2012 Chrysler 200

Chrysler drummed up excitement for its 2012 Chrysler 200 by showing Eminem piloting the new car through Detroit in their latest Super Bowl commercial. While both the car and the musician looked fantastic on camera, exuding a simmering power that enticed and menaced at once, the big question was whether or not the new model would fulfill the promises of that first look. Luckily, the 2012 Chrysler 200 delivers the goods and then some. Available as a sedan or convertible, the 2012 Chrysler 200 is a sleek and formidable successor to the brand's mid-sized Sebring. Three trim levels will be offered: LX, Limited and S.

The new Chrysler 200 has been so thoroughly rethought and overhauled that it's worthy of the new name. Major changes in the body, under the hood and to the interior create a totally different driving experience than the Sebring offered - a change which should excite fans of mid-range sedans and convertibles with room for four.

A more powerful engine is at the heart of the 2012 Chrysler 200. The new model gets its kick from a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, which has both more horses and better fuel efficiency than the Sebring's 2.7 liter V6. The Chrysler 200's engine maxes out at a respectable 283-hp and gets 19-mpg in town and 29-mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on both the sedan and convertible, and the 200 is reported to go from 0-60 mph in seven seconds. The chassis has been overhauled, increasing tire width from 215 to 225mm and widening the track by an inch. The car has also been lowered by half an inch. Increased steering precision and reduced noise, harshness and vibration are the happy results of these changes in geometry.

The 2012 Chrysler 200's exterior features new sheet metal, 17-inch aluminum wheels and has a muscular profile that still hints at the car's increased agility. The headlights have a black background and the door handles and mirrors are body-colored. Body colors for the 2012 Chrysler 200 include Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Blackberry Pearl, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright White Pearl, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl, Tungsten Silver Metallic and Sapphire Crystal Metallic Clear. Inside, the seats have been completely redesigned with improved cushion material and better spring geometry. Interior lighting has also been given another look and special attention has been paid to the areas around the glove compartment and floor console. Audio controls on the wheel are standard from the base-model up.

On the convertible, drivers can lower the soft or hard top with the press of a button on the key fob or by hitting a switch on the instrument panel. The hard top takes about 30 seconds to raise and retract, and the soft top is slightly quicker at 27 seconds. Either one you choose, the 2012 Chrysler 200 is sure to please.