2012 Chrysler 200 S Convertible Review,Specs and Photos

After focusing on the 300 in a series of variants, Chrysler has moved on to the 200 Convertible with the unveiling of the S version at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The 200 S Convertible features more luxury and sporty characteristics than the standard version with an improved exterior and interior look. It also gets a more powerful engine in the V6 variety to bump up the power from the standard model by 110 HP. The new 200 S Convertible will go on sale later this spring with prices starting from $32,490.
"The New York International Auto Show is the perfect place to debut the new 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and Chrysler 200 S convertible models," said Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. "These vehicles are built with an unmistakable attitude and a signature style; and you could say the same of New York itself. The attitude may be ‘Imported from Detroit,’ but it’s definitely at home on Park Avenue."

Prices

The new Chrysler 200 S Convertible will go on sale later this spring. Prices will start from $32,490.

Engine

While the standard Chrysler 200 Convertible is powered by a 2.4-liter I-4 World Gas engine that produces 173 HP and 166 lb-ft torque, the new 200 S will get a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that produces a total of 283 HP and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. When mated to a 62TE six-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers a fuel economy of 29 mpg on the highway.

The engine will be combined with an improved suspension whose track is an inch wider with a tire width that has been increased from 215 to 225 mm.

Exterior and Interior

The new S version will be further distinguished from the standard 200 Convertible by a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge and black background. The S model will also get body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps, S badging, and a new set of aluminum wheels offered in size 18".

The interior of the 200 S Convertible will have a perforated leather steering wheel, leather, heated front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered "S" on the front head rests, and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center.

Customers will have the option to choose from two automatically latching tops: the first is a body-color painted steel, retractable hard top and the second is a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.

Competition

With the new 200 S Convertible, Chrysler is taking one step closer to the level of performance offered by its competitors, like the Volvo C70 or even the Infiniti G37 Convertible.

The Infiniti G37 is not only a more luxurious model than the 200 S Convertible, but it is also more powerful. It is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine rated at 325 HP and 267 lb-ft of torque. In term of design, Infiniti beats out the Chrysler yet again with more elegance and more dynamic lines. Now the downside; the Infiniti G37 is obviously more expensive, starting out at $44,500.

The Volvo C70 gets thrown right in the middle of the mix in terms of price with a tag starting at $39,500. However, it allows for a plethora of engine options - including diesel variants - that range from 136 HP to 230 HP. Its design has been revised for 2011 and should stick to the top of the list for summer ,.

2012 Chrysler 200 S Convertible