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NEWS
Crackin' Chrysler 200
But left-hand dominance blocks export of Chrysler's impressive new 200 to AustraliaSuccess is creating success, and the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-sized sedan is the beneficiary of investment to rebuild Chrysler’s design, engineering and manufacturing facilities in Detroit.
Chrysler claims to have invested nearly US $1 billion in the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant north of Detroit for production of the new 200 sedan and future models to be named later.
The point is: Chrysler is serious about small and mid-sized car design and production. The Chrysler 200 in previous appearance was rather forgettable in its non-descript design and uninspired driving dynamics. It offered little to like in comparison to the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
A billion dollars buys key improvements in all aspects for the new 200 sedan from a 62 per cent decrease in energy expended during manufacture, claims Chrysler, to a completely new 93,000 square-meter paint shop using a powder primer as a base coat to achieve a more durable and higher quality finish. And, Chrysler claims overspray wastage of only 3 per cent and a 14-colour palette to give some visual brilliance beyond white, black, silver and burgundy.
Looking at the all-new 200 on stand at the Detroit show provokes so many questions. Like, why was the previous 200 so damn boring when obviously the new one carries curves that crave attention and details that highlight its design instead of trying to disguise mistakes?
The main difference between old and new is how you say ‘Oh God’ – with the new 200 it’s a compliment.
Chrysler designers have wisely moved far away from the common temptation to create brand identity within the design of the front grille. The 200’s grille is thin and horizontal to accentuate the LED headlights and winged Chrysler badge plate.
The bonnet line remains low, blending with a reclined windscreen to create a profile that’s more coupe than sedan. The deck lid reaches rearward to form a spoiler that’s as much visual as functional. Chrysler claims the new 200 offers best-in-class aerodynamics.
The 2015 Chrysler 200 will arrive in US showrooms in four model variants during the second quarter of this year, 2014. A decade ago, Chrysler was committed to right-hand drive markets such as Australia and New Zealand. Priorities have changed. Chrysler, at present, is talking only North America and left-hand drive. Export to Europe or to Australia seems unlikely, at least initially.
Chrysler Australia needs the 200. It promises so much in terms of power, fuel efficiency, refined design and a true four-seat interior to compare without apologies against Ford Mondeo, Subaru Liberty, Mazda6, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
The new 200 debuts several new technologies from its 2.4-litre MultiAir2 Tigershark four-cylinder engine (137kW, 235Nm) with hydraulic valve lift control to a nine-speed automatic transmission (not a CVT with programmed ratios) to a highly advanced all-wheel-drive system quickly able to control power distribution to each wheel as well as decouple the rear axle to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise and vibrations.
According to Chrysler, the AWD system disconnects and reconnects the rear axle – automatically and seamlessly as needed and at any speed. On its own, the system accounts for a parasitic loss reduction of up to 80 per cent, compared with competitive part-time all-wheel-drive systems, which are limited by conventional technology.
The 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 producing 220kW and 355Nm is also available in the 200 based on Chrysler’s compact US (CUS) platform.
The 2.4-litre engine uses, in Chrysler terminology, MultiAir technology. The basic technical explanation is this: the engine uses a column of oil in place of the traditional mechanical link between the camshaft and intake valves to simultaneously control both valve opening and closing events to more effectively manage combustion. This ensures the appropriate, effective compression ratio and efficient internal exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) for improved fuel economy.
Innovation, performance and investment being considered, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 promises to be a world-class mid-sized sedan. That is, however, dependent on Chrysler’s view of the world beyond the US borders.
Two wrongs definitely make a right
What a difference a decade makes. Look back for a moment and consider that Chrysler early in the new century was owned by Daimler-Benz and brand profits were fed mainly by Jeep and Dodge Ram pickups. The best small car Chrysler produced was the very poorly built Neon.
Fiat, also struggling, looked destined for history when GM decided not to action a buyout option of the Fiat group which included Lancia and Alfa Romeo in the deal.
Daimler, whose taste for Chrysler ownership soured, sold Chrysler in 2007 for a multi-billion dollar loss. Chrysler and Fiat, both wronged were in desperate need for something to go right.
Fiat’s turnaround was partly due to good luck but mostly driven by logical product development and improved quality. It is one of the standout stories of corporate survival.
In a deal announced on New Year’s Day, Fiat paid US $3.65 billion only days ago to acquire the 41.46 per cent of Chrysler it doesn't already own to form the world’s seventh largest carmaker, with established dealer networks, manufacturing and distribution in North America and Europe. Although European owned, more than 50 per cent of Fiat-Chrysler sales are in North America.
The Chrysler Group is on a four-year roll, and in 2013 the Group reported a nine per cent growth in sales across the Chrysler, Ram and Jeep brands. Since 2010, the year that Fiat at the prompting of the Obama Administration took control, Chrysler sales have improved more than 70 per cent.
And with sales comes revenue, which in turn begets the development of formidable new product – like the Chrysler 200.
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Written byTodd Hallenbeck
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