My Ride
2015 Chrysler 200
“America’s Import” For Luxury
by Jean-Philippe Blanchard
In 2011, Chrysler turned heads with their “Imported From
Detroit” campaign starring rapper/producer Eminem. The
commercial was just as cool as the car it was advertising.
It spotlighted the revamped lineup of Chrysler’s 200 sedan
and convertible. During Super Bowl 2014, they took an even
bigger marketing step from city to country pride with the
tagline “America’s Import.” Their newest voice is the
legendary Bob Dylan, who starred and narrated their latest
200 sedan ad. Chrysler is not only revolutionizing the way
in which car brands advertise, but also the vehicles they
are making.
With fuel economy being one of the most important factors
for purchasing a car today, the 2015 Chrysler 200 is the
only midsize sedan to have a standard 9-speed automatic
transmission. This can add an extra four MPG on the highway.
Compared to the 2014 200’s 31 MPG rating, the 2015 is
expected to have a 35 MPG.
The new 2.4-liter Tigershark MulitAir2 engine uses the
patented MultiAir combustion management technology. The
technology reduces emissions while improving fuel economy
and power compared with similar engines without the MultiAir
technology. MultiAir technology delivers optimum combustion
at any speed under all driving conditions by allowing direct
and dynamic control of air intake and combustion. The result
is up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque and
a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.
But before we introduce the all new features for the 200,
let’s start with ‘the look.’ Chrysler calls it the new
“face” of the brand with an exquisitely crafted interior.
Kathy Graham, the Product PR Manager says, “The interior is
phenomenal, and the centerpiece is the innovative center
console with a pass-thru area accessible by both the driver
and front-seat passenger. Cup holders that slide back with
solid, furniture-like precision that reveal a power/charging
center with a 12-volt power outlet, USB and auxiliary jack
outlets. All of this is enabled because the new 200 has
electronic shifting with a rotary dial (instead of the
traditional mechanical gear shift/PRNDL that takes up so
much of the center space).” Not too shabby.
The grille and headlamps are integrated for the first time
and the updated Chrysler badge has an emphasis on the wing,
which is more defined. The signature light pipe or available
full-LED daytime running lamps (DRL), LED fog lamps and
standard LED taillamps give the all-new Chrysler 200 a
distinctive, recognizable look coming and going.
The style is darker and more sinister, giving off a sleek
and luxurious look. The 2015 Chrysler 200S model features
gloss black trim and accent pieces rather than the standard
bright trim. The exclusive design of the daylight opening
(DLO) trim, the area surrounding the side windows, is gloss
black. Integrated dual exhausts are standard and the
available 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels complete the
look.
The new 200 has the choice of two world-class engines, an
innovative all-wheel-drive system, available sport mode and
paddle shifters for an engaged driving experience.
As far as safety is concerned, it offers the most available
features in the mid-size sedan segment, and
state-of-the-art, easy-to-use technology that keeps drivers
and passengers connected. The 200 impresses with its
Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia command center.
Uconnect Access keeps drivers and passengers connected with
helpful information such as fuel prices and movie listings.
Voice-activated navigation, handsfree voice commands and
voice-to-text are some of the available features that allow
drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the
wheel.
Other high-tech features include: 7-inch LED full-color
instrument cluster, which allows drivers to receive
information and feedback in the format they prefer, similar
to an iPhone. A glowing bezel surrounding the instrument
cluster gives off a distinctive, pleasing blue glow. The
available screens show information such as real-time fuel
economy, turn-by-turn navigation, compass, outside
temperature, speed, time and other useful information. The
display is easy to use and easy-to-read, which allows
drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the
road.
Also discover the 200’s: Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus,
Full-speed Forward Collision and LaneSense Lane Departure
Warning-Plus.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you to test drive the 2015
Chrysler 200, then take a look at the Bob Dylan commercial
on Youtube. It will make you feel cool just watching it.
The 200 comes in 11 different exterior color choices from
Velvet Red Pearl Coat to Lunar White Pearl Tri-coat, Phantom
Black Pearl Tri-coat (late availability), Vivid Blue Pearl
Coat, Crystal Blue Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic
Clear Coat, Luxury Brown Pearl Coat, Billet Silver Metallic
Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat and
Ceramic Blue Clear Coat (late availability).
MSRP: $21,700 (excluding $995 destination).
www.chrysler.com