Track Tested: 2011 Chrysler 200 Limited Convertible

Cue the hook from Eminem's 8 Mile.

You know you can't think of Chrysler these days without thinking it. Imported From Detroit is the tagline for, believe it or not, the 2011 Chrysler 200. At least, that's where it started. Sure, Chrysler probably would have loved to tag the more popular, fully revised 300, but alas, that car's made in Canada while the Chrysler 200 nee Sebring is bolted together by red-blooded Americans in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

But we're not here to talk about manufacturing processes or debate what is/is not an American car. We're here to talk track numbers, specifically those for the refreshed 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible.

Follow the jump to see what this 4,022-pound (with 57% up front), 283-horsepower convertible can do on an empty testing facility.

Vehicle: 2011 Chrysler 200 Limited Convertible
Odometer: 2,603
Date: 3/15/11
Driver: Chris Walton
Price: $34,470

Specifications:
Drive Type: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed automatic
Engine Type: DOHC, 3.6-liter V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 3,605cc
Redline (rpm): 6,800
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 283 @ 6,400
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 260 @ 4,400
Brake Type (front): 11.5-inch ventilated disc with single-piston sliding caliper
Brake Type (rear): 10.3 inch solid disc with single-piston sliding caliper
Steering System: Speed-proportional rack-and-pinion
Suspension Type (front): Independent MacPherson strut, coil spring over shock absorbers, stabilizer bar

Suspension Type (rear): Multilink independent with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar, shock absorbers and isolated rear suspension cradle
Tire Size (front): P225/50R18 94T
Tire Size (rear): P225/50R18 94T
Tire Brand: Goodyear
Tire Model: Eagle
Tire Type:  LS2
Wheel size: 18-by-7.0 inches
Wheel material (front/rear): Polished cast aluminum
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 4,022

Test Results:
Acceleration
0-30 (sec): 3.0 (3.2 with TC on)
0-45 (sec): 4.8 (5.1 with TC on)
0-60 (sec): 7.5 (7.7 with TC on)
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 7.1 (7.4 with TC on)
0-75 (sec): 10.9 (11.1 with TC on)
1/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 15.5 @ 89.8 (15.7 @ 89.7 with TC on)

Braking:
30-0 (ft): 31
60-0 (ft): 121

Handling:
Slalom (mph): 63.2 (63.1  with TC on)
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.83 (0.75 with TC on)

Sound:
Db @ Idle: 44.6
Db @ Full Throttle: 75.5
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 67.7

RPM @ 70 mph: 1,900

Comments

Acceleration: Responds very well to wheelspin with traction control disabled, but detected some nibbling torque steer at WOT. Gearchanges were smooth but highly managed and slow. Manual shift mode won't hold gear and upshifts. Also, no matched-rev downshifts.

Braking:  While the 60-0 runs were admirably short and relatively consistent, slowing after the quarter runs produced exceptional fade and scored the rotors. Granted, we usually have more room, but this is a heavy car that runs 90 mph quarters.

Handling: Skid pad: ESC-off laps were tire-howling with predictable, consistent understeer. Steering actually told me where the limit was. With ESC on, the throttle closed far before the tires howled -- putt, putt, putt around. Slalom: Understeer becomes the limiting factor and the ESC didn't seem to mind -- some speed with ESC on or off and no noticeable intrusion at all. Good crisp turn-in but it takes a half-beat to set. Feels heavy out back, as the rear always feels as if it's trying to catch up. I really like the steering wheel itself -- nice leather, meaty thickness plus smooth action.