2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible: First Official Photos Hit the Web

We don't know if Chrysler's affiliation with the Fiat Group has anything to do with this story, but fact is Italian websites have managed get their hands on the first official photographs of the redesigned Sebring Convertible, which like the sedan variant, gains the 200 moniker.

There's nothing surprising about the 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertibles design, which follows the same recipe as the sedan with softer and more elegant styling for the front and rear end, plus a fully redesigned interior boasting higher quality materials and build.

Naturally, the 200 Convertible will feature the same mechanical tweaks as the sedan with engine options including a 173HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder motor and the new 283HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, both offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.

We're still waiting for the Fiat Group to share some info on its newest Chrysler Group model with us here in the States (if that's not too much to ask, that is...). As reported yesterday, the Fiat Group's CEO Sergio Marchionne has approved a Lancia-badged versions of both the Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible models.

Source: Quattroruote

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Lancia to Unveil Chrysler 200-based Model at Geneva Show, may name it Flavia

*The above image is a Carscoop illustration

It appears that all those the rumors regarding future Lancia models are true as the Italian automaker is gearing up for this year’s Geneva Auto Show with several new additions to its line-up.

At the Detroit Motor Show, Fiat Group execs revealed that along with the Chrysler 300-based Thema flagship, Lancia will also unveil its own version of the Chrysler 200. The mid-size model will be offered in both sedan and convertible body styles, and is destined to replace the Sebring in the European market.

“The new Chrysler 200 will come – cabriolet included – to Europe as a Lancia, and Flavia is a very good hint as its possible name,” Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said on the sidelines of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

It is believed that Lancia's version of the Chrysler 200 will feature only a few minor styling tweaks over its American counterpart including a unique grille and Euro-spec bumpers. However, Lancia-Chrysler CEO Olivier Francois told reporters that the Lancia model will gain a manual transmission and a diesel option.

The Chrysler...ization of Lancia will continue with a Town and Country/Voyager-based minivan that will go on sale in 2011 together with the Thema, followed by the 200-based sedan in early 2012.

The Italian company said it hopes the three Chrysler-based models will give Lancia an image boost and generate higher profit margins, as they’re going to be positioned above the Delta, currently the company’s largest offering.

Last but not least, the Geneva Show will mark the debut of the Ypsilon replacement that will hit showrooms in June. Offered for the first time in a 5-door version, Lancia plans to sell 130,000 units a year of the new Ypsilon and boost overall sales to 300,000 vehicles in 2014 from 112,000 in 2009.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews [Sub. Req.]

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