Let our voices be heard - next PT Cruiser

[NCPTCruiser]

Originally Posted by turbo2004

Let me ask you this, have you seen a new Jeep on the road lately? I haven't.

I see quite a bit of 'em here in NC

[midcoastme]

One item NOT listed in the poll is "Personalize-able".

Let's face it, if you can't dress it up the way you want, why buy it?

If the new "vehicle" is the size of a Sebring so it can have a V6 and AWD I might as well buy an SUV from South Korea.

I LIKE having a car that doesn't have a sibling with another grille and badge.

[Big Jon]

If they decide to make it bigger, I'm OK with that. If they decide to put a V6 in it, I'm OK with that too. But they must maintain the basic style, personality, versatility, economy, performance & practicality of the PT Cruiser we all know & love. And they better not skimp on the auto tranny this time either. I'm sad to say I can't beleive DC will be able to design such a car again. Lightening struck once & we'll just get watered down copies designed by committe.

[PTRich]

Actually, yes. I'm seeing a lot of Commanders, and a lot of Liberties, and the Compass is off to a decent start.

And of course JGC's are everywhere.

[PTRich]

Originally Posted by midcoastme

One item NOT listed in the poll is "Personalize-able".

Let's face it, if you can't dress it up the way you want, why buy it?

If the new "vehicle" is the size of a Sebring so it can have a V6 and AWD I might as well buy an SUV from South Korea.

I LIKE having a car that doesn't have a sibling with another grille and badge.

Well, whether it's customizable depends on the aftermarket, though several design elements do lend themselves to being customized (the indentations on the front bumper as an example).

I do like that there are several elements in the PT you don't see in any other car (door handles as an example). It's one of the little things that make it such a value and unique vehicle.

I don't really care if the next one looks nothing like the current one; all I care about it that it's a retro themed vehicle with the same 'triangle' of style, affordability, and functionality.

Chevy's SSR and Ford's Thunderbird were long on style, woefully short on the other two.

The fact that Dodge has the Caliber and Jeep has the Compass should encourage, not discourage, them from staying 'retro' with the PT, IMHO.

[taikuchin]

It's interesting & I like to keep up, but.. I really don't care what they do with it or what they call it. I have mine & plan to keep it. I don't understand this thing about putting a v6 in it. The turbo 4 banger is smaller, faster & more economical than a v6, why the hell would you want one?

[turbo2004]

Originally Posted by PTRich

Actually, yes. I'm seeing a lot of Commanders, and a lot of Liberties, and the Compass is off to a decent start.

And of course JGC's are everywhere.

Here is in the bay area of San Francisco, I have seen mostly PT Cruisers, 300's, Chargers, and some Crossfires. I haven't seen a Caliber or a Jeep on the road.

[Marc]

Well, I got an answer to the question I asked The Chrysler Group about "Where is The Panel Cruiser now" when I told them that GM was coming out with the Panel HHR:


Exclusive - Dodge Nitro Panel Wagon pics


Posted Oct 17, 2006, 10:06 AM by Mike Ellis
Category: SEMA



Ask and it shall be delivered… at least this time. A couple of readers of The Firehouse asked us “Where is the Chrysler Group panel van now?” noting that a certain competitor has trotted out their own model. (Check the comments under the story about Tom LaSorda filed on Oct. 5).

Behold the Dodge Nitro Panel Wagon, which will be officially unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) annual show in Las Vegas.


The Dodge Nitro Panel Wagon features a flat load floor and windowless side panels. Chrysler designers also promise some cool ground effects.


This isn't the first time the Chrysler Group has shown concept panel wagons. Many remember the PT Cruiser Panel Van shown in 2000 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Nitro Panel Wagon is a little larger, but in our mind, just as cool. At this point, no decision has been made to build a panel van or wagon.



Check back here over the next few weeks for more exclusive pictures of vehicles to be shown at this year’s SEMA show, which runs from October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

[Jus Cruisin]

It really makes me wonder if the people at DC really care what the end users want...Do they even read what is being said...Can someone from DC respond to this thread?

HEY CHRYSLER...ARE YOU OUT THERE...

[RonsterH]

Considering DC has 3 different models on the same small platform (Caliber, Compass, Patriot), not to mention parts commonality with the next Mitsu Lancer, I can't for the life of me understand why they couldn't do a decent PT variant based on that platform. To me, part of the PT's charm is its smaller size. A bigger V6 PT? I think they zigged when they should've zagged.