Autoblog

REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - click above for high-res image gallery

The new product picture at Chrysler appears to be mighty thin, as the only new products scheduled to come out of the Pentastar over the next year are redesigns of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and the Chrysler 300. As you may recall, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently said that he was surprised to see how little has been done in the way of product development over the past two years, which is hardly a ringing endorsement from the new boss.

Marchionnne and his management team are now putting the final touches on a new plan to reverse Chrysler's fortunes, and the key to the company's renaissance will be new product. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Marchionne's plan includes quick turnarounds on the refreshing of the Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans, the Dodge Caliber, as well as the Jeep Patriot and Compass. According to company sources, the PT Cruiser is also scheduled to be redesigned in a compressed time frame, with the expectation of a mid-2011 arrival.

To execute the aggressive plan, Marchionne is reportedly calling for design and engineering workers to work overtime, and some workers who took packages or were separated involuntarily will be hired back on a contract basis. Beyond the refreshes already mentioned, Fiat has already committed to build the hot little 500 in Mexico by mid-2011, and the Pentastar will also complete the launch of its Phoenix V6 engine program.

Marchionne is scheduled to deliver his latest proposal to overhaul Chrysler to the Obama Administration's Auto Task Force by next Wednesday. It looks like there is finally going to be some serious action in Auburn Hills, MI, and we're hoping that Fiat and Chrysler can buy two years' time to bring the greatly-needed product to fruition.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Chrysler rehiring white collar workers to get new product out fast originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a tarnished Golden Oldie

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Reviews

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser - Click above for high-res image gallery

It wasn't so many years ago that Chrysler's design department was considered among the best in the industry. Attractive, innovative shapes came one after another, then they took a sharp detour into the crash test building and the rest is Sebring/Compass/Caliber history. In the late Nineties when Chrysler design was still on a roll, one of the highlights was the debut of the PT Cruiser.

As insolvency fast approached, CEO Bob Nardelli and his staff were scrambling to find cars to kill and, unsurprisingly, the nearly decade-old PT wound up on that list. Surprisingly, after exiting bankruptcy court in July, Chrysler decided to keep the PT alive through the end of 2010 when new models start arriving. After perusing our review list and realizing that, like the S2000, we've never tested the PT, we called Chrysler to get one last go-'round in the retro-hatch.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Continue reading Review: 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a tarnished Golden Oldie

Review: 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a tarnished Golden Oldie originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Hot on the heels of news that the Dodge Viper's Conner Avenue facility would be the first Chrysler plant to fire up after the company's bankruptcy proceedings/Fiat tie-up comes official word that the automaker will resume production at seven plants the week of June 29. In addition, Chrysler will bring the supporting powertrain and stamping plants online that supply the assembly factories listed below with parts.

According to Ed Garsten, Chrysler's manager of electronic media communications, the following assembly plants will resume production as part of a "phased production ramp-up" -

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Sterling Heights, MI) - Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger
Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Warren, MI) - Dodge Ram and Dodge Dakota
St. Louis North Assembly Plant (Fenton, MO) - Dodge Ram
Toledo Supplier Park (Toledo, OH) - Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Brampton Assembly Plant (Brampton, Ontario, Canada) - Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger
Windsor Assembly Plant (Windsor, Ontario, Canada ) - Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan
Toluca Assembly Plant (Toluca, Mexico) - Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser

Despite the start-ups, all Chrysler plants will again idle for two weeks in the second half of July as part of a previously scheduled summer break.

Source: Chrysler | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Chrysler to restart seven North American plants by end of month originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chrysler PT Cruiser gets unlikely stay of execution thanks to Fiat tie-up

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

We've been telling you that Chrysler's PT Cruiser is destined for death for years now, yet the little wagon continues to endure. Inside Line is reporting that the PT has yet again escaped the gallow's pole, and instead the Little Paddy Wagon That Could will soldier on until December 2010.

The move will reportedly keep Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico plant running until the Fiat 500 and Panda arrive to fill the space. Inside Line says the two models will be built at the site beginning summer 2011, and the six or so months between the final demise of the PT and the beginning of the Fiat era will be utilize to retool the facility.

With the PT Cruiser possibly around for another year and a half, we have no choice but to continue to "enjoy" its retro-ness. Heck, with an 11-year-old platform and a design that hasn't changed much since its inception, the little PT is practically a living, breathing classic car in its own right.

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Chrysler PT Cruiser gets unlikely stay of execution thanks to Fiat tie-up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler PT Cruiser production to end this summer

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chrysler

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chrysler PT Cruiser Dream Series 5

Ye old Chrysler PT Cruiser is going the way of the dodo this summer, and according to Chrysler LLC President Tom LaSorda, the automaker is actively pursuing a sale of the equipment used to build the PT in Toluca, Mexico.

Speaking with Bloomberg, LaSorda was kind enough to both ask and answer his own questions, saying, "Would we sell those assets? Yes. Do we have any offers to sell those assets? No. Would we be pursuing a buyer? Yes." That makes for an easy interview...

Sales of the PT dropped by 49% last year, with only 50,910 vehicles leaving dealer lots. That's down from the PT's peak when Chrysler was able to offload 144,717 models in 2001. The PT's demise doesn't come as a surprise, particularly considering that Chrysler's owner, Cerberus Capital Management, has slashed six other models from the automaker's lineup since it took control in August 2007. For those of you keeping count, the PT's timely death means that the Chrysler badge is only affixed to three models: the Town & Country minivan, Sebring and 300C.

Gallery: Chrysler PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser Series 5

[Source: Bloomberg]

Chrysler PT Cruiser production to end this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler could be broke by New Year's, Nardelli would work for $1

Dan Roth — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials

Chrysler still makes cars? Apparently so, and CEO Bob Nardelli was on Capitol Hill yesterday with his colleagues from Ford and General Motors, warning that the Pentastar is in serious danger of exhausting its reserves by early 2009. Chrysler's share of the $25 billion in aid the automakers are asking for stands at $7 billion, though at the current rate, that money wouldn't last long, possibly about one fiscal quarter. Senators are concerned that the automakers will turn into a monetary black hole, but the Detroit CEOs are trying to plead the case that securing some federal help will make it easier to emerge out the other side of this downturn.

Nardelli did pledge to accept a $1 per year salary if it would help sway those with the purse strings. It would have been nice if he'd made that pledge to help his company and workforce, instead of it just being a token gesture to help him pick the pocket of the American taxpayer, but the $1 salary, which mimics what Lee Iacocca did during Chrysler's last near-failure, may play better than Alan Mulally's concern over a potential retention problem if the management is actually held accountable. Rick Wagoner divulged that he'd cut his salary by half. We think CEO salaries of a buck are fair - shoot, you can still afford a PT Cruiser on that pay.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chrysler could be broke by New Year's, Nardelli would work for $1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Woodward '08: Chrysler gets things started with PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser Series 5

John Neff — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Chrysler, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the Chrysler PT Cruiser DCS 5

The festivities leading up to the annual Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit begin to ramp up around this time every year, and you know the world's largest traffic jam of classic, custom and exotic vehicles is nigh when Chrysler debuts another limited edition version of its PT Cruiser. This year it's the limited edition Dream Cruiser Series 5 that will be available for purchase in the fall. The DCS 5 is actually more done up than past editions with Midnight White Pearl Coat paint that's topped by a Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl roof. Up front the standard grilles have been swapped out for aluminum mesh, and the 17-inch wheels have clearly been swiped from the SRT parts bin. Chrome trim and a pair of new "PT" badges on the driver and passenger front doors round out the exterior mods. The interior also gets done up with light-colored plastics, silver (plastic) trim and dash panels painted in the same glossy Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl as the roof. The seats are new and feature an interesting texture that Chrysler calls Embossed Momentum seat fabric. If you were hoping for a hot rod, however, you'll be disappointed as the DCS 5 features the PT Cruiser's standard 150-hp 2.4L four-cylinder mated to a four-speed automatic. The DSC 5 will be available with either a 2.4L four-cylinder producing 150 horsepower or a turbocharged version producing 180 hp. With that, we rate the PT Cruiser DCS 5 as one of Chrysler's better Woodward-inspired PT Cruisers. If you're down with the factory mods, you'll need to scrounge up at least $22,700 (plus $670 for destination) by this fall and get in line as only 1,750 units will be made.

Gallery: Chrysler PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser Series 5

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Woodward '08: Chrysler gets things started with PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser Series 5

Woodward '08: Chrysler gets things started with PT Cruiser Dream Cruiser Series 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PT Cruiser will survive through 2009, barely

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Chrysler

It seems as if earlier rumors of the PT Cruiser's death may have been slightly exaggerated. According to PTCruizer.com, the retro-style hatch from Chrysler is still alive, though perhaps on some sort of artificial life support. At least for the 2009 model year, the Cruiser is expected to be built alongside the Dodge Journey, though this could change in the blink of an eye. The plant in Toluca, Mexico where the two vehicles are built is capable of switching at a moments notice between the Journey and the Cruiser. So, if the Journey picks up sales or Chrysler does the unthinkable and launches its own version of the Dodge crossover, the PT could wave good bye for good.

If you are in the market to do some Cruisin' of your own, our suggestion would be to act fast. Reports indicate that Chrysler is reducing the options on the vehicle as much as possible to make them as easy, and therefore as cheap, to build as possible. For instance, the Limited is the only way to get the turbo engine, though air conditioning is now standard across the line. And if the PT makes it all the way through 2009, Chrysler will almost for certain cancel it after that.

[Source: PTCruizer.com]

PT Cruiser will survive through 2009, barely originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay find of the day: All-terrain PT Bruiser

Dan Roth — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Auctions, Etc., Chevrolet, Chrysler

When offering an item for sale, a fuzzy key selling point like "may be legal in some states already" might not be the deal clincher you'd hoped. On today's episode of "Fun With Centers of Gravity" we have the delightful union of the neuter-car PT Cruiser with the greasy unmentionables of a 29 year old Chevy Blazer. It may very well be legal in some states, but it'll still be unholy everywhere it goes. Build quality appears on par with a dollar store habachi - are those pop rivets on the fender liners? The battery sitting on a folded back seat is the crowning feature of the interior and there's also no heat or air conditioning, making this a fun year-round ride. The zip-ties and extra-fun spark plug wire routing in the engine bay dress up the 350, and the seller believes so much in this powertrain that there's a warranty to sweeten the pot. Let's ignore the fact that the nearly $10,000 Buy It Now price would buy a used Jeep Wrangler with a suspension lift, because the seller is being truthful when stating that this is a true one of a kind.

Gallery: PT Bruiser

[Source: eBay via Winding Road]

eBay find of the day: All-terrain PT Bruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Again: WSJ says PT Cruiser indeed short lived

Chris Tutor — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 08:11:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, Chrysler

PT Cruiser fans who were relieved to hear only the convertible version would no longer be built may, after all, have reason to mourn. The Wall Street Journal, quoting a Chrysler dealership owner, says the retro-styled wagon-like CUV is again on the company's hit list.

No word on why Chrysler brass changed their minds or when the final PT will be built, but if you want a new one, you should probably take advantage of the soon-to-be-announced rebates soon. So, is it just a coincidence that the final special edition PT Cruiser will be the Sunset Boulevard Edition?

[Source: WSJ via All Cars All the Time]

Dead Again: WSJ says PT Cruiser indeed short lived originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler said to be planning wake for Magnum, Pacifica, PT Cruiser

Chris Tutor — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Chrysler, Dodge

According to The Detroit News, Chrysler's product-cutting plan is all but official. The first three models on the chopping block, according to the newspaper's unnamed sources, are the Magnum, Pacifica and the PT Cruiser. The next round could include the Jeep Commander if it doesn't get its act together.

Sales on the first three models were down as much as 32% through September, and the company's new boss, Bob Nardelli, isn't in a playing-around mood. Company insiders have told the Det News that Nardelli is taking very close looks at the current lineup and isn't exactly thrilled. Supposedly, Dodge's Dakota and Avenger and Chrysler's Sebring are also feeling the Nardelli heat. The newspaper quotes Nardelli as saying, "I'm not a designer, but I'm a consumer," he said. "Rather than deny some of the (negative) reports that are out there you kind of embrace them and say, what do we want to do to take our vehicle from where it is to where consumers want it to be?"

So how many of you reading that actually said out loud, "It's about damned time!" Nardelli sounds like a guy who doesn't mess around, who seems to know his company's products aren't up to snuff, and who's willing to do just about anything to fix them. Sebring and Avenger aren't exactly blockbuster designs, and if Chrysler must amputate them to stay alive, we say go for it.

We hate to see wagons disappear from the domestics' lineup again, but overall, this is a good sign and we can't wait to see what Nardelli does with future offerings.

By the way, Mr. Nardelli. Can we nominate the Aspen and Compass for some critical evaluation, too? Thanks.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Thanks, Mike, for the tip!

Chrysler said to be planning wake for Magnum, Pacifica, PT Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enthusiast starts petition to save the PT Cruiser

Chris Tutor — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Chrysler

Scott Kissinger knows a thing or two about Chrysler's PT Cruiser. In fact, he knows enough about it to have started ptenthusiasts.org in 1999, before the the PT was even for sale.

So as one who loves the PT Cruiser and who also has an investment of time and money in the nameplate, we imagine Kissinger pretty much freaked out when he heard Chrysler might not continue producing a retro wagon. So he started a petition to encourage Chrysler's new owners to bring the Cruiser back for a second generation. And he's got several good points.

You can read the entire petition on Kissinger's site, savethept.com, or after the jump, but here are a few of the most insightful points it makes. First, the PT continues to be Chrysler's second-best selling vehicle. Second, the car's distinct styling has inspired legions of dedicated fans and enthusiast groups who would be about ready to replace their first Cruiser with a newly re-designed one. Third, not only should Cerberus continue Cruiser production, the company should retain the 1930s hot-rod look, but also introduce more variants including a two-door coupe much like the original Pronto Cruizer concept, as well as a two-seat roadster akin to the Prowler, but with a usable trunk.

I have to admit some bias here. I've owned a PT Cruiser since 2001, when I drove more than three hours to buy an Inferno Red 5-speed PT. Since then it's been the best car I've ever owned and I, too, find it hard to believe Chrysler is considering abandoning seven years of success, and 2006 sales of almost 140,000 cars. I've signed the petition and I encourage those who appreciate highly usable utility, packaged in distinct sheet metal to do the same.

Continue reading Enthusiast starts petition to save the PT Cruiser

Enthusiast starts petition to save the PT Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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And Chrysler's reveal today is... the PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition

Alex Nunez — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Chrysler, Misc. Auto Shows

click image above for high-res version

While we harbored hope that Chrysler would break with tradition and formally launch the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT-4 at Duggan's Pub on Woodward this morning, already the new Pentastar instead did what it's been doing for years: unveiled another special edition PT Cruiser. The Sunset Boulevard Edition is the latest in the Street Cruiser series and is powered by the 150-horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder mated to a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. The vehicle is highlighted by its "Sunset Crystal" paint, bevy of shiny metal trim and 16-inch, nine-spoke chrome wheels. Uplevel features include a power moonroof and dark tinting for the rear windows, while the interior includes more chrome trim in the places you'd most expect it (sorry, no interior shots were released). Being limited to only 500 units for the 2008 model year, this PT Cruiser is also adorned with a number of "Sunset Boulevard" badges to let passersby know it's no normal PT. It's also the 11th special edition PT Cruiser that Chrysler has pumped out, and this one will set you back $16,650 for the manual model and $17,475 for an automatic. That's not a bad price for a car that wants to be a collectible, despite the fact over 1.2 million PT Cruisers have been sold in the past seven years. It's still no Caliber SRT-4, though.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading And Chrysler's reveal today is... the PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition

And Chrysler's reveal today is... the PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Dodge JC49 crossover, PT Cruiser replacement?

Chris Tutor — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, China, Chrysler, Dodge

Allpar is again on top of the JC49 game with spy shots of the crossover in even less dress than the last time we saw it. Looks like the news is pretty much the same, with Dodge getting a version of the Sebring-based crossover to be called Crew, and later on, Chrysler replacing the aging PT Cruiser with a distinctly non-retro variant.

Allpar predicts Chrysler will retain the PT Cruiser name, but cease production of the curvaceous hatchback in 2009 and replace it with a version of this car. Insiders say the current Cruiser's throwback design cues will be totally left to history.

The Dodge version is expected in showrooms in January for around $20,000, while the new Cruiser is expected sometime nearer 2010.

The dual exhaust seen on some test cars seems to indicate an optional V6 alongside a standard four-cylinder.

Allpar also says that Dodge plans to produce European versions of the car at its plant in China's Fujian province.

[Source: Allpar]

Spy Shots: Dodge JC49 crossover, PT Cruiser replacement? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog takes on Gratiot: Cars don't have to be old to be cruise-worthy

Chris Shunk — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Ferrari

Click on the image above to view the high-resolution gallery

As big as the muscle car market has become, not everybody wants to spend their weekends working on a vehicle that gets 8 mpg while still reaching 60mph slower than a V6 Accord. For some, their everyday transportation has become their passion. Other vehicles, like the 80's Monte Carlo or Buick Grand National, are collectible because they act as newer versions of the muscle cars of the 60s and 70s, but with smaller price tags.

While Gratiot avenue still reserved most of its space for vehicles that are older than I am, plenty of newer classics had their day in the (hot) sun as well. Our favorite was the ~~Ferrari 328 GTS~~ Fiero dressed up in its best Italian suit, and was on sale for "only" $13,000. There were three or four Prowlers, a few souped-up PT Cruisers, plenty of Corvettes, and a couple of Vipers as well. There was even a Dodge Nitro that someone dropped at least $15,000 on. Take a look at the high-res image gallery of our 80's-and-up shots from the Gratiot Cruise.

Gallery: Gratiot Cruise 80s-Today

Autoblog takes on Gratiot: Cars don't have to be old to be cruise-worthy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DCX gets behind baseball with Tigers Cruiser

Erin Mays — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Etc., Chrysler, Daimler

More exciting than a rally cap, more powerful than the crack of Brandon Inge's bat, it's...

The Tigers Cruiser!!!

Quite possibly the best fanmobile ever, this modified PT Cruiser was created by DaimlerChrysler and Detroit NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Channel 4 in celebration of the Tigers' success in winning the American League championship series and their advancement to the World Series. Complete with its own stuffed animal tiger, the vehicle sports the Olde English "D" logo on the hood and doors and has been painted with red "stitching" to make the vehicle look similar to one of America's most famous icons -- the baseball. It might be cold in Detroit these days, but you'd better believe that they're cruising in this thing around town with the top down and music blaring.

[Source: You Tube]

DCX gets behind baseball with Tigers Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler will share next PT Cruiser with Dodge

John Neff — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Chrysler, 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]

Chrysler will share next PT Cruiser with Dodge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler intros PT Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition ahead of Dream Cruise

John Neff — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Misc. Auto Shows

Chrysler introducing a special edition PT Cruiser the week before the Woodward Dream Cruise has become an annual event. This year the brand rolled out the PT Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition, the twelfth factory-customized PT Cruiser in the model's history. This new special edition is powered by the company's 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 150 hp and returns 29 mpg on the highway, perfect Chrysler says for cruising down scenic routes like the storied Pacific Coast Highway.

Based on the 2007 PT Cruiser Touring, the PCH Edition is dipped in Ocean Blue paint and rolls on platinum-clad 17-inch wheels. Chrome trim dots the exterior on the grille, door handles, side molding and exhaust tip. A matching Ocean Blue spoiler also sits atop the vehicle's hatch. The two-tone interior is done in Slate Gray and Paste Slate Gray, while the seats get Ocean Blue Alias inserts that visually links them with the exterior color.

Chrysler's special edition PT Cruisers are usually an exercise in color coordination more than mechanical upgrades, and this year's edition is no different. The PCH Edition PT Cruiser will go on sale later this summer in limited production and retail for $20,735 with a manual and $21,570 with an automatic.

(More pics and Chrysler's full press release can be found after the jump.)

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler intros PT Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition ahead of Dream Cruise

Chrysler intros PT Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition ahead of Dream Cruise originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What comes next for the Chrysler PT Cruiser?

John Neff — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 06:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Chrysler

Peter Valdes-Dapena has penned a nice piece examining Chrysler's options for the next PT Cruiser. It's an interesting question, as Valde-Dapena notes, because no retro vehicle has ever been substantially redesigned. Like the recent refreshening of the Volkswagen New Beetle, Chrysler's redo of the PT Cruiser for 2006 amounted to minor visual tinkering. Reportedly, however, Chrysler is looking to have an answer ready for an end of the decade launch.

But what to do? The new Sebring offers a larger frame on which the next PT Cruiser could be built, along with the ability to accept a V6 engine. American tastes, however, are moving away from larger vehicles with less fuel efficient engines, which is one reason the current Cruiser with its fuel-efficient four cylinder is still selling well after six years on the market. Valdes-Dapena also suggests Chrysler could rebadge the similarly sized Dodge Caliber and skin it in a retro theme.

Regardless of what platform the next PT Cruiser employs, the real question is how will Chrysler update a look that's based on distinct visual cues from the past? The article picks the brain of David Zatz, the purveyor of Allpar.com (score one for the web journalists!), who offers the best quote of concern when he says, "Will they attack all the things people pick out as problems and sandpaper off all the edges until there's nothing?" We'll have to wait and see.

[Source: CNN.com]
[Vote for this article on Netscape]

What comes next for the Chrysler PT Cruiser? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jun 2006 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What to do with the PT Cruiser?

Erin Mays — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chrysler

Automotive News had a chat with Chrysler execs about the next PT Cruiser, which is causing the company some sleepless nights. What do you do next with such a unique vehicle, so strongly steeped in retro cues? The car, which debuted in 2001 and has only had a small refresh since, may go on the new Dodge Caliber platform (which would probably make the folks in Belvedere, Illinois pretty happy), but if it gets a V6 for the next model year, it may end up on the new Chrysler Sebring platform. At this point, Chrysler is gauging the market to see if the vehicle will find any customers interested in a V6 for the vehicle.

Either way, the redesigned PT won't hit the streets until 2009 or 2010, giving the current model an awfully long lifespan.

[Source: Automotive News via AutoWeek]

What to do with the PT Cruiser? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jun 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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