Chrysler Kicks Off Woodward Dream Cruise with Introduction of New 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5
-New limited-edition 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser buzz model kicks off the14th annual Woodward Dream Cruise
-14th factory-customized limited-edition Chrysler PT Cruiser features modern and athletic exterior enhancements
-New PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 delivers factory customization at a value price of $22,700
-1,750 PT Dream Cruisers Series 5 models will be produced for the U.S.
-More than 1.3 million PT Cruisers sold since initial 2001 model year

Royal Oak, Mich., Aug 12, 2008 - Chrysler kicked off the annual Woodward Dream Cruise today at Duggan's Irish Pub with the introduction of a special-edition PT Cruiser. Announced in conjunction with Detroit's famed Woodward Dream Cruise, the new 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 will be available this fall as a limited-production version of the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
"Chrysler PT Dream Cruisers are about individuality and uniqueness, and for 2009 we modernized our next factory-customized edition," said Larry Lyons, Vice President - Car and Minivan Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "The new 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 embodies a contemporary theme with a distinctive two-tone exterior and the use of unique exterior and interior materials."
As the 14th factory-customized Chrysler PT Cruiser, the new 2009 PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 features new detailed design elements. A contrasting two-tone theme with a Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl painted roof and hoop spoiler distinguish this PT Cruiser. All-new cross-hatched, upper and lower solid billet aluminum grilles are individually milled and machined for a true sense of customization. New 17-inch SRT Design wheels provide an athletic stance while filling up Chrysler PT Cruiser's uniquely styled large fenders. Chromed body-side trim moldings provide subtle highlights, and the new boldly designed "PT" front-passenger and driver's-side door badges hammer home PT's individuality, reliability and street cruising credibility.
"Our Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 utilizes Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl to accentuate body lines while enhancing side rails and windows, giving PT Cruiser a sleek appearance with a visually lower roof," said Joe Dehner, Vice President - Small, Family and Premium Vehicle Design. "With the addition of 17-inch SRT Design wheels, bold billet grilles inspired from the DUB Edition Chrysler 300, chrome accents draped all over our Midnight White Pearl Coat paint - the latest Dream Cruiser delivers a new style that accentuates PT Cruiser's individuality."
The contrasting Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl paint theme continues inside the vehicle's Pastel Slate Gray interior and surrounds the chromed ring air vents and gauges on the instrument panel. New Embossed Momentum seat fabric has a performance feel, detailed look and expressive design via secondary layered silver accents. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with bright silver accents provides a great view to the large satin-silver finished gauge cluster with chromed rings. Premium floor mats and door-entry sill plates add a final touch to this special-edition Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Chrysler is limiting production of its 14th factory-customized PT Cruiser to 1,750 units for the 2009 model year. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 will be $22,700, which includes $670 for destination.
Based off of the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser that arrives this fall, the Dream Cruiser Series 5 is available with two fuel-efficient 2.4-liter powertrains that are perfect for cruising any avenue. The standard 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 16-valve engine produces 150 horsepower (112 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. (220 N•m) of torque and is coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. This engine achieves 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. A potent 180 horsepower (134 kW) turbo-charged 2.4-liter is available, providing 210 lb.-ft. (285 N•m) of torque to the pavement while achieving 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
The 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 is well appointed with standard equipment including: power windows with auto-down function on both front windows, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player, MP3-play capability and auxiliary audio input jack, 65/35 fold/tumble/removable rear seats, a center console with sliding armrest and storage, Chrysler signature analog clock, compass, temperature display, air conditioning, manually adjustable front seats with seat heaters, front dome lamp, cargo compartment lamp, floor mats, 12-volt center instrument panel power outlet, uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio, cruise control and leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt-steering column. To top off interior appointments, a 368-watt Boston Acoustics premium sound system and power sun roof are available.
Standard exterior equipment includes body-color front and rear fascias, body-color fog lamp surrounds, Chrysler winged badge on the hood and liftgate, upper and lower billet aluminum cross-hatch pattern grilles, chromed door handles, chromed body-side moldings, chromed stainless steel exhaust tip (on turbo), 17-inch SRT Design wheels with all-season performance tires, unique 'PT' door badging, PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 tailgate badge, fog lamps and a Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl hoop spoiler to match the accented roof. Exclusive Midnight White Pearl Coat exterior paint completes the dramatic look.
The limited-edition 2009 PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 also includes more than 25 standard safety and security features found on the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser, including standard front-seat-mounted side air bags, Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), new advanced driver and front-passenger multi-stage front air bags with the Occupant Classification System (OCS), Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child-seat anchor system, brake/park interlock, lap and shoulder seat belts in all positions, rear-door child protection locks, remote keyless entry with illuminated entry, Sentry Key engine immobilizer, speed-sensitive power locks, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes with low-speed traction control (ABS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser Lineup Continues to Grow
The Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 marks the 14th customized version of the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser since it was first introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model. The 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 joins the Flames, Woodie, PT Dream Cruiser Series 1, 2, 3 and 4, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the refreshed 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66, Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition and Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Editions.
Chrysler PT Cruiser Production
Since its launch as a production vehicle in February 2000 through July 2008, 1,304,702 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles have been sold worldwide.

Food, beer, and T-shirt bribes were also somewhat effective, though a cynic might point out that only teams with nothing to hide actually got into the bribin' spirit. We got enough for some beer and pizza after a long day sweating in robes and wigs in the muggy South Carolina air, so all in all we think it was a good idea.


And, truth be told, it would have taken waaaaay more than a couple of fivers to get some of the race cars past the inspection. For example, when you roll up in your PT Cruiser stuffed full of Neon handlin' goodness, give us a long and complicated story about the crazy deals you got on suspension parts, and then we pop the hood and find a supercharger? Oh yeah, that supercharger! Plumb forgot that! Say hello to lap penalties aplenty (but we respect the attempt, guys).


Then there were some tougher calls, like this Miata. The car was fielded by a Spec Miata-building shop, which meant there was an awful lot of gray area surrounding the value of "parts we had lying around." There was no gray area surrounding the incredible speed with which it screamed around the track during practice, however, and so Chief LeMons Perpetrator Jay Lamm had to be brought in for an appellate ruling.

Well, that explains everything.
[English Russia]

The author goes on to say:

Back to the problem. I promised I'd explain why the PT Cruiser is the mobile of death, and I intend to keep that solemn oath. So what do we have here? A car that was designed based on the subconscious desires of American rejects, that was marketed as a masterpiece of precision engineering, that was passed off as a retro-dreammachine by a naive past-its-prime automaker and that made a lot of people feel happy and young again. What's the big deal? Well I'd like to suggest that the big deal is the fact that the design of this car, and the level to which its target audience (intended or accidental) embraced its fantastically offensive appearance and ravenously gobbled up each and every one off of every lot in the first year after it was released, speaks to a general softening of our collective perception of aesthetics.

Chrysler Brings Some Bling to the Boulevard with its Newest Buzz Model - the 2008 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition

* New Chrysler PT Cruiser model lights up the boulevard to kick-off annual Woodward Dream Cruise
* Eleventh factory-customized limited-edition PT Cruiser celebrates another great American driving road
* New PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition delivers factory customization and limited production at a value price
* More than 1.2 million PT Cruisers sold since its introduction in 2000

Royal Oak, Mich., Aug 13, 2007 - Chrysler again kicks off the annual Woodward Dream Cruise today with the introduction of its newest special-edition PT Cruiser dedicated to a great American road that is part of Hollywood legend and the inspiration for countless songs, movies and TV shows - Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Announced in conjunction with Detroit's famed Woodward Dream Cruise, the 2008 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition will be available later this summer as a limited-production version of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

"The Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition joins the Route 66 Edition and Pacific Coast Highway Edition as the third in our Street Cruiser series dedicated to famous highways," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. "Like the historic roads we're celebrating, the Chrysler PT Cruiser is a classic, and the perfect vehicle for factory customization because it celebrates the journey, as well as the destination."

Chrysler is limiting production of this unique factory-customized Sunset Boulevard Street Cruiser Edition to just 500 units for the 2008 model year. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition will be $16,650 for the manual transaxle version and $17,475 for the automatic transaxle model. Both prices include a $640 destination charge.

"The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a classic that lends itself to personalization, and the car enthusiasts here at Chrysler are always looking at new ways to make this one-of-a-kind cruiser even more unique ," said Larry Lyons, Vice President - Front-wheel-drive Product Team. "We have a long history of success with keeping PT Cruiser fresh and exciting. In fact, the Sunset Boulevard is the 11th factory-customized PT Cruiser since it was first introduced in 2000."

Glitz and Glamour, PT Style
The Chrysler PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition is inspired by the glitz and laid-back glamour of Los Angeles — from the bright lights of Hollywood to the beautiful beaches along the coast. Soaked in the warm, golden rays of the perfect "Sunset Crystal" paint and accented with glistening bright chrome accents, this limited-edition PT Cruiser model brings some bling to the boulevard. Additional special equipment on the Sunset Boulevard Street Cruiser Edition includes 16-inch chrome-clad nine-spoke wheels with all-season touring tires, a power moonroof and deep-tint sunscreen glass. Brightwork accents include chrome body-side moldings and chrome lock knobs. A unique "Street Cruiser" badge, complete with Sunset Crystal accents, is featured on the rear liftgate and complemented by "Sunset Boulevard" Edition badges. Unique interior features on the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition include bright sill scuff pads, bright accent ring cup holders and chrome PRNDL bezel on vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle. Cluster bezels and the passenger air bag door are Sunset Crystal to match the exterior body color.

Based on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser LX, the Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 150 horsepower (112 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. (220 N•m) of torque coupled with either a five-speed manual transaxle or a four-speed automatic. With the five-speed manual, this engine achieves 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway based on 2008 EPA estimates, perfect for a weekend cruise down any boulevard in the country.

Additional standard equipment includes power windows with auto-down function on both front windows, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player, MP3 play capability and auxiliary audio input jack, 65/35 fold/tumble/removable rear seats, a center console with sliding armrest and storage, Chrysler signature analog clock, compass and temperature display, power accessory delay, rear-window wiper/washer, manually adjustable front seats, front dome lamp, cargo compartment lamp, four premium speakers, 12-volt center instrument panel power outlet and a tilt steering column. Standard exterior equipment on the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition includes body-color front and rear fascias, Chrysler winged badge on the hood and liftgate, bright door handles, halogen quad headlamps and a body-color strip spoiler on the liftgate. Power rack-and-pinion steering, power front disc/rear drum brakes and Tire Pressure Monitoring System also are standard.

The glow of the sunset also glimmers from the interior of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition. Bauhaus feature fabric covers Pastel Pebble Beige sport contour bucket seats. This limited-edition vehicle also includes many of the standard safety features found on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, including front-seat-mounted side air bags, enhanced accident response system, new advanced driver and front-passenger multi-stage front air bags with the Occupant Classification system, Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child-seat anchor system, brake/park interlock, lap and shoulder seat belts in all positions, rear door child protection locks, remote keyless entry with illuminated entry, Sentry Key engine immobilizer and speed-sensitive power locks.

Available options on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition include an automatic transaxle, air conditioning, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes with low-speed traction control (ABS), engine block heater, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with free first-year subscription, and Sound Group I (which includes SIRIUS Satellite Radio and 368-watt Boston Acoustics audio Group with six speakers and subwoofer).

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Lineup Continues to Grow
The Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition is the 13th vehicle and the 11th customized version of the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser since it was first introduced in 2000. The 2008 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition joins the Flames, Woodie, PT Dream Cruiser Series 1, 2, 3 and 4, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the refreshed 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 and Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway editions.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Production
Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible vehicles are built at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico. Chrysler sold 7,113 PT Cruisers in July. So far, year-to-date, U.S. sales of the PT Cruiser are 60,305. Since its launch as a production vehicle in February 2000 through July 2007, 1,211,271 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles have been sold worldwide.

Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is a long, winding thoroughfare that begins in downtown Los Angeles and runs westward more than 20 miles to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, Sunset Boulevard passes through Hollywood before it becomes the Sunset Strip as it passes through West Hollywood, weaves its way through Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, and continues through the rustic foothills of the Santa Monica mountains, and finally ends at the Pacific Ocean near Malibu. Over the course of those 20 miles, the boulevard's personality undergoes several radical transformations.

The name "Sunset Boulevard" has become a part of Hollywood legend, serving as the inspiration for countless songs, movies and TV shows, including:

* The famous 1950 motion picture starring William Holden & Gloria Swanson titled "Sunset Boulevard." The movie, in turn, inspired the 1993 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name, which starred actress Glenn Close in the lead role of Norma Desmond.
* The 1960's popular TV series "77 Sunset Strip"
* The Eagles' biggest-selling album, "Hotel California," which featured a photo of a Sunset Boulevard hotel on its cover, the Beverly Hills Hotel.
* Former Eagle Don Henley recorded a song about life down at "The Sunset Grill" in 1985
* 1970's disco singers sang about life "On Sunset," where there were "limousines to hide the stars, tinted glass to hide the scars... "
* The final scene in Woody Allen's classic 1977 comedy "Annie Hall" was filmed at a sidewalk café right on the Sunset Strip

Source: Yahooautos.com

Chrysler Brand
Driven by award-winning new models, the Chrysler brand has seen a dramatic increase in sales, market share and brand image. Since 1990, Chrysler brand sales have more than tripled. No other American automotive brand has grown as much during the same time frame.

The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in great design, purposeful technology and value. With the launch of the all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan and the 2007 Chrysler Aspen - the first-ever full-size sport utility vehicle for the brand - the momentum is sure to continue with the launch of the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible and 2008 Chrysler Town and Country.

Despite the fact the German side of the German-American hybrid no longer wants anything to do with the 'merican side, the 'mericans are still trying to feel pretty inside. That's why they've released a set of four new ads touting their vehicles as being "engineered beautifully." That phrase apparently is the distillation of the fact that "...at its core, the Chrysler brand stands for stylish products, agile performance, refined quality and the confidence of being proud without being arrogant." Well, considering the fact that they're now seen as being Daimler-Benz's little whipping boy, I somehow don't know how much I agree with the fact that they're looking all that "proud" now, much less "arrogant." And don't even get us started on "agile performance" and make us bring up the new Sebring. But whatever it takes this jilted lover to get through the day, you know? Full release below the jump. – Ray Wert

Chrysler Brand Debuts Campaign with New "Engineered Beautifully" Theme Line Auburn Hills, Mich., May 7, 2007 -

Stunning design and innovative technology take center stage in the new Chrysler brand TV and print ads, which break on May 8, featuring the new theme line "Engineered Beautifully."

"More than 80 percent of the Chrysler brand product portfolio is all-new or refreshed in the last 12 months with the recent introduction of the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible and the debut of the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country later this year," said David Rooney, Director - Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. "This is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase that there is more behind the sheet metal and distinctive style, and that every Chrysler possesses world-class quality and engineering at an extraordinary value."

Additionally, the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible marketing launch is May 8. The Sebring Convertible ads mirror the tone and style of the new Chrysler brand creative.

The all-new Sebring Convertible offers a sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. It also offers what no other convertible has offered before - three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color steel hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob.

"Chrysler is, and always has been, a brand made by and built for people with a passion for great cars," said Rooney. "Products like the 300 and Town & Country put us at the forefront of the industry in terms of style and design. At the same time, we have made great strides to become competitive and even surpass our competition in terms of quality and engineering. While we have made great strides, the perception has not caught up with reality in the marketplace. Our new communications direction will help get that engineering message across."

At its core, the Chrysler brand stands for stylish products, agile performance, refined quality and the confidence of being proud without being arrogant. The new Chrysler brand direction will communicate these core values through a unique combination of both striking design and innovation technology. Overall, Chrysler promises superior engineering and stunning designs built around customer's needs ... at a price that will surprise and delight. No other manufacturer can make this claim. It's the way our vehicles come together that sets us apart. Simply put, Chrysler vehicles are ... Engineered Beautifully.

Following are descriptions of the new broadcast spots, including those for the Chrysler brand, Chrysler Sebring sedan, Chrysler Sebring Convertible and Chrysler 300.

Technology Throughout (Chrysler Brand :60)
This lead spot focuses on the innovative features within every Chrysler vehicle and the engineering behind those features. It uses a unique and original CGI technique to showcase the technology and engineering behind key features that enable Chrysler vehicles to seamlessly adapt to everyday driving situations.

The vehicle is slowed down on the film at the very instant that a feature is engaged. The viewer is then taken inside to see the technology and craftsmanship that lies beneath. This spot showcases and links together the Chrysler 300, Aspen, Sebring Convertible and all-new Town & Country, along with shared technology of Multi-displacement System (MDS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System. It closes with a shot of the Chrysler brand lineup and the new tag line "Engineered Beautifully."

Taking Care (Sebring sedan :30)
This spot clearly demonstrates how every Chrysler Sebring sedan is meticulously designed and built to meet the everyday needs of customers through purposeful technology, not superficial features. It also shows how each feature has been designed and incorporated to further enhance their driving experience.

This commercial begins with the customer. The car and its features build around the customer piece by piece, via a unique CGI technique, as they interact with the various features of the vehicle. At the end, all the pieces come together to deliver the best possible driving experience - a beautiful "custom built" Sebring sedan.

Key to Happiness (Sebring Convertible :30)
This commercial features a highly energetic and emotional execution of the new brand essence. The Sebring Convertible is featured in a stylized setting designed to showcase its beautiful design and advanced engineering. The main product features are set in unique type on black art cards to maximize impact. The emotional music track provides a consistent undertone for the overall message of styling, design and technology.

The commercial begins with a shot of the all-new 2008 Sebring Convertible, showcasing its beautiful styling. The new Convertible hard top is shown along with the unique art cards to match. We see a few of the new technological features of the vehicle as well. These features, technological advancements and stylish design messages culminate to invite the consumer to hold the key to happiness.

Success (300 :30)
This commercial maintains a consistent tone with the Sebring Convertible "Key To Happiness" spot as it features the beautiful Chrysler 300 in a stylized setting. The main product features are set in unique type on black art cards to maximize impact. The emotional music track provides a consistent undertone for the overall message of styling, design and technology.

The commercial begins with a reveal of the distinctive front end of the Chrysler 300. As the 300 approaches the city, art cards are displayed showcasing the many premium features it has available. The spot culminates in a bold statement that captures what the Chrysler 300 is all about.

Multiple vehicles (300/PT Cruiser/Sebring Sedan :30)
Again, keeping with the tone of "Key to Happiness" and "Success" this spot features the Chrysler 300, PT Cruiser and Sebring sedan in beautifully attractive and stylized settings that capture the essence of what the Chrysler brand is all about. The main product features are set in unique type on black art cards to maximize impact. The emotional music track provides a consistent undertone for the overall message of styling, design and technology.

This commercial communicates the Chrysler brand's leadership in fuel efficiency, as well as its commitment to building quality vehicles that are unique in their distinctive styling and incredible value. No more is that present than with the award-winning 300, the technologically advanced Sebring sedan, and the stylish, yet functional PT Cruiser.

The television schedule features prime-time network and cable shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Boston Legal, Ugly Betty, Dancing with the Stars, Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show, NBA Playoffs, Big Break 7, Larry King, Anderson Cooper, Nancy Grace, Headline News, Law and Order CI, Law and Order SVU and Dog Whisperer. The ads will also appear on other channels including TNT, TBS, Food Network Style Network, ESPN, CNBC, Fine Living Network, Bravo and The Golf Channel.

The print ads follow the same creative direction for a consistent tone and message. Product is the star with bold photography on colorful backgrounds along with highlighted technology features. The Chrysler print ads will run in Automobile Magazine, Aspen Peak Magazine, Car and Driver, Food Wine, Forbes, Golf Digest, Golf For Women, Jet, Martha Stewart Everyday, Motor Trend, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Road and Track, Southern Accents, Sunset, Tennis Magazine, Traditional Home and Travel and Leisure.

In addition to the new advertising, the Chrysler brand will showcase the all-new Sebring Convertible through two programs done with Hearst and Forbes magazines. The Hearst Awaken Your Senses program includes advertising, Web activity (www.awakenyoursenses.com), product displays and test drive components with the grand prize of an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The Chrysler brand is also the exclusive sponsor of one chapter of the Forbes 90th Anniversary Issue and Networking Special Report covering lifestyle elements surrounding careers, entertainment, leisure and design.

Chrysler Brand
Driven by award-winning new models, the Chrysler brand has seen a dramatic increase in sales, market share and brand image. Since 1990, Chrysler brand sales have more than tripled. No other American automotive brand has grown as much during the same time frame.

The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in great design, purposeful technology and value. With the launch of the all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan and the 2007 Chrysler Aspen - the first-ever full-size sport-utility vehicle for the brand - the momentum is sure to continue with the launch of the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible and 2008 Chrysler Town & Country.

"The top photo is from a "blind" drive clinic in Southern California; it shows the JC49 to be built in Toluca, based on the Chrysler Sebring platform, with production scheduled for December 2007. Chrysler may eventually get a version of this vehicle, which might or might not be called the PT Cruiser; it's scheduled for about 25% of the production total, and would have completely different sheet metal..."

"...The JC49, at least, is planned to be part of Chrysler's long-delayed serious entry into Europe. One of them might be named PT Cruiser but would not be recognizable to current owners. The Toluca plant is set for a $1 billion upgrade to allow production of the new crossover alongside the PT Cruiser; it built 177,370 PT Cruisers in 2005, not bad for a "fad car" in its fifth year (2007 will be the seventh year, including 2001)."

The Dodge Crew (JC49) and PT Cruiser (JZ49) Crossovers (now with "chops") [Allpar]

Related:
Spy Photos: No-Name Dodge Crossover [internal]

Way down under in a country boasting a town called "Tittybong," Drive.com.au speculates on a "black blob" fielded by the Chrysler organization. It's the weird crossover we've been seeing in the states, but about which we had little info. Now, spies say it's the artifice-free replacement for the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which will come in a Dodge version and sport a 3.5-liter V6. So long nostalgic references to days past. We hardly knew ye. (Screw you, Lassa; you probably knew this all along. You insider, you.) – Mike Spinelli

Chrysler 'black blob' to replace PT Cruiser [Drive.com.au]

Related:
Spy Photos: More on That Chrysler Crossover Thing [internal]

Spied! New Dodge "JC49" Crossover! [Winding Road]
The Dodge JC49 Crossover [Allpar]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2008 Dodge Dakota [internal]

Shoehorning batshit enginery into small cars is nothing new. In fact, Carroll Shelby would just be another has-been racer from Texas if he'd not engaged that very practice. But is there no limit?

Will consider working a deal for 1969 Z/28 Camaro, 1970's Cuda or Challenger

Well, I should say so. – Mike Spinelli

2001 Chrysler Streetrod [eBay]

Related:
V10 Turbo Viper-Powered Cuda [internal]

We're all pretty excited here in Motown about our beloved Detroit Tigers. It's been 22 years since we've been to the classic of fall classics, the World Series — and people have gone so cracker-jack crazy over our "boys" — DaimlerChrysler decided it'd be a good idea to get a piece of that PR action themselves. The German-American hybrid's paired themselves up with local NBC affiliate WDIV, and gone and redecorated their lame-mobile PT Cruiser in full ballgame uniform — minus cleats. The result is a car they've named the "WDIV Tigers Cruiser" that for this week and next, even we'd be pleased as punch to call our own. Knowing the Chrysler folks, this'll probably end up becoming next year's Woodward Dream Cruise Edition PT. Come on Chrysler Group — we're still waiting on our orange and blue Tigers / Jalopnik Dodge Charger SRT8! – Ray Wert

Related:
PT Cruiser PCH: Dodge Announces California Edition Cruiser [internal]

Carmakers have been building California edition cars since the Governator was just a seed in the pocket of some Austrian's brownish shirt. Now, as Wert found out — he's prowling around metro Detroit, looking for a free press luncheon and a nice cabernet — Chrysler's building a limited edition PT Cruiser with a West Coast theme. It's the 2007 PT Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition, which is an homage to that famous route along the ocean; both killer of Ferrari Enzos and purveyor of spectacular scenery. Chrysler's already done the Route 66 edition; we're still waiting for the Long Island Expressway edition. UPDATE: Wert and part-time volunteer Jalopnik buddy James LaMoreaux snapped some pics of the reveal and voila — photo gallery!

Related:
Chrysler Launches Limited Edition "Route 66" PT Cruiser [internal]

PTeazer Roadster Gallery [PTeazer]

Related:
More El Camino goodness [internal]

Why you shouldn t buy this car: With the top down, the PT Convertible looks a bit like a bathtub with a handle. The PT chop top is also so not a driver s car. Although plenty quick and flat through the turns, the front-driver has more body flex than Mr. Universe. The cruising range is limited by the small gas tank and the rear visibility is restricted by that baby pram cover perching on the rear deck.

Why you should buy this car: The PT has the best rear passenger room of any convertible you can name; you can take your best bud Al Fresco and two more friends for a smooth, bracing cruise (especially if you re brave enough to put the hammer down). It s well-built, fuel efficient and cheap as chips. Heck, you might even like the styling.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims:Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Chrysler
· Model tested: PT Cruiser Convertible GT
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $30,285
· Engine type: 2.4-liter HO Turbo DOHC, 16-valve
· Horsepower: 230hp @ 5100 rpm
· Torque: 245ft-lb @ 2400 - 4500 rpm
· Redline: 6240 (limited)
· Wheels and Tires: Goodyear Eagle RSA; P205/50HR17
· Drive type: front wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 7 seconds
· 1/4 mile: 15.4 secs @ 92mph
· Top speed: 120mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21/27
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/4/4 (with side airbags)
[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Exterior Design: ***
For some, the PT Cruiser is a pastiche that looks like something hot rod designer Chip Foose doodled on an off day. For others, the PT is only slightly less endearing than Elle Woods. Slicing off the PT s lid accentuates the polarization. To our eyes, the PT Cruiser Convertible is the only ragtop made that looks better with the top up. But hey, we re in touch with our feminine side; we understand the Cruiser Convertible s user-friendly appeal.

Acceleration: *****
Whoa Nellie! What s a car with the word cruiser in its moniker doing with such ferocious poke above 4 grand? As Chrysler s German masters might say, the result is a bad case of torque steer uber alles. Sure, the extra oomph is welcome in third or fourth gear, but it s a wheel-spinning nightmare at lower velocities. Great landing, wrong airport.

Braking: ****
The GT s four-wheel discs lack initial bite and require full commitment, but they re plenty powerful. It s a good thing too; considering how rapidly a wrung-out GT heads for the hills. [NB: Lower-spec models have, gulp, drum brakes in the rear.]

Ride: ****
There s a lot of scuttle shake over anything other than a billiard table surface. Otherwise, you get a wonderfully cushy ride without a hint of the floaty drifties.

Handling: ***
While the PT s twist-beam axle (guided by trailing arms and a Watt's linkage) does an admirable job curtailing wheel hop and keeping things level in the corners, there s so much body flex it doesn t really matter. Any pistonhead who thrashes this cruiser to the [inevitable] point of understeer oblivion gets the tow truck they deserve.

Gearbox: *****
The GT s five-speed is a tactile delight. A perfectly positioned aluminum knob connects you to as smooth a cog swapper as you ll find in a mainstream motor. The clutch action is lighter than Nicole Richie, but it suits the nature of the beast.

Audio/Video: **
As members of SOCC (Survivors of Crap Cars) will tell you, a great radio is the final determinant of a car s character. While the GT s Infinity sound system has enough juice to overcome the inevitable wind roar without putting your ears in triage, there s no excuse for putting a disco-era head unit into a lifestyle machine like this. Will somebody please tell the Big Three how to make a good-looking radio?

Toys: *****
The whole thing is a toy. (See: below)

Trunk: *
The Web photo illustrating the PT s storage capacity shows goods and chattel stashed on the rear seats. Nuff said?

Overall Rating: ****
[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT, Part 1, Part 3 [internal]

Some people swear by convertibles. I swear at them. There are few things more painful than trying to drive a car with a blazing sun frying your bald spot in the middle of a howling gale of humid air, and most of them are banned by The Geneva Convention. Now that autumn s here, I m feeling slightly more charitable toward the whole drop top shtick. The fortuitous arrival of a Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT certainly helped elevate my genetically handicapped top-down tolerance levels. It s a feel good machine of Prozacian proportions.

Of course, there are some, myself included, who remain unmoved by the Cruiser s aesthetic appeal. While I m a huge fan of the car s De Soto-esque curvilinear prow, attaching it to a 40 s panel van makes about as much sense as putting Michelle Pfeiffer s mug on Rosie O Donnell s body. Slicing off the PT Cruiser s lid accentuates the chop shop dichotomy. The baby pram profile (left by the lid on the rear deck) and the St. Louis arch spanning the interior don t help matters. From most angles, with the top down, the PT Cruiser Convertible looks decidedly goofy.

As Walt Disney might say, one man s goofy is another man s pet (although the fact that Goofy s owner is a mouse confuses the proposition). There s no question that PT Convertiblarians are deeply smitten by their machines exterior; I heard one owner refer to her car as Bubala. Once you plop three best buds in Chrysler s top-down two-door, it s hard not to harmonize with the good vibrations. If you can find a convertible with a more spacious and comfortable rear compartment, ask Lee Iacocca to tap into his carrot-topped granddaughter s trust fund and buy it for you.

The Cruiser Convertible is a motorized Hawaiian shirt: funky, comfortable and easy-going. Well, maybe not so easy-going. Our GT holstered a 2.4-liter turbocharged four good for 230 horses. The majority of the herd live above 4000rpms, and it s best not to rile them. Once you do, the PT s front hooves skitter all over the place, while the car s body flexes disapprovingly. Cash-strapped convertiblistas are advised that the lower-spec, lesser-engined model offers more assiduous ambling. Chrysler is advised to put this bonkers motor into something small and nimble as soon as possible.

Anyway, the cruising thing is not about driving dynamics. It s about the radio. Unfortunately, Chrysler is still working its way through the three million radios it made in 1972. The PT s head unit has all the class of Walter Murphy & the Big Apple Band ("A Fifth of Beethoven"). On the positive side, you can crank the Infinity system without worrying about the treble neutering Labradors as you pass. While the rest of the cockpit is suffused with rental car grade switchgear, the PT has got to be one of the best-built [ostensibly] American cars made. If only you could sit in the driver s seat rather than on it

Never mind. The PT Cruiser Convertible has everything in needs to kill, crush and destroy the idea that GM s PT-wannabe is going to steal sales from the Dark Lords of DCX. (A convertibilized HHR? Bring it on.) Other than its bisexual sheet metal and over-zealous powerplant, the only nits that can be picked from the PT Convertible GT are its small gas tank and the fact it offers vertically challenged drivers less rearwards visibility than a combine harvester.

If you re looking for low-cost fresh air motoring, wait til the snow blows and make your play for a PT Cruiser Convertible. It s America s most commodious, best-value motorized solar radiation torture chamber. [by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT, Part 2, Part 3 [internal]

On the occasion of Detroit's annual Woodward "Damn, I Wish It Was 1965" Dream Cruise, Chrysler is introducing a Limited-production PT Cruiser dedicated to the highway that's the best. The Route 66 edition will be available later this year for $19,825 (manual) or $20,660 (automatic), including a $640 destination charge.

The car's cosmetics follow a desert theme, in a sense that it's set up for sun-baked climes, with exclusive Solar Yellow paint — with matching brake calipers and grille — solar-tinted sunscreen glass and liftgate mounted spoiler, which is perfect for frying eggs while summering in Barstow. Still, the package is meant to evoke a street cruiser from the Woodward heyday, with 17-inch chrome-plated, five-spoke aluminum wheels (plus all-season performance tires); chrome body-side moldings and a chrome exhaust tip. Inside, Solar Yellow accents highlight slate-gray cloth, and a standard AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player (and MP3 auxiliary jack) assures a stable medium for Time-Life Collections. Also standard are four-wheel anti-lock brakes with low-speed traction control, speed control and a sport suspension, assuring no one will come a' knockin' if this van is a' rockin'.

Related:
Chrysler Unveils Freshened PT Cruiser [internal]