Chrysler will share next PT Cruiser with Dodge
Chrysler is hard at work developing a new PT Cruiser, which is no easy task considering the vehicle's throwback looks will be difficult to update while maintaining the wagon's charm. Code-named JZ49, the next generation Cruiser will also be joined by a Dodge variant, reports Automotive News, that goes by the code name JC49.
AN is reporting that the next PT Cruiser will actually lose much of its retro sheetmetal and become something of an entry-level CUV for Chrysler, while the Dodge version will be a "sport tourer". Originally the next PT Cruiser, which some surmise may be called the PZ Cruiser (?), was to be developed alongside the Dodge Caliber, but that plan never came to fruition. It seems odd, however, that now Dodge may be getting another CUV-type vehicle to slot in between the Caliber and Nitro. That just doesn't make a whole lot of sense, so we question the analyst quoted by AN on that point. It would make more sense to stick to the plan and get the next generation PT Cruiser and Caliber on the same platform at all costs.
[Source: Automotive News – sub. required]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
beth 12:44PM (2/03/2008)
had to laugh at that. it was funny.
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neil surdoval 9:27AM (2/07/2008)
I sold cars for 28 years , including some very high dollar prestige cars . In 04 i bought a Pt Cruiser GT , it was the most fun car i have ever owned , a thrill to drive , at the time i was selling Mercedes , when it came time to make a lunch run ..... the guys i worked with would request we take the cruiser instead MBZ ..... i think the negative comments are from people who have never driven a PT GT.The car is quite respectable !
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RickDom 10:46AM (10/16/2006)
The reasoning behind the JC49, as I understand it, is that it fills the space left by dropping the short wheel base minivan and by the fact that the next generation Pacifica (CY) will be RWD. The developement of the JC was started before there was a solid plan for the PT replacement.
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D-Dog 11:03AM (10/16/2006)
How about calling it the PT Snoozer...yawn.
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AR 11:15AM (10/16/2006)
Boring. The PT Cruiser is so 2001. Today, no one even gives the PT a second glance. Just goes to show that modern "retro" designs tire quickly and don't age well.
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JC Whitless 11:48AM (10/16/2006)
Only if it gave dodge a retro little pickup truck would it make sense.
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Stoneman 11:39AM (10/16/2006)
Nasty vehicle. I think if they beat it up with a sledge hammer, then, yes, THEN you'd have something.
Stoneman
http://www.stonemanAUTOreview.com
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bajanbuoy 3:12PM (10/16/2006)
Yeah, that's why it's still selling 10,000 a month and 120,000 a year. Considering it's been out going on 7 years, with only a little cosmetic change... Get real.
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Sean 12:05PM (10/16/2006)
Its a great car in terms of quality and style. They still sell over 120K a year and the GT model will torch most ricer junk on the road. They have sold over a million worldwide, and have a huge aftermarket following. With a modest $350 stage one upgrade, PT GTs with automatics are turning low 14 second quarters.
If retro is dead, the Camaro wouldn't be coming, the HHR wouldn't be selling in similar numbers to the PT, and the Challenger wouldn't be coming.
Not every car has to look like an ugly Japanese appliance.
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Bob 12:36PM (10/16/2006)
And not every car has to have a hideous dark flat nose, but tell that to Dodge. I can't wait to see what their version of the PT Cruiser will look like. I bet it'll be hideous! It'll also be too close in function to the Caliber, so I don't see the point at all.
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JW 12:39PM (10/16/2006)
Wouldn't the Caliber be Dodge's PT? The current PT is on the Neon platform, which the Caliber replaced. AND the Caliber is a hatchback like the PT. Does Dodge really need 3 wagons in their lineup?
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Miyoshi 1:06PM (10/16/2006)
Everytime I'm given a PT Cruiser as a rental car for work, I want to drive into a wall.
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hharper1321 1:30PM (10/16/2006)
Hey JW - The PT IS NOT built on a Neon platform. They share some brake and suspension pieces, that's it. Totally different platform. And the GT shares a powerplant with the Neon SRT4, in fact, it was the Neon, that borrowed the engine from the PT. This is still a great selling vehicle in the DCX lineup, and offers more than just the next boxy hatch from Japan. Love it or hate it, it still engenders conversation, as evidenced by the responses here....
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t 2:19PM (10/16/2006)
Rather than calling it the PZ cruiser, wouldn't it make better sense to use the next letter after T instead and call it the PU Cruiser?
lol
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JarryHames 4:05PM (10/16/2006)
The POS Cruiser be disco'd and forgotten. The retro trend is over. Save the money and create an entirely new vehicle. Let the PT go!
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CoffeeJedi 3:00PM (10/16/2006)
so Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Cruiser-something, Dodge Calibur, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot... all occupying the same size and price class and engineered from just 2(related) common platforms
yeah, that strategy's been working so well at GM for years....
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Michael 10:09AM (10/17/2006)
Why does GM, Ford and Chrysler feel it necessary to have a version of every vehicle for every division. We are inundated with variations of these cars. No wonder GM and Ford are in trouble. Chrysler jumped on the wagon after seeing how well the Dodge Caliber sold, but look at the Jeep Compass. I have yet to see more than 2 on the road. When are they going to leave well enough alone? Personally I drive a VW and thank god there aren't other cars with a different nose or tail but the same vehicle. Sell the cars you have before adding more. Gimme a break!
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bajanbuoy 9:50AM (10/18/2006)
[quote]
12. so Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Cruiser-something, Dodge Calibur, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot... all occupying the same size and price class and engineered from just 2(related) common platforms
yeah, that strategy's been working so well at GM for years.... [/quote]
And, Honda, and Toyota, and Nissan...
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Alain 4:03PM (10/16/2006)
How bout we just throw all the Pt cruisers down a well and never speak of them again. Ever.
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66coronet 4:27PM (10/16/2006)
Maybe it's time for the pt cruiser wagon for the family. If it's suppose to replace the SWB mini vans. As for loosing it's retro look, then it shouldn't be called a pt cruiser replacement or carry on. The whole thing about the pt cruiser is the fat fenders appeal of the late 30's and early 40's and that it's affordable. Plus it's easy to customize - personalize, thanks for the after market. {For those that hate, or is board by, fat fender, go buy something else and please skip these news articals. There is enough other edgy products on the market for your interest.}
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