2015 Chrysler 200 Configurator Hits the Web for Play Time

Automakers these days pay increased attention to the online world and waste no time to get their webpages up and ready for approaching launches to entice buyers.

Chrysler's new 200 mid-size sedan won't arrive in dealer lots until the second quarter of 2014, but you can play around with the official configurator that went live just after the car was presented to the press in Detroit.

You won’t get any extra views of the exterior of the car, or even a glimpse of the interior, for that matter, in the preliminary configurator.

What you do get is the color palette, available options and full pricing for the 200 sedan that ranges from $21,700 for the 184hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder, front-wheel drive LX to $30,195 for the 295hp 3.6-liter V6 all-wheel drive "200C", not including $995 for destination.

You can check it for yourself by visiting this link.

Thanks to Taylor M. for the heads up!

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Chrysler Wastes No Time Announcing Mopar Tuning Bits for New 200 Sedan

Those of you paying attention to details may have noticed a white 2015 Chrysler 200 in our Detroit motor show gallery of the car. That's not a regular edition of Chrysler's mid-size sedan, but a Mopar-prepped edition created to give us a first taste of the personalization options that will begin to be available immediately after the 200's launch this spring.

The display model is based on the 200S powered by a 295hp 3.6-liter V6 finished in a Lunar White Pearl Tri-coat color. It rides on satin carbon, 19-inch multi-spoke wheels with the interior sporting white leather seats accented with bronze stitching, while bronze accents highlight the bezels and the steering wheel. A set of Mopar floor mats rounds out the modest upgrades.

You can find the initial batch of Mopar accessories in the list below, but note that more will be available before the end of the year, with Chrysler adding that customers will have the option of personalizing their 200 right at the factory.

EXTERIOR

• Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System
  
• Wheels
  
• Wheel locks
  
• Locking fuel cap
  
• Graphics Package
  
• Bicycle hitch receiver
  
• Mopar wheel center caps
  
• Emblem Kits
  
• Vehicle covers
  
• Production turn signal mirrors
  
• Engine block heater, 2.4-liter
  
• Master shield

INTERIOR

• Ambient lighting
  
• Autonet Wi-Fi
  
• Roadside Safety Kit
  
• Emergency Kit/Tire repair
  
• Collapsible tote
  
• Cargo trunk net
  
• Molded cargo tray
  
• Door sill guards
  
• In-Vehicle wireless charging
  
• Premium floor mats
  
• Slush floor mats
  
• Rear backup camera/mirror

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New Chrysler 200 Live Shots from Detroit, Plus Consumer Reports’ Quick Video Take

Consumer Reports had a good look around the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 whilst it was being displayed at the manufacturer’s Detroit motor show stand. It is a car that really had to be much better than its predecessor in every way, as it enters a class full of talented mid-sized rivals.

The new design is a welcome change from the old car that had awkward proportions with overhangs that were far too long to be pretty. Inside it also looks like a lot of progress has been made, and despite being similar to the smaller Dodge Dart, its extra space will surely be pleasing. However, that room is not class leading according to the video.

Engines-wise, the range is rather limited, with the 2.4-liter and 3.6-liter variants being the only choices. One plus point is that you can get the larger unit with all-wheel drive.

Check out CR's quick video take of the car along with a set of photos from the show right after the virtual jump.

By Andrei Nedelea

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VIDEO

An In-Depth Video Look at the New 2015 Chrysler 200 Mid-Size Sedan

Chrysler's latest attempt to win back a chunk of the popular mid-size segment with the all-new 200 series hasn’t been much of a secret, as we had the opportunity to see the car on multiple occasions these past few days. Now, following its grand premiere in Detroit today, we can show you running footage as well.

You can read our detailed report on the 200 here, but if you want the skinny, it's an all-new design running on the Fiat-Chrysler Group's CUS-wide modular platform that is derived from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and used on many other models including the Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee.

Engine options include an 184hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline and a 295hp 3.6-liter V6, both paired to a nine-speed auto, with all-wheel drive available for the first time in the model's history, which could prove popular in certain regions.

The cars that the Chrysler 200 will go up against when it goes on sale later this year with prices starting from $21,700 plus a $995 destination fee, include the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and of course, the segment leader, the Toyota Camry.

VIDEO

All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 Comes with More Style and Available AWD V6 [147 Photos]

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is a complete overhaul not only in terms of design, but also technologically over its predecessor. Following a series of leaks, today, Chrysler disclosed full information about its new mid-size sedan, which gets a segment-first standard 9-speed automatic transmission, an available all-wheel-drive system and a choice of two engines, with fuel economy improvements of up to 13 percent.

Based on the CUS-wide modular platform that is derived from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the 2015 Chrysler 200 is offered with a standard 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 184 horsepower and 173 lb-ft (234 Nm) of torque at 4,600 rpm. Paired with the 9-speed auto, the engine is up to 13 percent more economical in highway driving compared with the outgoing 4-cylinder unit in the previous model.

There’s also an available 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 295 hp and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque at 4,250 rpm, which is 7 percent more fuel-efficient than the outgoing model thanks to the 9-speed auto.

The new sedan is also available with a new all-wheel-drive system that can automatically disconnect and connect the rear axle as needed and at any speed. Chrysler says the AWD system accounts for a parasitic loss reduction of up to 80 percent compared with competitive part-time all-wheel-drive systems. That’s because components that would normally contribute to the greatest parasitic loss (driveshaft, ring/pinion, input clutch plates, servo-hydraulic pump assembly and planetary gear sets) are all stationary when the vehicle is in front-wheel drive.

When all-wheel drive is engaged, as much as 60 percent of available torque can be transferred to the rear wheels, with the sport mode adding further excitement for those who love to drive fast. The sport mode is activated via the E-shift rotary dial mounted on the center console. The shifter configures the drivetrain to deliver all-wheel-drive when needed, with torque biased toward the rear. It also modifies the ESC's yaw response for more dynamic handling, while seamlessly adjusting the Pentastar V-6 engine’s pedal map for livelier performance feel. Sport mode also alters the shift schedule of the 9-speed automatic gearbox for firm, quick changes.

Chrysler says the new 200 is significantly quieter inside thanks to improved aerodynamics which also help reduce vibration and harshness. Ride quality is also said to be improved.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 starts from $21,700 plus $995 destination for the base LX model, which is $95 less than a comparable 2014 model. Deliveries are expected to commence in the second quarter of this year. Stay tuned for live photos of the 2015 Chrysler 200 from the Detroit Auto Show.

By Dan Mihalascu

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