Autoblog

There were no eulogies. No bagpipes were played or honor-guard gunshots fired. Few paid any notice, but on December 21, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible passed quietly into the night and was buried. And we doubt many will miss it.

The axing of the ragtop PT is part of the phasing-out of several Chrysler LLC products devised by its new owners in order to cut costs. Earlier we brought you the news that the Chrysler Crossfire ceased production in Germany. Before that, the Chrysler Pacifica ended its lifecycle in November. Although originally only the convertible version of the PT Cruiser was scheduled for execution, reports later suggested that the regular hard-top wagon version could also be discontinued.

While those Chryslers likewise won't be terribly missed, except by small pockets of devoted enthusiasts, the next to lie under the Chrysler LLC guillotine will be the Dodge Magnum, which is being discontinued in March. The gonzo wagon dropped 25% in sales in 2007 over the previous year. As Inside Line points out, however, if you're still keen on getting a Magnum (or a PT convertible, for that matter), some good deals are likely to be had from local dealers eager to sell the last remnants of a dying breed.

[Source: Inside Line]

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]