2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Celebrates 1 Millionth Milestone

The Chrysler Group changed the landscape of the automotive market when it introduced the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser six years ago. Its one-of-a-kind exterior styling and Swiss Army knife-like interior flexibility, offered at a compact car price, redefined the small-car segment and became an instant hit with consumers.

In 2006, Chrysler celebrates more than 1 million Chrysler PT Cruisers models built and sold around the world. With such record sales numbers, it's evident that the Chrysler PT Cruiser continues to lead the segment in style, versatility, quality and performance.

High-quality, performance and functionality give Chrysler PT Cruiser a huge leg up on the competition. For years, leading consumer magazines have recommended the PT Cruiser for its consistently high levels of quality and refinement. In 2006, PT Cruiser was 'Recommended' by Consumer Reports and was named a 'Best Buy' in Consumer Guide's compact cars category.

Since its introduction in 2000 as a 2001 model-year vehicle, Chrysler has kept the PT Cruiser fresh and exciting with 11 variations, including four Dream Cruiser Series vehicles, the PT Turbo, the Flames, Woodie, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and Chrysler Street Cruiser Route 66 editions.

'WHAT'S NEW FOR 2007'

Exterior

- Three new colors: Pastel Yellow Clear Coat, Tangerine Pearl Coat and Opal Pearl Coat

- Soft-touch electric liftgate switch—standard on Base model

Interior

- New YES Essentials® seat fabric—optional on Touring, standard on Limited

- Remote keyless entry standard on Base model. Integrated into key—includes panic alarm

- Console flood lamp standard on all models

- 'Boston Premium Audio' badge added to center stack bezel with Boston Acoustics Audio Group

DESIGN

'The Chrysler PT Cruiser's unique styling continues to make it an icon in the automotive industry,' said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. 'PT Cruiser's incredibly flexible interior and thoughtful design touches have set it apart in the crowded specialty car segment, and have kept it there for the last six years.'

The Chrysler PT Cruiser's one-of-a-kind styling and flexible interior set it apart in the specialty car segment. Chrysler PT Cruiser is a dramatic alternative to the sea of sameness in the market.

From the front, the PT Cruiser features the face of Chrysler, with a Chrysler winged badge, chrome accents on the grille, headlamps that have a scalloped bottom edge and round fog lamps.

A body-color spoiler on the liftgate improves aerodynamics. A rear liftgate provides easy access to the PT Cruiser's flexible interior. With the flip/fold/tumble seats and the available fold-flat front passenger seat and movable rear shelf, the interior can be configured in 160 different ways.

From the driver's seat, the instrument panel features large gauges, flush shutoff rotating air vents and a Chrysler signature analog clock. The radio is mounted high in the center stack, and a passenger grab handle on the right side of the instrument panel makes it easier for passengers to get into and out of the vehicle.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser features a center console with a sliding armrest and covered storage space. This console conceals small items and includes a deep storage bin that holds six CDs, an available battery-fed power outlet for cell-phone charging, a coin holder and two fold-out cup holders for rear-seat occupants. Front cup holders on the Limited and GT models get bright accents.

An available Chrome Accents Group (which includes 16-inch chrome-clad wheels with nine-spoke design, chrome fuel door, chrome bodyside moldings, chrome door lock knobs, scuff plates with bright accents and a Chrysler winged badge) gives buyers the ability to customize their PT Cruiser from the factory, complete with warranty.

ENGINEERING

'Others may try to imitate, but there is still nothing on the road that matches Chrysler PT Cruiser's style, performance or interior flexibility,' said Larry Lyons, Vice President — Front-wheel-drive Product Team. 'With three engine options, including two available turbo engines, a smooth, quiet ride and comfortable and flexible interior, PT Cruiser leads the pack. And 1 million sales prove it.'

High-quality, performance and functionality give Chrysler PT Cruiser a huge leg up on the competition. The Chrysler PT Cruiser offers drivers performance, both under the hood, behind the wheel and under the seats. This one-of-a-kind vehicle is available with three engine options, including two turbo engines (180 hp and 230 hp) that blow away the competition.

Reduced road, wind and powertrain noise result in an exceptional, quiet ride inside the Chrysler PT Cruiser's cabin. An acoustic package (which includes sealants around the doors, windows, rear floor pan and reverberant cavity area), combined with sound absorption in the trim panels, reduces road noise. Sealing around the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and insulation in the dashboard reduce powertrain noise. The inner belt seals in the door and added foam in the A-pillar reduce wind noise.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser's flexible interior can be configured in 160 different ways, giving owners the opportunity to tackle a multitude of tasks with their vehicle. Innovative new feature options, including Yes Essentials® seat fabric, a standard console flood lamp, a standard soft-touch electric liftgate and remote keyless entry make PT Cruiser even more functional for 2007.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

- With global sales totaling more than 1 million, Chrysler PT Cruiser continues to lead the segment in style, versatility, high quality and performance

- Chrysler PT Cruiser's compact price makes it an attractive alternative to many compact cars on the road

- Chrysler PT Cruiser's proven top quality is time-tested

- Chrysler PT Cruiser offers more versatility than any compact car

- Unique styling and performance separate Chrysler PT Cruiser from the competition

by Chrysler

Planning a revamp for the Plymouth line, previewed by the Plymouth Prowler 'hot rod', Chrysler was hoping the PT Cruiser would be the daring new look to capture fans. Evoking memories of panel vans of the 1930s and old gangster getaway cars, Chrysler debuted the PT Cruiser in 2001. A retro-styled compact car, it was produced from 2001 until 2010 as a four-door wagon, and from 2005 until 2008, it was available as a two-door convertible. It shared a platform with the Neon and had a reputation for utility and dependability. The PT Cruiser was originally conceived as a Plymouth model, but it got the Chrysler nameplate when the Plymouth brand was discontinued in 2001. Designed by Bryan Nesbitt, who also later styled the Chevy HHR, the initials PT stood for 'Personal Transport'. The PT abbreviation is also used on the similar retro-styled Chrysler concept car; the Pronto Cruiser.

Many of the design features, in particular the grille, were used to create the Plymouth Pronto concept car in 97. The following year the look was fine-tuned and another Plymouth concept called the Chrysler Pronto Cruizer directly previewed the design of the PT Cruiser. With Neon components, the Pronto Cruizer was created as a contemporary interpretation of the Chrysler Airflow, but the final design used a completely separate platform. The PT Cruiser grew from collaboration among Chrysler executive Robert A. Lutz, designer Bryan Nesbitt, and Dr. Clotaire Rapaille.

Classified as a truck in the US by the NHTSA for CAFE fuel economy calculations, the PT cruiser is called a car by all other metrics. The Cruiser was designed to fit the NHTSA standards for a light truck in order to bring the average fuel efficiency of the company's light truck fleet into compliance with CAFE standards. The car featured a maximum cargo space of 76 cubic feet and had plenty of seating room and headroom. Incredibly versatile, the seats in the back could be completely folded down or removed, and there was a two-tiered luggage area.

Manufactured at Toluca Car Assembly in Toluca, Mexico, the PT Cruiser was awarded the North American Car of the Year in 2001. Car and Driver also recognized the PT Cruiser on its Ten Best List for the same year. In 2006 DaimlerChrysler announced that it had produced 1,000,000 PT Cruisers at the Toluca Plants. The car was assembled at the EUROSTAR Automobilwerk in Graz, Austria, for global markets in 2002 and used the production code PG. In Europe, the Cruisers built in 2001 or in Mexico from 2003 on were under the production code PT.

The standard engine in the PT Cruiser was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, producing 150 horsepower. Either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic was offered. A 2.2 L four-cylinder diesel engine was built by Mercedes Benz and was available in Europe, Asia, and South Africa. Outside of the U.S., a 2.0 L engine (D4RE) that produced 140 hp SAE at 6500 rpm with 130 lb/ft of torque at 4800 rpm was offered. The acceleration was considered sufficient, but the fuel economy was disappointing for a small wagon. Chrysler added a turbocharged GT model in 2003. Initially, it produced 215 horsepower and grew to 230 hp in 2006. It was discontinued in 2007. A 180-hp turbo engine was offered on certain trims from 2004 through 2009.

The body style of the PT Cruiser remained reliably the same each year, however, there were various versions of the car. The versions were designated by badges in the lower left-hand corner of the rear lift-gate. Cruiser models included the Classic Edition, Limited Edition, Touring Edition, 'Dream Cruiser', 'Street Cruiser, and 'Pacific Coast Highway Edition'. There were also Non-GT Turbo edition models that were classified by a '2.4L Turbo' badge found on the lower right-hand corner of the rear lift-gate. Introduced in 2003, the GT model featured a '2.4L Turbo High Output' badge on the right-hand edge of the lift-gate.

Debuting in 2003 was a turbocharged version of the PT Cruiser dubbed the PT Cruiser GT. It utilized the same 2.4 L turbocharged I4 engine as the Dodge Neon SRT 4. It had a top speed of 125 mph. It had numerous standard features that included 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, specially tuned suspension, chromed 17' wheels, and a performance-tuned exhaust system with a large diameter chrome exhaust tip.

Two special packages were offered for the PT Cruiser, the Factory Flame package, which offered optional flame-inspired decals spreading from the front fenders, and the Woodie package, available only on 2003 models, featured simulated wood panels that flowed down the side of the vehicle and around the rear hatch.

Introduced in 2005, the four-seat convertible model had two doors with an integrated 'sport bar' for additional rigidity and rollover protection. It was a much less drafty ride in the back of the car, thanks to the sports bar. The production of the convertible ceased on December 21, 2007, but the final 2007 convertibles were marketed as 2008 models.

For 2006 the PT Cruiser received some updates that included a new 'chrome' grille, brand new scalloped headlights, redesigned taillights, the new lower front fascia that no longer featured patented brake cooling ducts, and available round fog lamps. On the inside, the revamp included a modernized dash, an analog clock to the center stack and new materials. Newly innovative to the times, the audio system now had a line-in jack for MP3 players built into the dash. Available as an after-market unit on 2007 models was a 'Mopar' cruise control unit.

In 2007 Chrysler dealers could order cars with separate options like Side Impact Airbags and anti-lock brakes. Optional this year was Sirius Satellite Radio which could be installed with a factory appearance as a dealer option. The PT Cruiser was the only small vehicle not to offer electronic stability control and one that earned poor marks in side and rear evaluations.

It was announced on January 12, 2009, that Chrysler would discontinue the made model. Six months later following reorganization into the 'New Chrysler', the company changed its plans to discontinue the model by stipulating that it would do so for only Mexican and Canadian markets. With a total of 1.35 million models produced, the PT Cruiser ended its production on July 9, 2010.

Various special edition models of the PT Cruiser were available. In 2006 Chrysler offered the Street Cruiser Route 55 model. Finished in either Solar Yellow or Black, the model featured Solar Yellow brake calipers, solar-tinted sunscreen glass, body-color grille, liftgate mounted spoiler, and 17' all-season performance tires. It also came with four-wheel anti-lock brakes with low-speed traction control, a sport suspension, and speed control. Brightwork accents came with chrome body-side moldings, a chrome exhaust tip, and 17', chrome-plated, and five-spoke Empire aluminum wheels. A 'Street Cruiser' badge with Solar Yellow accents on the liftgate and 'Route 66' badges on the front doors were found on the outside of the model. The manual version was priced at $19,185, while the automatic model was priced at $20,020.

The Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition model was built on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring model. It had a beautiful Pacific Blue Pearl body and featured chrome bodyside molding, chrome lock knobs, silver shift knob, front bright accent ring cupholders, bright front door sill scuff pads, and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes. It came with the 'Street Cruiser' badge, Pacific Coast Highway Edition badge, rear body-color spoiler, bright exhaust tip, sport suspension, 6-way power driver's seat, leather steering wheel with bright spokes, additional side airbags, Sirius satellite radio, cloth seats with blue insert and all-season performance tires. This edition was priced at $20,735 for the manual transaxle version and $21,570 for the automatic model.

Based on the 2008 PT Cruiser LX and produced in a limited production run of just 500 models, the Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition featured 'Sunset Crystal' body with various chrome body-trip pieces accenting it. The model featured deep-tint glass and 16' chrome wheels with all-season touring tires. The price tag for a manual version was $16,650 and $17,475 for the automatic model.

In 2009 the Dream Cruiser Series 5 was introduced to the US market. A total of 1,750 of these models were produced. Featured 4-speed automatic transmission, most models had a pearl white body, except for two models, one in inferno red and one in bright silver. The Dream Cruisers had a black roof and spoiler, upper and lower billet aluminum cross-hatch pattern grills, the inside of the car was gray with leather and chrome trim, chromed door handles and body-side moldings, chromed stainless steel exhaust tip and 17' SRT Design wheels with all-season performance tires. They also featured specialized 'PT' door badging, PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 tailgate badge, a Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl hoop spoiler, and fog lamps. The Dream had an MSRP of $22,700 and debuted in conjunction with the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise.

The PT Cruiser Sport edition took its styling cues from the Classic trim on which it was based. It featured a roof-mounted body color spoiler, PT Cruiser Sport badge, exclusive graphite metallic paint, and 16' alloy wheels. It was available with a two-liter petrol engine and was priced UK£13,995.

Incredibly eye-catching, the Couture Edition PT Cruiser showcased a contrasting two-tone paint scheme of silver metallic on the bottom and black on the top with a red pinstripe in the middle, diving the two. On the inside were Radar Red leather buckets with black piping, chrome appliques, and a red shifter knob. With a limited production run of just 500 units, the other exclusive features included 16' chrome-clad wheels with chromed bodyside moldings and accents.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_PT_Cruiser

http://www.edmunds.com/chrysler/pt-cruiser/

by Jessican Donaldson