New 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible Showcases Sophisticated Style, Comfort, Safety and Value with Top-down Fun

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 

• New Chrysler 200 Convertible sports a new design and new sheet metal, highlighting clean, sensual lines, the new face of the Chrysler brand and the choice of a soft or hard top
• New powertrain option featuring the all-new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission provides 283 horsepower without sacrificing fuel economy 
• Beautiful all-new interior gives consumers world-class craftsmanship, more comfort and a pleasing design with technology features that improve their quality of life
• Complete suspension redesign results in a spirited driving experience drivers and passengers will enjoy
• All available safety features are standard on every model

Chrysler introduces the new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible, offering consumers an open-air driving experience featuring elegant craftsmanship inside and out, a fun, yet refined driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is an exciting alternative for customers who want the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprising value.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110128/DE37900 )

Redesigned and re-engineered for 2011, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is unique in the standard specialty segment as a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the power top is dropped. Consumers can choose from two automatically latching tops, a body-color painted steel, retractable hard top, or a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.

With a new exterior design, refined ride and handling characteristics complements of an upgraded suspension, an efficient new powertrain, safety features that are all standard on every model, and a beautifully crafted all-new interior, the 200 Convertible stands alone in the segment for customers who crave the wind in their hair and sun on their face.

"The sky is the limit with the new Chrysler 200 Convertible, delivering customers stylish design with purpose and the most interior space in the segment, comfortably seating four adults and providing ample cargo space in the trunk, even when the top is down," said Olivier Francois, CEO — Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The new 200 Convertible offers superb driving dynamics, a new exterior design, an all-new, beautifully-crafted interior and an abundance of standard features."

The new exterior design and sheet metal upgrades for 2011 include: front and rear fascias and fenders, grille featuring the new Chrysler brand winged badge, new hood, LED light pipe accents in front headlamps, rear deck lid and exterior mirrors, new projector headlamps and fog lamps, new LED taillamps and an LED center high-mounted stoplight.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible provides drivers a fun, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it's commuting to work or a weekend adventure on scenic roads. Virtually every part of the suspension has been retuned or redesigned for 2011, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.

Customers will drive with confidence in the Chrysler 200 Convertible and experience less body roll, reduced vehicle shake on uneven road surfaces, improved isolation on rough roads, better steering precision, response and feel and increased grip with new premium tires.

A new and improved powertrain lineup also contributes to the new 200 Convertible's driving experience. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is offered with the available new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which provides an exhilarating driving experience that offers customers the best of both worlds – outstanding V-6 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and is mated to the 62TE six-speed transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The proven 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, has been recalibrated and is now mated to a six-speed transmission for a fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. The 200 Convertible powered by the 2.4-liter I-4 engine produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 29 mpg highway.

The all-new interior for 2011 allows customers to step into a level of craftsmanship, content and comfort that is world-class. The all-new one-piece instrument panel, bezels, gauge face and Chrysler steering wheel transform the driver's seat into an elegant atmosphere. Upgraded seats with a new design that incorporates more cushion material and revised spring geometry, as well as new leather and cloth seating materials and six-way power driver and front-passenger seats envelop the driver and passenger. Designers developed the new 2011 Chrysler 200 with new "soft touch" armrests and instrument panel and new, premium interior finishes for touch points that are not only pleasing to the touch, but also to the eye. New heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel offer improved design and functionality and complete the beautifully detailed interior.

The new Chrysler 200 Convertible offers customers innovative features to keep them connected and make the drive something to look forward to. Features include new ambient interior lighting and a new Chrysler brand steering-wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, handsfree phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel. Drivers stay connected with an available media center with voice command that is easy to use and offers SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a 30 gigabyte HDD/CD/DVD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS Travel Link, which provides real-time information.

With every available safety and security feature standard in the new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible, consumers receive peace of mind at a price they can afford. The 200 Convertible's standard safety features include: advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, electronic stability control (ESC) with brake assist and traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Brake Override, active front-seat head restraints, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system, remote keyless illuminated entry, SentryKey engine immobilizer and security alarm.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is available in three different configurations in the United States – the Chrysler 200 Convertible Touring model, 200 Convertible Limited model and the 200 Convertible S (late availability) model. All are packed with style, safety, innovative features and a dynamic, open-air driving experience at a surprising value.

The Chrysler 200 Convertible Touring model has a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,445 excluding $750 destination.

The Chrysler 200 Convertible Limited model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $31,240 excluding $750 destination.

The standard specialty segment averages roughly a half million coupes and convertibles sold in the United States each year. The new 2011 Chrysler 200 is uniquely positioned as an exciting alternative for customers that want a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the top is dropped.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is available in the following exterior colors: Blackberry Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Bright White Pearl Coat, Black, Sapphire Crystal Metallic Clear Coat or Tungsten Silver Metallic Clear Coat (late availability).

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible will arrive in U.S. dealerships in spring 2011.

The Chrysler 200 Convertible and sedan are built at the Sterling Heights, Mich. Assembly Plant.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC