DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Chrysler 200 leaked
American brand's new medium car leaked ahead of global debut in DetroitThere's been more new product leaks ahead of the 2014 Detroit motor show that kicks off on January 14, this time the much-anticipated Chrysler 200.
As little brother to the Chrysler 300 sold in Australia, the new car is a crucial model for Chrysler in its domestic market, where mid-sized vehicles dominate.
The third and fourth best-selling cars in the US in 2013 were the medium-sized Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which sold 775,162 units between them.
To put that in perspective Australian car sales in 2013 totalled 1.136 million.
Set to compete with the Camry, Accord, Nissan Altima and Ford Mondeo, the second generation mid-sized Chrysler 200 has been leaked by several US websites.
The images show a sophisticated and subtle design that has very little visual connection with the Chrysler 300. Instead, the 200 appears to have more in common with the Dodge Dart.
Offered in front-wheel drive or the option of all-wheel drive, the new 200 will also be one of the first medium cars to have a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, according to reports.
Powertrains for the new mid-sizer will be similar to the Jeep Cherokee, with the 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol TigerShark engine pumping out 137kW/234Nm and the bigger 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 developing 220kW/354Nm.
The most efficient model will use around 6.7L/100km, and should be priced from around $US22,000, or about $24,725 in Australian currency.
Although Fiat Chrysler Group Australia currently has no official plans to sell the Chrysler 200 Down Under, it still has a chance to take on the Toyota Camry and Mazda6 locally.
Steve Bartoli, Chrysler Group's head of international product planning, told motoring.com.au in December 2013 that the car's solid profit margins "makes it easier for it to be available in other markets".
Beginning January 14, the 2014 Detroit motor show is the first major motor show of the year and a crucial event for US car makers. Visit motoring.com.au for extensive coverage direct from the USA.
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