Chrysler: Sebring News
#122
Race Director
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...mproved-cars/1
Chrysler is showing dealers 14 new or upgrade vehicles hitting showrooms over the next few months, and revealed the new name of the Sebring, which will become the 200.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 gets a new powertrain lineup, featuring either the 2.4-liter I-4 World Gas Engine or the new Pentastar V-6 engine. The automaker has shown just a few sneak peaks at the car, including this shot of the rear light.
Among the options considered for the 200 name were also the Nassau and Newport, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Car naming is always a tricky thing, as automakers try to strike a balance between finding something memorable but not embarrassing themselves. Plus, there's always the problem of trademark violations (some automakers have names dating back 50 years that they still hold the trademark on) and translation issues:
But Nassau, Newport or 200? Chrysler still has rights to both Nassau and Newport -- they made a production model Nassau in the 1950s, and the concept car for the 300 used the same name. Newport was made for a long time as a Chrysler model, making both names retro Chrysler names back from when Chrysler used to name it cars after fancy resorts.
But 200 sounds like a junior version of the 300.
We were hoping the folks at Chrysler would come up with something better. We're not entirely sure what a Sebring is, beyond being a real racetrack, but it sounds fast. The 200 lacks a little something, despite the success of the Chrysler 300.
Which is not likely the marketing mojo they're looking for.
Dealers will also see the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which shouldn't surprise anyone in the room since it's already on sale, the Dodge Durango based off the same platform, Jeep Wrangle, Dodge Avenger, and the Fiat 500, among others.
Chrysler is showing dealers 14 new or upgrade vehicles hitting showrooms over the next few months, and revealed the new name of the Sebring, which will become the 200.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 gets a new powertrain lineup, featuring either the 2.4-liter I-4 World Gas Engine or the new Pentastar V-6 engine. The automaker has shown just a few sneak peaks at the car, including this shot of the rear light.
Among the options considered for the 200 name were also the Nassau and Newport, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Car naming is always a tricky thing, as automakers try to strike a balance between finding something memorable but not embarrassing themselves. Plus, there's always the problem of trademark violations (some automakers have names dating back 50 years that they still hold the trademark on) and translation issues:
But Nassau, Newport or 200? Chrysler still has rights to both Nassau and Newport -- they made a production model Nassau in the 1950s, and the concept car for the 300 used the same name. Newport was made for a long time as a Chrysler model, making both names retro Chrysler names back from when Chrysler used to name it cars after fancy resorts.
But 200 sounds like a junior version of the 300.
We were hoping the folks at Chrysler would come up with something better. We're not entirely sure what a Sebring is, beyond being a real racetrack, but it sounds fast. The 200 lacks a little something, despite the success of the Chrysler 300.
Which is not likely the marketing mojo they're looking for.
Dealers will also see the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which shouldn't surprise anyone in the room since it's already on sale, the Dodge Durango based off the same platform, Jeep Wrangle, Dodge Avenger, and the Fiat 500, among others.
#125
Race Director
Ironic that we would be talking about how close to the concept, production cars become - I hope in this case the production 200 doesn't lose too much form the concept.
#127
Team Owner
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I loved dearly my 1997 Sebring Convertible. Sorry to see the name going away.
#128
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
#131
Race Director
I think we can assume that the 200 will be the smallest "real" Chrysler product and anything below it would be some Fiat derivative. As such it will probably use some Chrysler drivetrain for this gen and then eventually switch to some Fiat engine.
I just hope they can still sell this to the fleets since without those sales the model would be in real trouble. The potential purchase of Dollar/Thirfy (which buys a number of ChryCo products) by Hertz (which usually is associated with Ford) might affect those fleet sales.
I just hope they can still sell this to the fleets since without those sales the model would be in real trouble. The potential purchase of Dollar/Thirfy (which buys a number of ChryCo products) by Hertz (which usually is associated with Ford) might affect those fleet sales.
#132
Fahrvergnügen'd
I think we can assume that the 200 will be the smallest "real" Chrysler product and anything below it would be some Fiat derivative. As such it will probably use some Chrysler drivetrain for this gen and then eventually switch to some Fiat engine.
I just hope they can still sell this to the fleets since without those sales the model would be in real trouble. The potential purchase of Dollar/Thirfy (which buys a number of ChryCo products) by Hertz (which usually is associated with Ford) might affect those fleet sales.
I just hope they can still sell this to the fleets since without those sales the model would be in real trouble. The potential purchase of Dollar/Thirfy (which buys a number of ChryCo products) by Hertz (which usually is associated with Ford) might affect those fleet sales.
#133
Race Director
It depends on how much influence Fiat had on it. This model design probably started before the Fiat days but they may have sprinkled some Fiat things in there. The next time around they could just re-badge some 156 derivative and call it the new 200.
#134
#135
liking what I see, except for those wheels
#136
The sizzle in the Steak
So now we know all the Chrysler nameplates will eventually go numerical.
300, 200.....
300, 200.....
#137
#138
Race Director
#139
Race Director
http://wot.motortrend.com/6730197/au...#ixzz15Ns55sLF
Presently, the only transmission offering in the 2011 Chrysler 200 is a six-speed automatic, but that will soon change. Chrysler officials tell us the company plans on rolling out a Fiat-designed six-speed dry dual-clutch transmission later on in the 2011 calendar year.
Interestingly, this transmission won't be offered with the company's touted new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, but with the 200's base 2.4-liter I-4 offering. Further, Chrysler tells us it plans on only offering the transmission on the top-trim Limited model. Although the new gearbox could prove more expensive to manufacture, we're told the base price of four-cylinder 200 Limiteds with the DCT should remain close to the current MSRP of $24,495.
The automaker hasn't released any specific fuel economy figures for the dual-clutch car, but we wouldn't be surprised if the new transmission helps the 200 eclipse the 20/31 mpg (city/highway) rating of a 200 fitted with the 2.4-liter and the current six-speed automatic.
Representatives were coy regarding launch timing, saying only that the dual-clutch transmission will be added to the 200 lineup in mid-2011. Sources close to the program confirm that timetable, noting production is expected to ramp up to full volume in May.
We're more interested to see what plans Chrysler has for this transmission, considering the 200 rides atop the same platform used for both the 2011 Dodge Avenger and 2011 Dodge Journey. Although it's possible the dual-clutch gearbox could be offered in both models, Chrysler hasn't confirmed such a move -- and, seeing as non-Limited 200s will continue to utilize the 62TE, it's quite possible the dual-clutch will be reserved for select trims, models, or brands.
Interestingly, this transmission won't be offered with the company's touted new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, but with the 200's base 2.4-liter I-4 offering. Further, Chrysler tells us it plans on only offering the transmission on the top-trim Limited model. Although the new gearbox could prove more expensive to manufacture, we're told the base price of four-cylinder 200 Limiteds with the DCT should remain close to the current MSRP of $24,495.
The automaker hasn't released any specific fuel economy figures for the dual-clutch car, but we wouldn't be surprised if the new transmission helps the 200 eclipse the 20/31 mpg (city/highway) rating of a 200 fitted with the 2.4-liter and the current six-speed automatic.
Representatives were coy regarding launch timing, saying only that the dual-clutch transmission will be added to the 200 lineup in mid-2011. Sources close to the program confirm that timetable, noting production is expected to ramp up to full volume in May.
We're more interested to see what plans Chrysler has for this transmission, considering the 200 rides atop the same platform used for both the 2011 Dodge Avenger and 2011 Dodge Journey. Although it's possible the dual-clutch gearbox could be offered in both models, Chrysler hasn't confirmed such a move -- and, seeing as non-Limited 200s will continue to utilize the 62TE, it's quite possible the dual-clutch will be reserved for select trims, models, or brands.
#141
Race Director
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...odge-avenger/1
Chrysler Group is cutting the price of its Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger midsize sedans.
For the 2012 model year, both the 2012 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger see their starting prices drop to $18,995, which is a $250 decrease from last year. The 2012 Dodge Journey now starts at $20,995, which is a more dramatic $1,450 price drop. Those prices exclude a $750 destination charge for the sedans and an $800 charge for most Journey trims.
The price changes make the Avenger and 200 the most-affordable midsize sedans on the market today, beating out value leaders such as the Suzuki Kizashi ($18,999), Ford Fusion ($19,850) and Kia Optima ($19,200).
The Journey is now one of the most-affordable midsize crossovers on the market, too, beating competitors such as the Kia Sorento ($21,250) and Mazda CX-7 ($21,990). The Subaru Forester still beats the Journey, though, with its $20,495 entry price.
For 2012, the Avenger gets all-new trim designations that are more akin to the 2009 model year: SE, SXT, SXT Plus and R/T. The R/T trim was unveiled last spring. The Chrysler 200 comes in LX, Touring, Limited and S trim levels.
For the 2012 model year, both the 2012 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger see their starting prices drop to $18,995, which is a $250 decrease from last year. The 2012 Dodge Journey now starts at $20,995, which is a more dramatic $1,450 price drop. Those prices exclude a $750 destination charge for the sedans and an $800 charge for most Journey trims.
The price changes make the Avenger and 200 the most-affordable midsize sedans on the market today, beating out value leaders such as the Suzuki Kizashi ($18,999), Ford Fusion ($19,850) and Kia Optima ($19,200).
The Journey is now one of the most-affordable midsize crossovers on the market, too, beating competitors such as the Kia Sorento ($21,250) and Mazda CX-7 ($21,990). The Subaru Forester still beats the Journey, though, with its $20,495 entry price.
For 2012, the Avenger gets all-new trim designations that are more akin to the 2009 model year: SE, SXT, SXT Plus and R/T. The R/T trim was unveiled last spring. The Chrysler 200 comes in LX, Touring, Limited and S trim levels.
#144
Race Director
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...venger-jeeps/1
Chrysler is going to introduce new midsize sedans to replace the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger and new versions of the Compass and Liberty for 2013. They'll be based on the platform that underpins the Dart and built in Toledo.
Modifying the platform to meet Jeep owners' demands will be a crucial test of the Fiat-Chrysler strategy.
"It's gonna be a trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep that has its origins in the architecture of a sports car," Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said in an interview.
Chrysler is also considering a compact hatchback -- Marchionne calls it the "Chrysler 100." If that car gets the green light, Chrysler will also export it as a Lancia, Fiat's European luxury brand.
He also plans to export sporty Alfa Romeos, probably a midsize sport sedan and wagon. Alfa's return to the U.S. has been frustratingly delayed until 2013, but Marchionne remains adamant it will happen.
"We had to make sure they were lightweight, fast cars with Alfa powertrains," he said, citing an upcoming 1.8-liter engine that produces a mind-boggling 300 horsepower.
"There will be plants making Alfas in the United States and Europe," he said. "I need to export to Europe from the U.S. The volumes I get here are how I reintroduce Alfa to Europe," where it has become a bit player compared to brands like Audi and BMW.
Marchionne must also solve the riddle of Chrysler and Dodge's minivans in 2013. He hates building nearly identical vehicles for two different brands, but he can't afford to throw away tens of thousands of sales by rashly killing a model.
"Retention and growth of volume is key," he said. "I've got to protect (the golden) goose."
Modifying the platform to meet Jeep owners' demands will be a crucial test of the Fiat-Chrysler strategy.
"It's gonna be a trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep that has its origins in the architecture of a sports car," Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said in an interview.
Chrysler is also considering a compact hatchback -- Marchionne calls it the "Chrysler 100." If that car gets the green light, Chrysler will also export it as a Lancia, Fiat's European luxury brand.
He also plans to export sporty Alfa Romeos, probably a midsize sport sedan and wagon. Alfa's return to the U.S. has been frustratingly delayed until 2013, but Marchionne remains adamant it will happen.
"We had to make sure they were lightweight, fast cars with Alfa powertrains," he said, citing an upcoming 1.8-liter engine that produces a mind-boggling 300 horsepower.
"There will be plants making Alfas in the United States and Europe," he said. "I need to export to Europe from the U.S. The volumes I get here are how I reintroduce Alfa to Europe," where it has become a bit player compared to brands like Audi and BMW.
Marchionne must also solve the riddle of Chrysler and Dodge's minivans in 2013. He hates building nearly identical vehicles for two different brands, but he can't afford to throw away tens of thousands of sales by rashly killing a model.
"Retention and growth of volume is key," he said. "I've got to protect (the golden) goose."
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phee (01-23-2012)
#145
אני עומד עם ישראל
Sport Sedan and wagon sound tempting.
#147
Race Director
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...#axzz2NtGJ0H8S
DETROIT -- Chrysler will cut in half the mid-sized 200 sedan's 2014 model year to make room for a redesigned version scheduled to arrive in January.
Internal Chrysler documents indicate that the 2014 Chrysler 200 will start production in July at Chrysler's Sterling Heights plant in suburban Detroit and end in the second week of January. Normally, production of the 2014 model would run well into 2014.
It is unclear from the documents whether the 200's line mate, the Dodge Avenger, will also have a short 2014 model year.
A Chrysler spokesman declined to comment on future product plans. But Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said this year that introduction of the next-generation 200 had been delayed until January.
Chrysler is spending more than $1 billion to build paint and body shops for the Sterling Heights plant. The projects, announced in December 2010 and October 2011, will add a 1 million-square-foot body shop and a 425,000-square foot paint shop to the plant. Construction is expected to finish this year.
Marchionne: Confirmed the delay of the 200
Chrysler also shortened the Jeep Grand Cherokee's 2013 model year to prepare for the introduction of the 2014 model at this year's Detroit auto show.
The 200 is a hot seller. Its sales rose 44 percent in 2012 to 125,476 units, making it the automaker's best-selling car and fifth-best selling nameplate. Sales through the first two months of this year are up 21 percent to 20,292 units. On March 1, the company had a 68-day supply of Chrysler 200s.
The 2015 200, which will ride on a Fiat-derived platform and have the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, is expected to debut at the 2014 Detroit auto show.
Internal Chrysler documents indicate that the 2014 Chrysler 200 will start production in July at Chrysler's Sterling Heights plant in suburban Detroit and end in the second week of January. Normally, production of the 2014 model would run well into 2014.
It is unclear from the documents whether the 200's line mate, the Dodge Avenger, will also have a short 2014 model year.
A Chrysler spokesman declined to comment on future product plans. But Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said this year that introduction of the next-generation 200 had been delayed until January.
Chrysler is spending more than $1 billion to build paint and body shops for the Sterling Heights plant. The projects, announced in December 2010 and October 2011, will add a 1 million-square-foot body shop and a 425,000-square foot paint shop to the plant. Construction is expected to finish this year.
Marchionne: Confirmed the delay of the 200
Chrysler also shortened the Jeep Grand Cherokee's 2013 model year to prepare for the introduction of the 2014 model at this year's Detroit auto show.
The 200 is a hot seller. Its sales rose 44 percent in 2012 to 125,476 units, making it the automaker's best-selling car and fifth-best selling nameplate. Sales through the first two months of this year are up 21 percent to 20,292 units. On March 1, the company had a 68-day supply of Chrysler 200s.
The 2015 200, which will ride on a Fiat-derived platform and have the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, is expected to debut at the 2014 Detroit auto show.
#148
Fahrvergnügen'd
The 200 is a hot seller. Its sales rose 44 percent in 2012 to 125,476 units, making it the automaker's best-selling car and fifth-best selling nameplate. Sales through the first two months of this year are up 21 percent to 20,292 units.
#149
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1) Rental Fleets
2) They upgraded the interior and gave it a ton of options for the money. That plus incentives gave you a loaded V6 model for like 23-25g which undercut all the others.
It also had very good reviews. The biggest knock was the suspension/steering.
I wont be sad to see it go, Im curious what the alfa based model will become.
2) They upgraded the interior and gave it a ton of options for the money. That plus incentives gave you a loaded V6 model for like 23-25g which undercut all the others.
It also had very good reviews. The biggest knock was the suspension/steering.
I wont be sad to see it go, Im curious what the alfa based model will become.
#150
Race Director
I assume the next 200 will based on the 159 and will draw heavily from Dart interior. A SuperBowl commercial for the new 200 with Brady is probably already in the works.
#151
Fahrvergnügen'd
1) Rental Fleets
2) They upgraded the interior and gave it a ton of options for the money. That plus incentives gave you a loaded V6 model for like 23-25g which undercut all the others.
It also had very good reviews. The biggest knock was the suspension/steering.
I wont be sad to see it go, Im curious what the alfa based model will become.
2) They upgraded the interior and gave it a ton of options for the money. That plus incentives gave you a loaded V6 model for like 23-25g which undercut all the others.
It also had very good reviews. The biggest knock was the suspension/steering.
I wont be sad to see it go, Im curious what the alfa based model will become.
#152
Senior Moderator
New thread for the 200 here, folks: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...8#post14377698
#153
Race Director
Why bother? This has worked for the past few years already - no need to make another thread. Plus, we don't even know that the new model will be named 200. Consdidering that the Dart name was revived for the compact class, I imagine this mid-sizer will be renamed as well.
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