SPIED: Did Another DETROIT AUTO SHOW Reveal Just Get SPOILED? Chrysler 200 Spotted IN THE BUFF

From the list I am starting to cultivate in my head, the 2014 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) is going to be a pretty good one this year. At least, I think. Let's hope the vibe is more positive — you have to remember, Detroit is a pretty dimly lit bulb, folks.

But if there's one car that's destined to make a pretty good sized splash, it will be the Chrysler 200. That's because of a few factors at play here:

1) Chrysler Group has been producing GREAT products since turning things around: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dart — I adore this car it just hasn't hit the market right —, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger;

2) These spy shots show a VERY good looking product that may actually be packaged to get attention in the marketplace;

3) It's replacing what is considered one of THE WORST autos in the entire car universe; and,

4) This would be Chrysler's answer to the much loved Ford Fusion and the rest of the midsize sedan category.

Now if you take a good, hard look at these night shots, you too may start to come around.

This is the all-new Chrysler 200 saloon, a car that is of vital importance to the company in its home market.

It’s based on the US-centric ‘wide’ version of the platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The platform was first seen earlier this year under the all-new Jeep Cherokee.

The new 200 follows closely the style set by its predecessor, albeit executed in a more slickly modern style. It gets dramatic LED running lights and, inside, a raised and angled centre console that houses the controls for the climate control system, as well as the control dial for what’s expected to be a nine-speed autobox...

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MattDarringer - 12/22/2013 5:50:41 PM

+1 Boost

My fingers are crossed for the new 200. If Chrysler could turn the turd the Sebring was into the merely mediocre 200 and get 125K units out the door in a year, then a truly new 200 has a chance to sell at least that well and WITHOUT the massive cash ChryslerFiat had to put on each one in incentives to move the metal. The new 200 has to be right sized, right priced, and must arrive without damaging quality glitches that tarnished the Cherokee even before it went on sale. A 10 year 100K warranty would be a good things as well. What? No hybrid? How did that happen. What? No diesel? How did that happen?

Let's hope this is NOT another Marchionne stumble.

Dart arrived overpriced and dealers sat on stock and would not deal.

The Cherokee has been a cataclysm of delays.

The 200 is 2 years overdue and should have been the FIRST of the three.

cidflekken - 12/22/2013 9:32:20 PM

+2 Boost

This was "leaked" last week, I think.

Personally, I'm a bit skeptical, primarily based on Chrysler's track record as of late. The Viper couldn't even beat the old Vette (and couldn't keep its parts on the car in high speed testing), and no way it can beat the new Vette. The Dart was hyped as the second-coming of the compact car and it's just a big fat dud. The 300 started ok but was quickly overtaken by almost anything in its segment.

On top of that, the styling of this car already has a dated appearance. Not because it isn't nice, don't get me wrong. But because it's already been done to death by so many other cars: Altima, new Genesis, Avalon, Fusion, previous Mazda 6, Impala, and Regal. The interior looks functionally better, but there are just so many other better-looking choices (of course, this is pre-prod).

ParadoX - 12/22/2013 9:45:59 PM

+2 Boost

Here is Chrysler's problem: Their products are not up to par with the competition. Every mid-size sedan in class is better than the 200.

Chrysler either needs to make some serious investments in new platforms, designs, engines, etc, or it is going to be left in the dust. If it keeps slapping a new face on old products, it is going to fail.

nguyenvuminh - 12/22/2013 10:45:02 PM

+2 Boost

This should have been done 4 years ago when Toyota and Honda were experiencing supply problem, like Hyundai. It's good that it is now available but it will be nothing more than keeping Chrysler on life support, otherwise, Chrysler would be another write-off. Even if it is better looking than Accord and Camry, it wouldn't even sniff their vapor.

MattDarringer - 12/22/2013 11:20:05 PM

+2 Boost

Fiat buying Chrysler was a dive into greater mediocrity...European manufacturers do NOT understand that Americans connote reliability with quality not the flim flam of VW interiors and non-stop dealer trips...Hyundai buying them would have brought quality, innovation, and excellence to the table.

leej - 12/23/2013 8:18:13 AM

+1 Boost

The shape is very similar to the Dart. Certainly it looks like an improvement to the current model. Now, when will they update the 300...that shape has been around 10 years too. Surprisingly though, I do see a lot of them on the road. I am sure Chrysler is offering great incentives to move them.

nguyenvuminh - 12/23/2013 9:58:56 AM

+1 Boost

MattD - your suggestion for Hyundai being a more effective owner of Chrysler is a very good one. Why pair a weak American mfr with a weak European mfr? Hyundai would make more sense not only for Chrysler (heck, anyone buying Chrysler would be good for Chryler) but for Hyundai as well. The growth/demand for Hyundai cars would be supported by the dealer network and the mfg capacity of Chrysler, and their products would be complimentary to one another. In all honesty, I think this opportunity may presents itself again in about 5 years time after Fiat's indigestion of Chrysler becomes apparent.

MattDarringer - 12/23/2013 10:52:35 AM

+1 Boost

nguyenvuminh: Make that Chrysler's indigestion of Fiat. In the aftermath of the financial rape Mercedes did to Chrysler (Chrysler actually had money and Mercedes was in financial crisis), it has come out that the American management was fighting with Mercedes for better product and it was MERCEDES who cheapened and dumbed them down. Now we have Fiat sucking profits off of Chrysler (which is doing OK) to prop up Fiat's European operation where they prop up TWO dead brands (Lancia and Alfa Romeo).

I'm hoping that the partnership with Mazda is quickly expanded to cars and crossovers and that somehow Mazda can get to the helm. Mazda could right the entire ship.

mini22 - 12/23/2013 1:49:29 PM

+1 Boost

Regarding the Dart. It's not a bad car and can be made better with some tweeking.I've read that the 2.4 "Tigershark" engine is still in need of some refinement. Perhaps what might have been a better plan is the Fiat 1.785 multiair turbo engine tuned to about 190 HP and 200LB of Torque.Slightly better cabin plastics. Other than the engine I wish for it sounds like they are doing this in the 200 replacement.The Dart has reasonable rear seating room. The 200 should improve on this. Does the 200 have to be the head of the class. No. However it does have to be class competative(unlike the current 200).If the new Jeep Cherokee is any indication the signs look better for the new 200.