More Chrysler 200 Leaks Hit The Web

by TTAC Staff

Published: January 7th, 2014

Jalopnik’s got photos, both interior and exterior, as well as briefing documents on the Chrysler 200. Power comes from the 2.4L 4-cylinder or the 3.6L Pentastar V6. Yes, it has the 9-speed, a rotary shift dial, and a trick all-wheel drive system that can disconnect the rear axle when not in use.

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Hemi on Jan 08, 2014

The name 200/Sebrig carries a bad rep, too bad they didn't just call it the new Avenger or something else. Either way it looks very nice from current photos and should be a beast with the Pentastar and AWD combo! I'm not a fan of rotary dials, call me old school. I see the 14 Durango also uses the rotary now... Also why a 9 speed, I know the Cherokee uses it as well. 6-8 are usually plenty. They should have used the 8speed ZF found on the current 300/Charger/Durango/GC...

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- Danio3834 on Jan 08, 2014
  
  The 8 speed transmission is of a completely different design, meant for longitudinal RWD/AWD setups, where the 200 is transverse FWD/AWD. The 9 speed unit doesn't share any parts with the 8 speed and was designed to be very compact. As to why they used a 9 speed, well there are performance advantages in acceleration and fuel efficiency, but mostly because 9>6 and more is better. Just ask any car magazine.
  
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- JMII on Jan 08, 2014
  
  @danio3834 I'm confused too... 9 speeds? All its going to do all day is SHIFT. Is this a diesel truck? Why so many gears? Constant up-shifts to save fuel? At some point switching over to a CVT starts making more sense. Have we reached peaked gear?
  
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- Lorenzo on Jan 08, 2014
  
  @JMII The head of ZF said 9 speeds is the practical limit. Any more, and the weight penalty comes into play. But that was before this FWD compact 9-speed. The gear wars may not be over yet.
  
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- Eamiller on Jan 09, 2014
  
  @JMII You must not be familiar with how high gear count automatics work. The transmission won't be hitting every gear sequentially, rather it will choose the correct gear based on driving conditions. The transmission can skip gears and shift to whichever gear it wants to. It's more about having a larger ratio spread (fuel economy) without sacrificing acceleration.
  
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Sceptic on Jan 08, 2014

Something is wrong with their pricing structure: Chrysler 200 - destination charge $995 from Sterling Heights, Michigan Mazda6 - delivered from Japan - $795 I do not mind paying surcharges etc, I reject being treated like an idiot.

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- Danio3834 on Jan 08, 2014
  
  Delivery charges don't really relect the actual shipping costs per se. The other major midsize vehicles have a delivery charge in the $800-$900 range and are assembled in the US as well.
  
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Brettc on Jan 08, 2014

It looks pretty nice to me. I'm doubting the 35 MPG claim but I would hope Chrysler is being honest with that after what's happened with their competition and inflated fuel economy numbers. But overall it looks pretty attractive, hopefully it does well and keeps the Michiganders busy building them.

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Daiheadjai on Jan 08, 2014

Actually looks pretty good - and I don't usually think midsizers look good (especially from Domestic makes)

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