A leak has prematurely revealed Chrysler’s all-new 2015 200 sedan ahead of its scheduled debut next week at the Detroit Motor Show. Aimed at the heart of the competitive mid-size segment, the 200 is a monumentally important car for Chrysler.
The images confirm the new 200 will arrive with sleek, four-door coupe styling that clearly draws inspiration from the Audi A7, especially in its greenhouse. We also see a bit of Tesla Model S in the overall shape.
Inside, it’s impossible to miss the 200′s new center console, which boasts a gear knob cribbed from the Ram pickup plus a slanted center console. The model our spies nabbed is likely a mid-level trim, since it lacks the large 8.4″ uConnect touchscreen seen elsewhere in Chrysler’s lineup. The climate control switchgear is shared with other Chrysler products and the 200 boasts an electronic parking brake for the first time ever.
Most 200 variants will come standard with a Dodge Dart-sourced Tigershark 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 184 horsepower and 173 lb-ft. of torque, but buyers will be able to order an optional 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that churns out 295 ponies and 262 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines will be bolted to a nine-speed automatic transmission that debuted in the new Jeep Cherokee, and both front- and all-wheel drive will be offered.
Leaked documents reveal the most efficient 200 will return 35 mpg on the highway.
Following its debut in Detroit next week, the 200 will land in Chrysler dealerships later this year as a 2015 model. It will reportedly start at $21,700 before a $995 destination charge is factored in.
Other Variants and Body Styles
The 200 Convertible’s future is said to be in jeopardy, but Chrysler essentially owns the large front-wheel-drive non-sporty convertible segment so it’s possible the droptop will make it into a fourth generation.
And what about the Dodge Avenger? Its nameplate is expected to be dropped after the 2014 model year, but a new midsize Dodge version of the 200 has reportedly been given the green light.
Finally, a Lancia-badged variant of the 200 will be distributed across Europe. Details are not available but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the yet-unnamed car bow at next March’s Geneva Motor Show.
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