New Chrysler 200 features 9-speed automatic; first in mid-size segment

Chrysler’s new 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan features a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and the choice of two engines: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 which produces 295 horsepower (218 kW) and 262 lb-ft (355 N·m) of torque; and the new Tigershark 2.4-liter MultiAir2 four-cylinder engine which produces 184 horsepower (137 kW), 173 lb-ft (235 N·m) of torque, with estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg highway.

2015 Chrysler 200. Click to enlarge.

The new standard Tigershark engine delivers fuel economy improvements of 13%, horsepower improvements of 6% and torque improvements of 10% compared with the outgoing four-cylinder engine.

Starting US Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $21,700 (excluding $995 destination).

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is the first mid-size sedan to feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard. The benefits of the advanced-technology transmission are numerous, including the estimated highway fuel economy of 35 mpg when coupled with the 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 Tigershark I-4 engine.

The addition of more gear ratios reduces the frequency of speed changes associated with upshifting and downshifting.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 also offers an available all-wheel-drive system, which features a fully disconnecting rear axle that improves fuel economy by operating in front-wheel drive when all-wheel drive is not needed. The all-wheel-drive system features a one-speed power transfer unit (PTU) and disconnects and reconnects the rear axle as needed and at any speed. The disconnecting rear axle disconnects at both the PTU and rear drive module, which improves fuel economy by reducing parasitic loss when all-wheel drive is not needed.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is the first mid-size sedan to utilize Chrysler Group’s Compact US-wide (CUS-wide) platform. The new body structure, including laser-brazed roof welds, delivers increased torsional stiffness.

The new 2015 200 features multiple segment-exclusive driver assistance features, which utilize sensing elements that leverage available ultrasonic, radar, camera and other technologies for a 360-degree view of the road. Segment-exclusive available features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus: under certain circumstances and without driver intervention, can bring the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 to full stop.
• Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus: a Chrysler Group first that provides autonomous braking and, under certain circumstances, slows or brings the vehicle to a full stop when a frontal collision appears imminent.
• ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist: uses ultrasonic sensors to guide the driver into parking spaces. The perpendicular park assist function is a segment first.
• A segment-exclusive standard electronic park brake with SafeHold, which secures the vehicle if the driver opens the door and unlatches the seat belt while forward or reverse gears are still engaged.

Other standard and available features include electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, ParkSense rear backup sensors, ParkView rear backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection and LATCH child seat anchors. In addition, the all-new 200 is constructed with approximately 60% advanced-technology steel, which contributes to a strong safety cage and robust crashworthiness.

The mid-size sedan segment is one of the largest segments in North America, with more than 2 million sales annually. Roughly one of every six new vehicles sold in the United States is a mid-size sedan.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is available in four different models in the United States and will arrive in volume in dealer showrooms in the second quarter, 2014.