Post by Candyman on Mar 13, 2008 0:17:02 GMT -8
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a typically American "retro"-styled station wagon or hatchback built by Chrysler, launched in 2000 as the entry-level Chrysler.
The PT Cruiser was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2001 and won the North American Car of the Year award that year.
Officially, the "PT" stands for "Personal Transportation," but the initials also designate the car's platform. The Neon was based on the Chrysler PL platform, or "Platform Low," while the Cruiser was based on the Chrysler PT platform, for "Platform Tall." "PT" was also the production code for the PT Cruiser. Unofficially, the name may stand for "Plymouth Truck", as it harks back to the 1930s line of Plymouth Trucks (known by the "PT" moniker). The original concept car was a Plymouth; the Chrysler brand adopted the production car when the Plymouth brand was discontinued.
Overview
It is a front-wheel drive 5-passenger vehicle, classified as a truck by the NHTSA for CAFE fuel economy calculations but as a car by most other metrics. Indeed, Chrysler specifically designed the PT Cruiser to fit the NHTSA criteria for a light truck in order to bring the average fuel efficiency of the company's light truck fleet into compliance with CAFE standards.[1] A turbocharged GT model was introduced for the 2003 model year. A convertible was introduced for the 2005 model year.
The PT Cruiser is manufactured at Toluca Car Assembly in Toluca, Mexico. DaimlerChrysler announced on March 8, 2006 that it had built 1,000,000 PT Cruisers at the Toluca plant since 2000. The PT Cruiser was also assembled in Graz, Austria for global markets (outside North America) in 2002, using the production code PG. European PT Cruisers built in 2001 or from 2003 onwards are built in Mexico under the PT production code. The American version features a 2.4 L four-cylinder gasoline engine. In addition to this standard model, a 2.2 L diesel engine built by Mercedes Benz is also available in Europe, Asia, and South Africa. A 2 liter engine (D4RE) was available outside the U.S. It produces 140 hp SAE at 6500 rpm with 130 ft·lbf of torque at 4800 rpm.
When initially introduced, demand for the car was, in many cases, higher than dealer supply, seeing customers put on waiting lists. Anticipation of the car was high, making for a debut that was among most successful. Sales have remained solid ever since.
Updates
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible
Enlarge
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible
Facelifted Chrysler PT Cruiser wagon
Enlarge
Facelifted Chrysler PT Cruiser wagon
While the body style remains remarkably consistent from year to year, there are actually multiple models of the PT Cruiser, designated by unique badges in the lower left hand corner of the rear lift-gate. Models include the Classic Edition, Limited Edition, Touring Edition, "Dream Cruiser", "Street Cruiser", "Pacific Coast Highway Edition" and PT Cruiser GT. Turbo edition models are identified by a "2.4L Turbo" badge on the lower right hand corner of the rear lift-gate. The GT model has a badge on the right hand corner of the lift-gate says "2.4L Turbo High Output" (indicating it is the 220/230hp engine version).
A four-seat convertible model was added for 2005. It is a two-door car with an integrated "sport bar" for added rigidity and rollover protection. It was also discovered that the sport bar also caused air to flow over the rear passengers, resulting in a less drafty ride for those in the rear seats.
The PT Cruiser was updated for 2006. Notable exterior features include scalloped headlights, a new 'chrome' grille, new lower front fascia, round fog lamps (on equipped models) and redesigned taillights. Inside, an updated dashboard and more upscale materials are used, including the addition of an analog clock to the center stack (a design marking the "face" of Chrysler). The audio system now features a line-in jack for MP3 players and is integrated into the dashboard, making it more difficult to replace with an aftermarket unit. The turbocharged 2.4 L engine is now available in 180 hp (134 kW) or "High-Output" 230 hp (172 kW) versions. A "Mopar" cruise control unit became available as an aftermarket unit on 2007 models. Also in 2007, Chrysler dealers were permitted to order vehicles with separate options (un-bundled options from option packages) such as Anti-Lock brakes and Side Impact Airbags.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser also featured on the Xbox game Forza Motorsport and Xbox 360 game Forza Motorsport 2.
Design
The PT Cruiser was originally meant to be a Plymouth, before Chrysler's merger with Daimler-Benz. The concept car was originally targeted at young male audiences, but the large increase by female consumers have caused the target audiences to switch to young females. At the time, Chrysler had planned a new look for Plymouth, previewed by the Plymouth Prowler "hot rod". Styling cues from the Prowler, particularly the grille, were used to create the Plymouth Pronto concept car in 1997. The look was refined, and in 1998, another Plymouth concept called the Chrysler Pronto Cruizer directly previewed the styling of the PT Cruiser. The Pronto Cruizer was designed as a modern interpretation of the Chrysler Airflow with Dodge Neon components, but the final design used a separate platform. The new DaimlerChrysler firm did not have much faith in Plymouth as a separate entity, and began steps to rationalize and cancel the marque. Consequently, the PT Cruiser appeared in public only as a Chrysler.
The PT Cruiser also bears a resemblance in size and shape to the 1997 Chrysler CCV prototype. The styling of the latter elicited a better response from the auto show circuit, and would evolve into the styling of the PT Cruiser.
Trim levels
4-door Sedan
* Base
* Limited
* Touring
* Touring Signature Series
* Street Cruiser
* GT
* Walter P. Edition 2006 Only
* Limited Edition Platinum Series 2004 Only
* Dream Cruiser Series 2002-2004 Only
Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition (2006)
This version features Solar Yellow brake calipers, body-color grille, solar-tinted sunscreen glass, liftgate mounted spoiler, 17-inch all-season performance tires, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with low-speed traction control, speed control and a sport suspension. Brightwork accents include chrome body-side moldings, a chrome exhaust tip and 17-inch, chrome-plated, five-spoke Empire aluminum wheels. A unique 'Street Cruiser' badge, complete with Solar Yellow accents, is featured on the liftgate and complemented by 'Route 66' Edition badges on the front doors. It was sold for $19,185 for the manual transaxle version and $20,020 for the automatic transaxle model.[2]
Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition (2007)
Based on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring model, this version includes 4-Wheel disc anti-lock brakes, Bright Front Door Sill Scuff Pads, Front Bright Accent Ring Cupholders, Silver Shift Knob, Chrome Lock Knobs, Chrome Bodyside Molding, "Street Cruiser" Badge, Pacific Coast Highway Edition Badge, Rear Body-Color Spoiler, Bright Exhaust Tip, Leather Steering Wheel with Bright Spokes, Sport Suspension, Supplemental Side Air Bags, 6-Way Power Driver's Seat, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, 17" x 6.0" Aluminum Platinum Clad Wheels with 205/50R17XL 93H BSW All Season Performance Tires, Cloth Seats with Blue Insert. It was sold for $20,735 for the manual transaxle version and $21,570 for the automatic transaxle model.[3]
Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition (2008)
This version is based on PT Cruiser LX, but comes with a special "Sunset Crystal" paint-job which is accented with various chrome body-trim pieces, deep-tint glass, a powered moonroof, 16-inch chrome wheels with all-season touring tires. 500 cars are to be made. It costs $16,650-17,475 USD.[4]
2-door Convertible
* base
* GT
* Touring
* Dream Cruiser Series
The PT Cruiser was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2001 and won the North American Car of the Year award that year.
Officially, the "PT" stands for "Personal Transportation," but the initials also designate the car's platform. The Neon was based on the Chrysler PL platform, or "Platform Low," while the Cruiser was based on the Chrysler PT platform, for "Platform Tall." "PT" was also the production code for the PT Cruiser. Unofficially, the name may stand for "Plymouth Truck", as it harks back to the 1930s line of Plymouth Trucks (known by the "PT" moniker). The original concept car was a Plymouth; the Chrysler brand adopted the production car when the Plymouth brand was discontinued.
Overview
It is a front-wheel drive 5-passenger vehicle, classified as a truck by the NHTSA for CAFE fuel economy calculations but as a car by most other metrics. Indeed, Chrysler specifically designed the PT Cruiser to fit the NHTSA criteria for a light truck in order to bring the average fuel efficiency of the company's light truck fleet into compliance with CAFE standards.[1] A turbocharged GT model was introduced for the 2003 model year. A convertible was introduced for the 2005 model year.
The PT Cruiser is manufactured at Toluca Car Assembly in Toluca, Mexico. DaimlerChrysler announced on March 8, 2006 that it had built 1,000,000 PT Cruisers at the Toluca plant since 2000. The PT Cruiser was also assembled in Graz, Austria for global markets (outside North America) in 2002, using the production code PG. European PT Cruisers built in 2001 or from 2003 onwards are built in Mexico under the PT production code. The American version features a 2.4 L four-cylinder gasoline engine. In addition to this standard model, a 2.2 L diesel engine built by Mercedes Benz is also available in Europe, Asia, and South Africa. A 2 liter engine (D4RE) was available outside the U.S. It produces 140 hp SAE at 6500 rpm with 130 ft·lbf of torque at 4800 rpm.
When initially introduced, demand for the car was, in many cases, higher than dealer supply, seeing customers put on waiting lists. Anticipation of the car was high, making for a debut that was among most successful. Sales have remained solid ever since.
Updates
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible
Enlarge
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible
Facelifted Chrysler PT Cruiser wagon
Enlarge
Facelifted Chrysler PT Cruiser wagon
While the body style remains remarkably consistent from year to year, there are actually multiple models of the PT Cruiser, designated by unique badges in the lower left hand corner of the rear lift-gate. Models include the Classic Edition, Limited Edition, Touring Edition, "Dream Cruiser", "Street Cruiser", "Pacific Coast Highway Edition" and PT Cruiser GT. Turbo edition models are identified by a "2.4L Turbo" badge on the lower right hand corner of the rear lift-gate. The GT model has a badge on the right hand corner of the lift-gate says "2.4L Turbo High Output" (indicating it is the 220/230hp engine version).
A four-seat convertible model was added for 2005. It is a two-door car with an integrated "sport bar" for added rigidity and rollover protection. It was also discovered that the sport bar also caused air to flow over the rear passengers, resulting in a less drafty ride for those in the rear seats.
The PT Cruiser was updated for 2006. Notable exterior features include scalloped headlights, a new 'chrome' grille, new lower front fascia, round fog lamps (on equipped models) and redesigned taillights. Inside, an updated dashboard and more upscale materials are used, including the addition of an analog clock to the center stack (a design marking the "face" of Chrysler). The audio system now features a line-in jack for MP3 players and is integrated into the dashboard, making it more difficult to replace with an aftermarket unit. The turbocharged 2.4 L engine is now available in 180 hp (134 kW) or "High-Output" 230 hp (172 kW) versions. A "Mopar" cruise control unit became available as an aftermarket unit on 2007 models. Also in 2007, Chrysler dealers were permitted to order vehicles with separate options (un-bundled options from option packages) such as Anti-Lock brakes and Side Impact Airbags.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser also featured on the Xbox game Forza Motorsport and Xbox 360 game Forza Motorsport 2.
Design
The PT Cruiser was originally meant to be a Plymouth, before Chrysler's merger with Daimler-Benz. The concept car was originally targeted at young male audiences, but the large increase by female consumers have caused the target audiences to switch to young females. At the time, Chrysler had planned a new look for Plymouth, previewed by the Plymouth Prowler "hot rod". Styling cues from the Prowler, particularly the grille, were used to create the Plymouth Pronto concept car in 1997. The look was refined, and in 1998, another Plymouth concept called the Chrysler Pronto Cruizer directly previewed the styling of the PT Cruiser. The Pronto Cruizer was designed as a modern interpretation of the Chrysler Airflow with Dodge Neon components, but the final design used a separate platform. The new DaimlerChrysler firm did not have much faith in Plymouth as a separate entity, and began steps to rationalize and cancel the marque. Consequently, the PT Cruiser appeared in public only as a Chrysler.
The PT Cruiser also bears a resemblance in size and shape to the 1997 Chrysler CCV prototype. The styling of the latter elicited a better response from the auto show circuit, and would evolve into the styling of the PT Cruiser.
Trim levels
4-door Sedan
* Base
* Limited
* Touring
* Touring Signature Series
* Street Cruiser
* GT
* Walter P. Edition 2006 Only
* Limited Edition Platinum Series 2004 Only
* Dream Cruiser Series 2002-2004 Only
Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition (2006)
This version features Solar Yellow brake calipers, body-color grille, solar-tinted sunscreen glass, liftgate mounted spoiler, 17-inch all-season performance tires, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with low-speed traction control, speed control and a sport suspension. Brightwork accents include chrome body-side moldings, a chrome exhaust tip and 17-inch, chrome-plated, five-spoke Empire aluminum wheels. A unique 'Street Cruiser' badge, complete with Solar Yellow accents, is featured on the liftgate and complemented by 'Route 66' Edition badges on the front doors. It was sold for $19,185 for the manual transaxle version and $20,020 for the automatic transaxle model.[2]
Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition (2007)
Based on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring model, this version includes 4-Wheel disc anti-lock brakes, Bright Front Door Sill Scuff Pads, Front Bright Accent Ring Cupholders, Silver Shift Knob, Chrome Lock Knobs, Chrome Bodyside Molding, "Street Cruiser" Badge, Pacific Coast Highway Edition Badge, Rear Body-Color Spoiler, Bright Exhaust Tip, Leather Steering Wheel with Bright Spokes, Sport Suspension, Supplemental Side Air Bags, 6-Way Power Driver's Seat, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, 17" x 6.0" Aluminum Platinum Clad Wheels with 205/50R17XL 93H BSW All Season Performance Tires, Cloth Seats with Blue Insert. It was sold for $20,735 for the manual transaxle version and $21,570 for the automatic transaxle model.[3]
Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition (2008)
This version is based on PT Cruiser LX, but comes with a special "Sunset Crystal" paint-job which is accented with various chrome body-trim pieces, deep-tint glass, a powered moonroof, 16-inch chrome wheels with all-season touring tires. 500 cars are to be made. It costs $16,650-17,475 USD.[4]
2-door Convertible
* base
* GT
* Touring
* Dream Cruiser Series
