emblem. We expect to see more soon, as Chrysler says this car will go on sale by the end of 2010.

The 200 will come with a choice of two powertrains: the 2.4-liter four-cylinder carried over from the previous generation with either a four-speed or six-speed automatic, and higher-end versions will get the company’s new 3.6-liter V-6 with 283 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque and a six-speed automatic. That’s more power than what V-6 versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Ford Fusion produce.
 
The name has changed, but don’t think the 200 is an “all”-new car. The company may have taken an ax to the styling and interior, added a new V-6 and, according to the press release, “improved ride and handling tuning which includes stiffened body mounts and softer ride rate, improved suspension geometry with a raised roll center, a new rear sway bar, and new tires and an extensively upgraded treatment for the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness including acoustic laminated glass for the windshield and front door windows,” but all of this plastic surgery was done to the current Sebring.

We expect to learn more as the auto show season approaches. We’ll have more on the similarly redesigned Chrysler Town & Country minivan and 2011 Jeep Patriot later this morning.