More new Cruiser model news...

[PT Frank]

From Autoweek:

Chrysler mulls future of next-generation of PT Cruiser


By RICK KRANZ | Automotive News

PHOENIX -- Is retro styling in or out?

That's the question the Chrysler group is asking as design work begins on the next-generation PT Cruiser.

"Clearly, we have to understand the lifecycle of certain statements and not overdo them," said Chrysler group CEO Dieter Zetsche at a press event in Paradise Valley, Ariz.

While PT Cruiser sales in the United States have sharply declined since 2001, Zetsche said the vehicle's worldwide sales have been successful. Last year, about 150,000 vehicles were sold worldwide with the United States accounting for 107,759 units.

"We don't have too many nameplates in the Chrysler group with 150,000 sales," he said. "It is a great success, and we clearly will stay with the PT Cruiser."

The current PT Cruiser draws on styling themes from late 1930s Fords, and many of its buyers are baby boomers, or older, who can relate to that theme. But Chrysler executives are wondering, as these buyers grow older, will they or anyone have the same interest in buying a highly retro-styled car?

Zetsche said among the questions being asked are: What defines the PT? What does the successor have to represent to be a legitimate successor? Does it mean it has to have the same retro design and same cues, or can it be more contemporary and represent the same kind of utility with some (PT) design cues? "We are still in the phase of figuring that out," he said.

If the decision is made to produce a more contemporary-looking vehicle, it would have to have some specific PT Cruiser design cues such as the grille to be a legitimate successor, Zetsche said.

"We want to make sure that people say, 'OK, that's the new PT Cruiser,' even if that potentially means relatively little resemblance to the current one," he said.

Although Zetsche did not reveal the timing, the redesign is expected around the 2008 model year.

Until the redesign arrives, the automaker will create buzz by adding a four-passenger convertible in March.

About a year or so later, the PT Cruiser line will receive a face-lift. The front-end styling will be new and feature a flatter nose, compared with today's rounded front grille. The headlights will be redesigned, with round, chrome-ringed lights behind a clear plastic cover.

Additional styling changes include flared edges around the front and rear fenders, and a rear bumper with a smoother shape. It no longer will have the recessed, sculptured shapes around the backup lights and license plate.

[basset hound]

There is also some speculation within Chrysler that they will produce a "station wagon" model, but not the Californis Cruiser that was introduced at auto shows.

[Dream Bruizer]

Originally Posted by basset hound

There is also some speculation within Chrysler that they will produce a "station wagon" model, but not the Californis Cruiser that was introduced at auto shows.

Hey Basset Hound, like this one?



Read more about this and other cruisers at this link.
http://www.motortrend.com/future/con...uis/index.html

[JOEM]

Originally Posted by basset hound

There is also some speculation within Chrysler that they will produce a "station wagon" model, but not the Californis Cruiser that was introduced at auto shows.

Not a bad idea...make it a Woody.



Of course, they could finally break down and produce a panel van version...

[MonkeyBoy]

Does it mean it has to have the same retro design and same cues, or can it be more contemporary and represent the same kind of utility with some (PT) design cues?

is this a serious question?

if all we wanted was utility we'd buy more SUVs. The PT style is what makes the car what it is.

[basset hound]

Originally Posted by Dream Bruizer

Hey Basset Hound, like this one?



Read more about this and other cruisers at this link.
http://www.motortrend.com/future/con...uis/index.html

I guess so. At least that's what I hear from my sources.

[PopsPT]

Here are some rhetorical questions, friends.
--- How do u tell a Mercedes from other upscale vehicles on the road?
...I always look for the symbol & the grilles... Those distinctions have always set the Benz apart, despite what some new design team decides. Perhaps DC should take a cue from its parent company & do the same w/the next-gen PT Cruisers?
--- So why is Chevy producing the SSR & the Nomad if retro is out? The hottest vehicle on the road now, IMHO, is the Chevy SSR... & it's a remake of an old Chevy pickup. So what's up w/that? If Chevy can bring the price point down to a realistic consumer level & keep its dealers from trying to gouge would-be buyers, we might all soon be having SSR events nationwide rather than Cruisers...
--- Isn't the "tall car" concept part of the appeal of the PT? Personally, I fit very well in a Cruiser. We have had vans, cab-forward design cars from DC (an Intrepid) & a Jeep. Off all of those models, the PT is by far the most comfortable for my fat butt, ridewise. We have taken all of the above on long road trips & the only vehicle that does not wear me out when I get to my driving destination is the Cruiser.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it, DC.
Just sweeten a good thing & deliver on the panel u promised. U are two-thirds there & I can affirm that the GT is one super-sweet improvement over our old base-model 2001 PT, safety-wise & more. Think of the increased PT sales u could generate, DC, w/a cool-looking vehicle (@the same reasonable price point) that small biz owners could use for deliveries, shipments, etc.... plastered all over w/their logo.
Thanx for listening.
Pop

[SMCruizer]

I don't think there should be a next generation PT Cruiser. It should keep the same basic body style with minor enhancements from time to time. For example, like the original VW Bug or Porsche 911. They are classic styles like the Cruiser and they stayed basically the same for decades.

[Dreamacre]

Originally Posted by SMCruizer

I don't think there should be a next generation PT Cruiser. It should keep the same basic body style with minor enhancements from time to time. For example, like the original VW Bug or Porsche 911. They are classic styles like the Cruiser and they stayed basically the same for decades.

They gotta do something! Too many on the lots, now. Change isn't a bad thing as long as the keep the '30's styling.

[PT Fanfare]

This is my favorite quote:

"While PT Cruiser sales in the United States have sharply declined since 2001, Zetsche said the vehicle's worldwide sales have been successful. Last year, about 150,000 vehicles were sold worldwide with the United States accounting for 107,759 units."

Are they accounting for the fact that most of America is middle class and can't afford to buy a new PT every year to keep CD's stats and sales up? Hello people! This is why your sales have declined, they will boom again.

This is my 2nd favorite quote:

"The current PT Cruiser draws on styling themes from late 1930s Fords, and many of its buyers are baby boomers, or older, who can relate to that theme. But Chrysler executives are wondering, as these buyers grow older, will they or anyone have the same interest in buying a highly retro-styled car?"

I hope they aren't counting out the microwave generation of the 80's (like me) and the gen X'ers. The "retro" look has always been part of these generations and would be a great target market for the PT.

Personally in addition to the new designs DC is coming up with, I wish they would make it about a foot longer and a foot wider, and keep the rounded nose.

Just my $0.02.