Chrysler has partnered with clothing maker Carhartt to produce the 200 S Special Edition. For $28,870, this well-dressed sedan includes a 283-hp V6 engine, black 18-inch aluminum wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, "premium" leather seats, and a Boston Acoustics sound system.
There are also several exterior trim bits to give the 200 S Special Edition a "more menacing stance." I'm not sure there are many cars less menacing than a 200. Maybe a Toyota Prius.
The interior, as you may have guessed, is where Carhartt comes in, and features the company's water-resistant fabric in black, with special stitching seat details. There is also special stitching on the steering wheel, armrests and center console.
Chrysler's description of Carhartt's clothes—"enduring apparel that respects the hard-earned dollars of America's industrious men and women....rugged construction, innovative design and exceptional standards of quality, durability and comfort...a legend among America's skilled tradesmen and craftsmen"—seems an odd fit for a mainstream sedan. Why not couple this brand with a truck?
What's next, the Martha Stewart Edition Ram 1500?
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The 200 is scheduled to be replaced next year—an exodus that can't come soon enough. The 200 and similar Dodge Avenger dominate the bottom of CR's midsized sedan Ratings. Chrysler needs a potent contender to go toe-to-toe with such high-scoring sedans such as the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Camry. This is a tough segment and Chrysler hasn't had a viable model in years. Clearly, it will take more than clothing partnerships to compete.
