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2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan at 2014 NAIAS: Beauty More than Skin Deep

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2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan

Al Gardner shows off the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan at the Detroit Auto Show

At this week’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Chrysler pulled back the veil and let the world have its first look at the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan. While the new 200 looks as beautiful as we’ve expected—with high-end materials and a very nuanced and clean design—it’s what’s beneath the skin that’s got us most excited.

2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan

2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan

The 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan—which C/net called the most improved car of the NAIAS—will be the auto industry’s first mid-size sedan to come standard with a nine-speed automotive transmission. When mated to the new Tigershark 2.4-liter MultiAir2 four-cylinder—which produces an impressive 184 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque—the new Chrysler 200 will achieve fuel economy to the tune of 25 mpg highway. The new Tigershark engine improves fuel economy by 13 percent, horsepower by six percent, and torque by 10 percent when compared to its predecessor.

Optional for the 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan will be the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which doles out a best-in-class 295 horses and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Pentastar engine will take full advantage of the Chrysler 200’s all-new, all-world all-wheel-drive system that includes a sport driving mode. Sport mode will modulate steering, throttle and shifting inputs, electronic stability control, Adaptive Cruise Control Plus, as well as all-wheel performance.

“The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 will be the new benchmark for mid-size sedans with an

2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan

2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan

exceptional driving experience, fuel economy of up to 35 mpg highway and exquisite craftsmanship,” said Chrysler Brand President and CEO, Al Gardner, in Chrysler Group LLC’s press release. “The all-new Chrysler 200 lays the groundwork for the future of the Chrysler Brand with a timeless, elegant design; clever functionality; a standard nine-speed automatic transmission; a class-leading all-wheel-drive system; more than 60 safety and security features and a host of new technology drivers and passengers will value.”

The 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan will also feature an Alfa Romeo-based chassis, paddle shifters, a segment-first fully disconnecting rear axle (which improves fuel economy by switching to front-wheel drive when all-wheel is not necessary), and a groundbreaking rotary e-shift in place of the traditional shifting knob. The 200 will be the first mid-size sedan built on Chrysler Group’s Compact U.S.-wide platform, which uses production elements such as laser-brazed roof welds to ensure top-flight on-road performance.

Fun to drive, and most certainly pretty to look at, the 2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan will arrive sometime in Q2 2014 in four different trim levels (2015 Chrysler 200 LX, Chrysler Limited, Chrysler 200S, and Chrysler 200C) and a starting MSRP of around $21,700 (plus $995 destination charge). For more information as the spring launch date nears, check back with us here at The News Wheel.