AUBURN HILLS, MI - Chrysler has expanded its 200 series lineup with the introduction of its new 200 S sedan. The company debuted the new 200 S model at the New York Auto International Auto Show, and these new models are designed to provide an “entirely different appearance and attitude,” Chrysler stated.

In this article we're covering the 200 S sedan rather than the convertible given the 200 S sedan model's potential for fleet use.

The 2011 Chrysler S sedan is powered by the new 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine, which provides a horsepower rating of 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, but still achieves a 29 miles-per-gallon EPA highway fuel economy rating The 3.6L Pentastar engine is mated to the 62TE six-speed automatic transaxle.

Exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps, 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets, and “S” badging.

The interior design features include a perforated leather steering wheel; leather, heated front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered “S” on the front head rests; suede door trim bolsters; a black headliner and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center with Uconnect voice command.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200’s suspension has been re-engineered or redesigned for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension geometry was completely re-engineered, Chrysler stated. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm, and the Chrysler 200 has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, wider, more substantial stance.

Standard safety and security features in every 2011 Chrysler 200 model include: standard advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC), front seat side air bags, side curtain air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic traction control, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat anchor system, and available Uconnect voice command. The 2011 Chrysler 200 is Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick.”

The 2011 Chrysler 200 S has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $32,490 (including $750 destination).