It still blows me away that Chrysler doesn't have a modern turbo 4 as they have a history of making pretty decent ones and also have a good pairing with Fiat (Multi-Air and combine it with direct injection) to make it great. I think it would fit their lineup a lot better and they'd be getting all the raves that Ford is from their Ecoboost line. A 2.xliter turbo 4. Something they could fit in the Dart to help it (rumor is they're trying to fit the Pentastar in it as it just doesn't have the get up and go that it needs), that they could also uprate enough to be used like they do the Pentastar V6.
They could even set it for different trims in this car and make it the sole engine choice. Say 200hp/240ft-lbs base, with a 260hp/300ft-lbs with AWD. Much better than the weak base 4 they have now, and it'd simplify the design without trying to fit a normal 4 and a V6 (kinda like how Hyundai bet big on 4 cylinders in the Sonata). I think the premium cost of that engine would have been offset by the savings designing for a single smaller engine, and the widespread use would have upped economies of scale.
More or less it looks like a missed opportunity. If they'd done that instead of the Pentastar, I think they'd be in a better position. As it is now, it feels like they're a little behind the times compared to Ford (speaking of which, this 200 makes me think new Fusion from basically the A pillar back, with maybe a Hyundai esque nose and taillights).
But then I supposed that's kinda the problem of going through a bankruptcy/cash crunch.
It looks great.
Chrysler does need product..
If they released something "Neon" like again that was simple and fun, it would be something that would interest me... The Dart needs an SRT version or something not slow. For now my Civic SI will do on the simple and fun thing.
I think therein lies the problem with Chrysler. A lot of Chrysler's stuff has been mostly crap, but it had character. The Dart is a much better car, but I feel like the Neon had more character (don't get me wrong, I can understand people not liking that character). Now Chrysler seems to be in a flux. They've got character cars like the Challenger or Viper, that frankly just aren't up to the level of the competition, and now they've got status quo cars (like this, the new Cherokee although that has some of the Chrysler "character" so it might not be the best example). I think they need to meld the two, more Grand Cherokee and newest Ram, where they keep the character but make a good solid car otherwise.
Maybe this car will prove to have more character than I give it credit for. I like it, but I still just think "why couldn't they make a production version of the 200 concept?" and so am left disappointed. Its definitely a big step up over the previous 200/Sebring atrocity, and it will be interesting to see how the AWD setup works out (60% to the rear could help a lot to give it a sporty feel).
I think Chrysler would do well to stagger their lineup with Dodge. The Dart is the mass compact, the 200 slots above it, then take the Charger a bit downsize but keep it RWD with the V8 and aggressiveness (basically make it the larger Avenger replacement rumored RWD platform that the Cuda supposedly got turned into) and slot it just above the 200 or maybe overlap them (where if you value luxury more you go 200, if you want performance more you go Charger), and then have the 300 maintain the big luxury cruiser.
Wow, I'm just babbling on at this point...