Multiple 2011MY Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Vehicles

A dozen vehicles from the three core Chrysler brands covering more than half of the company’s 2011 models are being recalled in the United States to fix a potential problem with the steering column.

The recall covers 11,351 vehicles and affects certain 2011 model year Dodge Journey crossovers, Jeep Wranglers, Chrysler 200s, Chrysler 200 Convertibles, Dodge Avengers, Dodge Nitros, Jeep Liberty SUVs, Dodge Calibers, Jeep Compass crossovers, Jeep Patriots, Dodge Grand Caravans and Chrysler Town & Country minivans.

The Detroit automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] that certain vehicles “may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet”, and that the defect could “compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash.”

Chrysler said it expects to begin the recall process before the end of June.

Chrysler Wraps Auburn Hills HQ with New "Imported From Detroit" Tagline

The Chrysler Group is showcasing its new “Imported from Detroit” tagline for the 200 model series with a massive wrap covering almost the entire west side of the company’s 15-story headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Detroit automaker's new tagline made its debut in a two-minute advertising spot for the company's latest entry to the mid-size segment on Super Bowl Sunday.

“The 2011 Chrysler 200 is a vehicle designed with purpose, it has beautiful shapes and incorporates the utmost attention to detail,” said Olivier Francois, President and CEO of the Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, and Lancia.

“This new mid-size sedan delivers on a promise to our customers to be the very best of American design combined with a value proposition that will exceed their expectations. The new tagline was created to convey the message that one does not have to cross an ocean to obtain luxury, its available right here,” Francois stated.

Francois last statement could be taken as a poke to European buyers who -figuratively speaking- will have to "cross an ocean to obtain luxury" given that the soon to be released Lancia Flavia is a re-badged 200 Imported from Detroit...

Building Wrap Facts [From Chrysler Press Release]

• The Chrysler 200 featured in the building wrap is 116 feet wide by 145 feet tall
  • Its grille is 51 feet wide
  • The badge on the Chrysler 200 grille is 31 feet in length
  • Headlight is 32 feet long
  • Its hood measures 44 feet in length and 85 feet in width
  • Its windshield is 66 feet wide and 20 feet long
  • The side-view mirrors are each 9 feet wide and 7 feet long
• The Chrysler brand logo is 98 feet wide
• The building wrap covers 14 stories of the Headquarters’ tower
• It took three days to place the wrap on the tower

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Chrysler 200 Convertiblethe 200 Convertible will feature the same mechanical tweaks as the sedan with engine options including a 173HP 2.4

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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Satellite Radio and a 30-gigabyte HDD/CD/DVD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time information.

Chrysler Officially Drops the Top on the New 200 Convertible

Friday, January 14, 2011 | Categories | Chrysler, Chrysler 200, Galleries, Lancia, New Cars |

4 Comments

Following yesterday’s leak, Chrysler today officially released photos and preliminary data on its new 200 Convertible. As previously noted, the drop top model is essentially a facelifted Sebring Convertible featuring a refined exterior design, and a revamped interior with new styling and improved quality.

Customers can choose between two automatically latching tops, which is certainly not a common option in the category. The first option is a body-colored retractable hardtop, while the other is a more traditional cloth soft top, both operated by a button on the key fob.

Another highlight is the media center with voice command that offers Sirius Satellite Radio and a 30-gigabyte HDD/CD/DVD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time information.

The four-seater convertible can be specified with a 173HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder or the brawnier, 283HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, both mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. To improve handling, the Detroit firm's engineers have either re-tuned or redesigned almost every part of the suspension, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings.

In the United States, the 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible will be available in three trim levels, Touring, Limited and S.

European buyers should look for the 200 convertible with a Lancia grille and badges at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March.

By Csaba Daradics

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