With the first nine-speed automatic transmission in its class, the 2015 Chrysler 200 delivers better acceleration than the 2014s, with 13% better economy (four-cylinder; 7% higher on V6). As predicted, the nine-speed is controlled by a rotary shifter with an optional sport mode; and there is are all wheel drive and park-assist options.
The 2014’s basic engines carry over, but both have been upgraded; the four-cylinder now has 184 hp and 173 lb of torque, while the V6 has risen to 295 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Chrysler 200 has also jumped forward to become the most aerodynamic mid-size sedan in America, with a cD of 0.27 — possibly the lowest drag coefficient of any Chrysler ever built — partly thanks to a standard underbody cover.
Some key options include shift paddles, park assist, and UConnect Access.
The most important benefit of the new transmission may be the 9.81 ratio spread, which allows for low first gears with tall overdrives, to combine quick launches with highway gas mileage.
The suspension architecture is similar to that of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, including its MacPherson front suspension, retuned to deliver a better ride on North American roads as well has good handling. The body structure has been stiffened, including the aluminum front cradle, rear body structure, and suspension attachments. Chrysler tuned the front suspension geometry to minimize camber loss.
Some features cited by Chrysler are:
A split dome anti-sway bar to optimize the exchange of forces between the suspension and body, filtering out vibrations
Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers with high lateral stiffness
Solid half-shafts throughout the range that help reduce weight and vibration
Side load coil springs that optimize the thrust axis and help transfer loads on the shock absorber
High-strength springs
Spring isolators between the springs and their support bases to cut running noise
One-piece cast-aluminum lower control arms for durability
Four-cylinders get the Chrysler-built 948TE; V6 models, the ZF-built 9HP48. These are functionally identical and tested on the same equipment. Eventually, the V6 will probably switch to the 948TE. The transmission weighs around 30 pounds less than a similar six-speed gearbox, and has numerous efficiency improvements over typical automatics. Allpar has more details in our nine-speed automatic transmission page.
The 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine now has the MultiAir2 electro-hydraulic variable valve-lift-and-timing system, which cuts pumping losses and increases combustion efficiency. The engine churns out 184 horsepower and peak torque of 173 lb.-ft. at 4,600 rpm, and is quieter and smoother than the original “World Engines.” 2.4 engine in depth.
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, listed multiple times among Ward’s 10 Best Engines, has 295 horsepower (up from 283) and peak torque of 262 lb.-ft. at 4,250 rpm. Exhaust manifold runners are integrated into the head casting, cutting weight; its dual independent cam phasing efficiently yet cost-effectively handles valve timing. A variable-displacement oil pump cuts parasitic losses. The intake manifold features low-rumble tuning. V6 engines in depth.
Brandon Faurote, Head of Chrysler Brand Design, said, “We developed an elegant composition of forms that feature clean yet expressive surfaces. The 2015 Chrysler 200 is the debut of the new face of Chrysler which is confidently American. It features a new signature design element that cradles the proudly displayed Chrysler wing badge and travels visually into the headlamps. The coupe- like silhouette flows seamlessly into the deck lid and conveys a sense of speed for a very dramatic, emotional appeal.”
The 2015 Chrysler 200’s athletic form is highlighted by wide “shoulders” and balanced width. The 2015 Chrysler 200S model continues the successful S model design with an exclusive, darker look not found on other models. The 2014 Chrysler 200S accounted for roughly 25% of sales while attracting a younger, more affluent customer.
Designers said they were inspired by classic American design – the Eames lounge chair, the iPhone, Airstream travel trailers – that use materials in an honest way. Klaus Busse, Head of Interior Design, said, “Formed wood, used as an integral element of the design, is what captured our attention and inspired us. Customers can see an example of this approach in the open pore wood trim in the new 200; it’s not just decoration, but a structural element that visually ‘holds’ the components and the instrument panel itself in place.”
Some key options include shift paddles, park assist, and UConnect Access.
Some features cited by Chrysler are:
A split dome anti-sway bar to optimize the exchange of forces between the suspension and body, filtering out vibrations
Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers with high lateral stiffness
Solid half-shafts throughout the range that help reduce weight and vibration
Side load coil springs that optimize the thrust axis and help transfer loads on the shock absorber
High-strength springs
Spring isolators between the springs and their support bases to cut running noise
One-piece cast-aluminum lower control arms for durability
The 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine now has the MultiAir2 electro-hydraulic variable valve-lift-and-timing system, which cuts pumping losses and increases combustion efficiency. The engine churns out 184 horsepower and peak torque of 173 lb.-ft. at 4,600 rpm, and is quieter and smoother than the original “World Engines.” 2.4 engine in depth.
Designers said they were inspired by classic American design – the Eames lounge chair, the iPhone, Airstream travel trailers – that use materials in an honest way. Klaus Busse, Head of Interior Design, said, “Formed wood, used as an integral element of the design, is what captured our attention and inspired us. Customers can see an example of this approach in the open pore wood trim in the new 200; it’s not just decoration, but a structural element that visually ‘holds’ the components and the instrument panel itself in place.”
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