Spied: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Just last week, we took our first turn behind the wheel of the heavily reworked 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan. The former Chrysler Sebring underwent a very quick 12-month transformation, with nearly everything but the roof and the doors being replaced or redesigned. So we can give pretty solid predictions of what is hiding beneath the camouflage in these spy shots of the 200 convertible.

On the droptop 200, expect to see the same reworked front end, including the new grille, hood, fenders, fascia, and headlights housing LED accents. The rear should receive the same treatment as the sedan, with LED taillights bridged by an attractive chrome strip. We caught this mule wearing a cloth convertible top, but because the car keeps the same overall structure as the Sebring—and the two tops use the same mechanism with different skins—we expect to see the folding hardtop return as an option.

We’re trying to avoid sounding like a broken record, but in this case, it’s impossible. Like the sedan, the 200 convertible will welcome the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 deploying its 283 hp through a six-speed automatic transmission. (Also like the sedan, it should retain the base 2.4-liter four, which is to be avoided.) To improve on the old Sebring’s atrocious ride and handling, we’re anticipating a similar approach to that which has greatly livened the sedan: lowered suspension with stiffer bushings, higher spring rates, and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as quicker steering. The interior will be greatly improved; like many other new Chryslers, the 200 will get a new one-piece, soft-touch dash pad accented by other high-quality plastics and chrome dressings.

We can say from firsthand experience that the 200 sedan is much improved over the car it replaces, and we’re looking forward to seeing those changes make their way to the 200 droptop. The convertible should debut early in 2011 and, if pricing stays in line with the sedan’s, expect a slight increase from the 2010 models, which started around $28,500. Considering the tremendous improvements to the car, it should be a fair deal.

Thanks to: Car and Driver