In late 2009, as Chrysler and Fiat managers conducted emergency triage on the pentastar’s ailing product line, they identified the mid-size Sebring as a good place to put an extra few hundred million dollars. How bad was the Sebring? Olivier François, the man sent by Fiat to oversee the Chrysler brand as its president and CEO, says engineers actually worked up a plan to completely rebody the car in 12 months, including changing vital hard points such as the roofline and doors. Tight Schedule, Tighter TolerancesThe Sebring’s chiseled—chiseled by Fred Flintstone, that is—face becomes cleaner, more sweeping, and more organic. Finely spoked alloy wheels finish the upscaling of the old Sebring’s “rent me” appearance.
Besides lowering the car, Chrysler increased the steering rate and swapped out the control-arm bushings for stiffer units to wake up helm response. As with almost every 2011 Dodge and Chrysler product, the 200 has an all-new interior with a one-piece soft-touch dash accented by a gated shifter, fine chrome filigrees, and low-gloss plastics. Two big dials give speed and tach info under a sculpted hood. Not only is this interior classier, but it should wear better, says lead interior designer Klaus Busse.
The old Sebring drove with the enthusiasm of a 10-year-old Buick LeSabre. This and increased sound deadening help further isolate the cabin, say engineers from Chrysler.
