At a dealer confab last week Chrysler laid out its plans for a revamped product line for model year 2011. At the top of the list was the new Chrysler 200 which will take the place of the current Sebring.

The 200 will use the existing Sebring platform but with extensive revisions. For example, chassis tweaks include revised body mounts, suspension geometry, rear sway bar, noise/vibration/harshness reductions, acoustic laminated glass for the windshield and front door windows and more. Chrysler is also promising higher quality materials throughout the interior.

Two engines will be offered, a 2.4-liter I-4 with either a 4-speed or 6-speed automatic and the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 producing 283 horsepower attached to a 6-speed automatic. Although the 200 is scheduled to hit the show rooms later this year, Chrysler would only provide teaser photos (see above).

The 200 will be vying for attention in one of the hottest segments of the market and its chief rivals include cars such as the Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. Those cars have set the bar rather high and the 200 will have to at least meet that standard and distinguish itself with knockout styling, a boat load of features or both.

--M.D.