Chrysler has previewed
the higher specified "S" versions of its 200 (Sebring
facelift) sedan and Convertible ahead of their debuts at
the New York International Auto Show this week with the cosmetic trim upgrades set
to filter onto the rebadged Lancia Flavia.
The higher specified "S"
model concept follows on from the success Chrysler had
with applying this higher level trim packaging to the
200's bigger sister, in the shape of the outgoing 300
sedan, and the programme is now being incorporated onto
the recently facelifted models as they attempt to win
new customers over. For the renamed 200, which is trying
hard to shed the appalling image that was associated
with its former "Sebring" name, the "S" versions hope to
take the model a step upwards in consumers' minds. The
changes are however purely cosmetic and under the skin
the 200 remains the same. The "S" level will only be
available on the 283 HP 3.6-litre "Pentastar V6" engine.
The "S" trim level
will be incorporated on 200 sedan and convertible when it is rebadged as a
Lancia Flavia later this year, although a different
designation may well be used.
"The New York International Auto Show is the perfect
place to debut the new 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and
Chrysler 200 S convertible models,” said Olivier
François, President and CEO of Chrysler. “These vehicles
are built with an unmistakable attitude and a signature
style; and you could say the same of New York itself,"
he believes, adding: "The attitude may be Imported
from Detroit, but it's definitely at home on Park
Avenue."
The new exterior trims specific to the S model comprise
of the front grille insert in black with a Chrysler
winged badge with a black background mounted on the
grille trim, body colour door mirrors and door handles,
black background headlamps and 18-inch aluminum wheels
with dark painted pockets, as well as "S" badging. The
interior features are made up of a perforated leather
steering wheel; leather and heated front seats with
suede inserts and an embroidered "S" logo on the front
head rests; suede door trim bolsters; a black headliner
and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a
276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center
with Uconnect voice command.
The 2011 Chrysler S Sedan and Convertible will both be
only available with the new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6
engine which produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb/f. of
torque, as well as achieving a 29 miles per gallon
EPA-rated highway fuel economy rating. The 3.6-litre
Pentastar engine is mated to Chrysler's 62TE six-speed
automatic transaxle. The 200 S sedan is priced at
US$26,790 while the 200 S Convertible costs US32,490;
both models are built at the Sterling Heights Assembly
Plant in Michigan.
