Finally pumping new products into the pipeline after a few years’ hiatus, Chrysler will be rolling out a refreshed mid-size sedan, the 2011 Chrysler 200. The new car will be called the Chrysler 200, linking it with the successful and also due for an imminent update 2011 Chrysler 300. While the 2011 Chrysler 200 isn’t a completely new vehicle, the upgrades here are so significant that it’s now worthy of consideration for midsize sedan and convertible shoppers.

The 2011 Chrysler 200 is a new nameplate, though technically it’s a refreshed version of last year’s Chrysler Sebring. Name changes can often be a precursor to future success. A similar transformation seems to have come about with the Chrysler 200, a car formerly known as the Sebring. So, officially we can call the 2011 Chrysler 200 as the 2011 Chrysler Sebring.

Though the 2011 Chrysler 200 exterior styling retains the Sebring’s basic form, new sheet metal from the front doors forward plus nicely redone front and rear fascias with LED daytime running lights and taillights give the car a more sophisticated look. A subtly lowered ride height, wider track and available 18-inch alloy wheels also give the 2011 Chrysler 200 a somewhat sportier stance.

These exterior changes complement upgrades inside the cabin and under the hood of the 2011 Chrysler 200. In place of the Sebring’s low-budget rental car cabin is a nicer interior with high-quality materials that shame other sedans in this class such as the 2011 Impala and 2011 Dodge Charger.

The Chrysler 200 design team did a remarkable job transforming the Sebring’s low-rent interior into this great 2011 Chrysler 200 that can now hold its own against its midsize sedan competitors. The general dash design and control layout are pretty much the same as before, and because the materials are substantially better, the overall ambience is greatly improved.

The actual dimensions of the passenger cabin haven’t changed with the makeover, however, so the 2011 Chrysler 200 is a bit smaller than its competition aside from the Suzuki Kizashi. The sedan’s 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is also a little on the small side. If you’re looking for a convertible with a comparatively roomy backseat, however, you should be pleased with the 2011 Chrysler 200, as its midsize status provides more room than most. 2011 Chrysler 200 colors offers 10 different options for the interior.

Meanwhile, completely reworked suspension bits and steering make the 2011 Chrysler 200 more satisfying to drive..A 2.4-liter inline-4 remains the standard engine for most 2011 Chrysler 200 trim levels, but the big news is the new Pentastar V6, a 3.6-liter, 283-horsepower engine. The Chrysler 200 engine will produces up to 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in other applications and will exclusively be paired with a six-speed auto.

The four-speed transmission in the 2011 Chrysler 200 will do the 2.4-liter no favors, but the V-6’s output will put it at the top of the segment and should make for spirited stoplight drags. Current EPA fuel estimates in the 2011 Chrysler 200 are 20 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 24 combined for the four-cylinder with the six-speed automatic, while the V6 earns a 19/29/22 mpg rating.