Chrysler 200 Convertible, 2011
The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is an exciting alternative for customers who want the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprising value.
The Chrysler 200 Convertible is unique in the standard specialty segment as a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the power top is dropped. Consumers can choose from two automatically latching tops, a body-color painted steel, retractable hard top, or a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.
The new exterior design and sheet metal upgrades for 2011 include: front and rear fascias and fenders, grille featuring the new Chrysler brand winged badge, new hood, LED light pipe accents in front headlamps, rear deck lid and exterior mirrors, new projector headlamps and fog lamps, new LED taillamps and an LED center high-mounted stoplight.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible provides drivers a fun, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it's commuting to work or a weekend adventure on scenic roads. Virtually every part of the suspension has been retuned or redesigned for 2011, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.
A new and improved powertrain lineup also contributes to the new 200 Convertible's driving experience. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is offered with the available new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which provides an exhilarating driving experience that offers customers the best of both worlds - outstanding V-6 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and is mated to the 62TE six-speed transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The proven 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, has been recalibrated and is now mated to a six-speed transmission for a fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. The 200 Convertible powered by the 2.4-liter I-4 engine produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 29 mpg highway.
The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is available in three different configurations in the United States - the Chrysler 200 Convertible Touring model, 200 Convertible Limited model and the 200 Convertible S (late availability) model. All are packed with style, safety, innovative features and a dynamic, open-air driving experience at a surprising value.
The Chrysler 200 Convertible Touring model has a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,445 excluding $750 destination.
The Chrysler 200 Convertible Limited model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $31,240 excluding $750 destination.
The standard specialty segment averages roughly a half million coupes and convertibles sold in the United States each year. The new 2011 Chrysler 200 is uniquely positioned as an exciting alternative for customers that want a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the top is dropped.
Sleek, Modern Exterior Design, Beautifully Crafted Interior - the Sky is the Limit
Convertible lovers who seek the fun and open-air freedom of a drop top, but want the practicality of a car for all seasons and appreciate the sleek styling of a coupe have the answer to their needs with the new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible. The 200 Convertible provides comfortable seating for four adult passengers and ample cargo space, even with the top down. Consumers can choose either a cloth soft top or retractable hardtop.
The Chrysler 200 Convertible exterior enhancements continue with a new rear deck lid that holds a chrome light bar visually connected to the new LED taillamps. Completing the transformation of the new 200 Convertible is a new rear fascia with an integrated accent color valence panel that carries dual chrome exhaust tips. A bright sculptural blade that echos the appearance of the front design details, elegantly finishes the top of the valance. The new exterior mirrors have a family look to the all-new Chrysler 300 mirrors.
Maximizing interior comfort on the all-new interior of the 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is a host of amenities that include a new, richly-decorated instrument panel, new, larger gauge faces and chrome bezels. A newly designed Chrysler brand steering wheel with top grain leather and integrated controls for audio, phone and speed control, transforms the driver's seat into an elegant and premium atmosphere.
Engineered to Provide Drivers an Exhilarating Open-air Driving Experience
From the ground up, the new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible has been redesigned and upgraded to deliver great American design and engineering, with a value proposition that exceeds expectations. The new chassis architecture delivers world-class performance handling, braking and precision steering, with maximum grip and control. The new powertrains offer outstanding V-6 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is an exciting alternative providing customers elegant design and a beautifully crafted, spacious interior that comfortably seats four adults.
The Chrysler 200 Convertible gets a new powertrain lineup for 2011, with the choice of the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, that produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and offers 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway fuel economy, or the proven 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, which produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Both engines are mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transmission.
A confident, fun driving experience is the result of major suspension upgrades
The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible features an improved driving experience across the board, with almost every system in the suspension being redesigned or retuned, including 22 of the 28 suspension bushings. The changes result in noticeable improvements in ride, routine handling and if needed, emergency maneuvers.
Reducing vehicle shake and improving isolation:- Suspension dampers were retuned using advanced damper valving technology, providing more body control without degrading ride comfort
- Redesigning the front suspension cradle isolators, reducing vehicle shake on uneven road surfaces and providing a more solid feeling to the vehicle
- Redesigning the front suspension strut mounts, resulting in improved isolation and reduced impact noise on rough road surfaces
The new 200 Convertible were re-engineered, enabling drivers to have an exhilarating driving experience under normal driving conditions.
- The steering feels more responsive and precise, there's more stability when changing lanes, less body roll and more steering sensitivity, giving the driver confidence and control
- The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible was lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear, improving steering response
- The steering gear was retuned, the torsion bar and intermediate shaft isolator rates were increased, resulting in a more precise steering feel
- The geometry was modified to increasing rear roll-steer, improving lane change stability
- Spring rates and the size of the front and rear stabilizer bar diameters were increased, reducing body roll and increasing steering sensitivity
- Steering precision and durability were improved by retuning the rear suspension link bushings
- Rear suspension bushings, including the toe, camber and spring links, incorporate larger bushings and ball joints for increased lateral stiffness
- New design for the rear knuckles and larger diameter bushings increased the roll center height, camber gain and roll understeer resulting in improved steering and cornering response
Engineers addressed handling during emergency maneuvers.- Better capability when cornering and more precise steering and stability
- Revising springs and stabilizer bars, geometry changes and bushing changes improve the steering precision and stability during emergency handling maneuvers
- New, premium tires provide increased grip and cornering capability, that result in improved stopping distance and emergency handling performance
Open Air Driving in 30 Seconds FlatOn both soft and hard tops, the easy-to-use power convertible top folds in three sections and automatically latches. Owners can drop the top with a switch on the instrument panel, or with the press of the button on the key fob. The soft top takes about 27 seconds to raise or retract, while the hard top takes 30 seconds. A standard automatic hard tonneau cover neatly conceals the top stowage area when the convertible top is down. When either the hard or soft top is stowed, the trunk offers plenty of easily-accessible cargo space.
3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 EngineThe 200 Convertible's all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers world-class refinement and efficiency. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is an all-new design, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), aluminum exhaust manifolds, polymer-coated piston skirts, forged connecting rods and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration.
Refinement was a key objective for every component during the design phase of the engine and was achieved by using advanced computer-aided engineering techniques. Structurally, intake and exhaust areas of the engine are designed to deliver low levels of overall sound and achieve specific audible sound quality goals that exceed discerning customer requirements.
The 3.6-liter V-6 engine design features DOHC and high-flow intake and exhaust ports, that in combination with variable-valve timing via dual independent cam phasing, allow optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and load range. This results in an exceptional, flat torque curve along with high specific power. The engine's torque exceeds 90 percent of its peak value from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm, providing customers outstanding drivability and responsiveness.
Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT)
Strong acceleration characteristics combined with more fuel efficiency on the highway are two of the main attributes of Chrysler Group's newest transmission, the six-speed C636 Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT). The new, transverse-mounted gearbox will be available in the 2011 model year on the Chrysler 200 Touring models equipped with the 2.4-liter World Gas Engine (late availability).
Electro-hydraulically activated, the DDCT six-speed is expected to improve fuel efficiency.
The DDCT essentially is designed to operate much like a manual transmission, with two clutch discs driven independently by a common flywheel assembly. Odd numbered gears (1, 3 and 5) are located on one shaft assembly while even gears (2, 4 and 6) are on the other. Two gearboxes running in parallel, each with its own clutch, allows for the selection and engagement of subsequent gears, while the previous gear is still engaged. Gear changes are gradual rather than abrupt, ensuring a continuous delivery of engine torque and traction. Simply put, the gear is anticipated and pre-selected. As one clutch is opened, the other is closed, allowing shifting without torque interruption, resulting in quicker acceleration and near seamless shifting.
