(March 22, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 will soon arrive in North American dealerships with new design language, a first-in-segment nine-speed automatic transmission, and a V-6 engine boosting 295 horsepower.

Chrysler says, "simple elegance, an exhilarating driving experience, state-of-the-art and easy-to-use technology and a beautifully crafted exterior, charts a new course for mid-size sedan customers who have earned a little luxury in their life, but demand value for their money."

The 2015 Chrysler 200 debuts an exterior design featuring the new “face” of the Chrysler brand — a thoughtful, exquisitely crafted interior a

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xceptional driving experience, complements of a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and an Alfa Romeo-based chassis. With the choice of two world-class engines, an innovative all-wheel-drive system, available sport mode and paddle shifters for an engaged driving experience, and estimated highway fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon, the all-new Chrysler 200 makes the commute something drivers will look forward to.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 offers the most available safety features in the mid-size sedan segment, and state-of-the-art, easy-to-use technology that keeps drivers and passengers connected. It comes with a starting price of $21,700 (excluding $995 destination).

“The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 will be the new benchmark for mid-size sedans with an exceptional driving experience, fuel economy of up to 35 mpg highway and exquisite craftsmanship,” said Al Gardner, president and CEO — Chrysler Brand.  “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; 60 safety and security features and a host of new technology drivers and passengers will value.”

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is designed, engineered and built, with pride, in Michigan. With a major investment of more than $1 billion, Chrysler Group’s Sterling Heights, Mich., Assembly Plant (SHAP), once slated for closure, sports an all-new paint shop using leading-edge technology, a new, fully robotic body shop and an upgraded assembly area, setting the stage for the world-class craftsmanship found in the all-new 200.
 
A segment-first standard nine-speed automatic transmission and two engines, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with a best-in-class 295 horsepower, are available. An innovative, state-of-the-art optional all-wheel-drive system includes a “sport” driving mode and delivers excellent performance in all driving conditions.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is the world’s first mid-size sedan to feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard. The benefits of the advanced-technology transmission are numerous, including an estimated highway fuel economy of 35 mpg when powered by the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine. The addition of more gear ratios reduces the frequency of speed changes associated with upshifting and downshifting — fluctuations that thwart fuel savings and undermine the driving experience.

The high-tech transmission dispenses power smoothly for elevated refinement. Such performance is made possible because the ratio steps between its gears are smaller than those of other transmissions.

Two world-class engine choices power the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan. The proven, award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 generates a best-in-class 295 horsepower as well as 262 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new Tigershark 2.4-liter MultiAir2 four-cylinder engine produces 184 horsepower, 173 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers excellent estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg highway. The new standard Tigershark engine, that powers the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200, delivers fuel economy improvements of 13 percent, horsepower improvements of 6 percent and torque improvements of 10 percent compared with the outgoing four-cylinder engine.

A new available sport mode in the 2015 200 provides a spirited driving experience by modulating steering, throttle and shifting inputs, electronic stability control, Adaptive Cruise Control Plus and all-wheel drive for a driving experience customers will look forward to. The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is the first Chrysler Group mid-size vehicle to offer paddle shifters, enhancing the driving experience for the driver who wants to experience all the car has to offer.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 offers an available best-in-class all-wheel-drive system, which features a segment-first fully disconnecting rear axle that improves fuel economy by operating in front-wheel drive when all-wheel drive is not needed. The all-wheel-drive system features a one-speed power transfer unit (PTU) and uniquely disconnects and reconnects the rear axle — automatically and seamlessly — as needed and at any speed.  The disconnecting rear axle disconnects at both the PTU and rear drive module, which improves fuel economy by reducing parasitic loss when all-wheel drive is not needed.

Owners of the new Chrysler 200 will appreciate an innovative rotary e-shift dial that replaces the traditional console shifter. The rotary e-shift enables intuitive operation with a direct and confident feel. The convenient, center-mounted, easy-to-operate system provides total control of the nine-speed transmission. This new design allows easy shifting and also yields space for more functional and usable storage in the center console.

Inspired American design and beautifully crafted inside and out, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 transforms what customers expect in a mid-size sedan. The 200 sedan showcases the new face of Chrysler, and incorporates timeless design cues that let the car tell the story.

it’s a timeless American design based on simple elegance with its muscular yet soulful presence, embodying a strong, sculptured exterior that drivers will want to touch and feel. The restrained design is not ornamental or full of line work instead it showcases sensual lines and fluid surfaces, which highlight the coupe-like appearance.

The grille and headlamps are integrated for the first time and the updated Chrysler badge has an emphasis on the wing, which is more defined. The signature light pipe or available full-LED daytime running lamps (DRL), LED fog lamps and standard LED tail lamps give the all-new Chrysler 200 a distinctive, recognizable look coming and going.

The 200 is the first mid-size sedan to utilize Chrysler Group’s Compact U.S.-wide (CUS-wide) platform, the basis for smooth on-road performance. The new body structure, including laser-brazed roof welds, delivers increased torsional stiffness, resulting in a more connected driving experience.

The chassis was engineered to deliver sporty European handling dynamics and steering precision with ride and comfort characteristics tuned for North American roads, resulting in excellent handling for the driver with maximum comfort for both the driver and passengers.

The exceptional balance of fun-to-drive dynamics, ride comfort and emergency handling is accomplished through the suspension bushing tuning and the exceptional body structure, including the front aluminum cradle, rear upper/under body structure reinforcement and superior suspension attachment stiffness.

The  200 is the most aerodynamic vehicle in its class, aiding improved fuel economy, on-road dynamics, and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The quiet cabin is another positive factor in the superior driving experience.
 
World Class Manufacturing principles and an improved, upgraded assembly plant set the stage for the new 200. The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant is the beneficiary of a $1 billion investment including an all-new state-of-the art paint shop and a new fully robotic body shop.

The all-new 1,000,000-square-foot body shop features fully robotic assembly for exact fit and finish and enable precisely crafted features, like laser-brazed roof and trunk deck lid joints and consistent fits on every car.

The all-new paint shop features state-of-the art technologies that offer customers a beautiful palette of exterior colors from which to choose while reducing costs and the environmental impact of the paint operations. The180-degree “rotisserie” rotating carriers ensure the best sealant coverage of all seams in the vehicle. Lasers check that the sealant is applied properly and in the right locations.