NAIAS 2014: Chrysler 200 Is A Freewheeling Super Dart

by Jack Baruth

Published: January 13th, 2014

naias 2014 chrysler 200 is a freewheeling super dart

We all knew it would be a relative of the Cherokee and Dart, but the new Chrysler 200 offers at least one whiz-bang feature to go along with the aggressive styling.

The new 200 is slightly smaller than the old one, although it appears to be one of these things where both cars cast fundamentally the same shadow on the ground. Base engine is the 184hp 2.4 TigerShark mated to a nine-speed auto, with a 295-hp Pentastar optional and, if our experience in the outgoing car is any guide, strongly recommended.

For the first time, the 200 will be offered as an AWD sedan with a surprisingly capable drivetrain. The new hardware can freewheel/disconnect the rear axle when the cost of providing twist to the rears is more than the benefit (think 60mph on a Florida freeway). But when required, that same rear axle can carry up to 60 percent of available torque. Overly complex? We’ll see.

Pricing for the 2015 Chrysler 200 has also been announced with the LX model starting from $22,695 including destination. The Limited trim model is priced at $24,250. The “sporty” 200S starts at $25,490. The range-topping 200C will be priced from $26,990 and comes with Nappa leather interior, dual climate control and a seven-inch gauge display.

Jack Baruth

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2 of 77 comments

Vcficus on Jan 14, 2014

Hey, if you want to take a look in person Sterling Heights Assembly Plant stuck two of them out front yesterday; a little easier to get to than the Auto Show for the next couple days...

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Corey Lewis on Jan 14, 2014

I just love the gold trim on the steering wheel and vents. /sarc

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