Back to the Drawing Board for the Vee Dub Convertible
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a "love it or hate it" kind of vehicle. Some love the retro styling, some don't. I can't say that I
fell for it initially, but it did earn a special place in my heart as it was the first vehicle I ever tested as an automotive journalist. I liked it not only because it handled well, had a generous amount of passenger and cargo room, as well as spirited performance, but also because it's just so hot. So how did Chrysler make the PT Cruiser even hotter for 2005? Drop its top. I have to admit to eagerly anticipating its arrival and my opportunity to test it out, as somehow chopping the roof off has transformed the vehicle, giving it a new more youthful appearance. How do you think I felt when I caught word that I would not only be getting the new PT ragtop, but an even hotter PT Cruiser GT Convertible that features the addition of a turbocharged engine, suspension upgrades, racier wheels and tires and more.
As always seems to happen when a convertible is parked in my garage, the week started off overcast with some showers. But come Tuesday, the sun was out and therefore so was I. With temperatures soaring, it was ideal for top-down PT convertible cruising, made even better being that I had a few friends visiting from out of town.
One day I picked up my girlfriend and we decided to go for a highway cruise. She was amazed at how little wind was
blowing through the car with the top and windows down. It was also great that while we were regaling each other with stories of the years passed, we didn't even have to raise our voices above normal volume. I understand now that this was all thanks to the stylish sports bar that creates a wind tunnel affect. It also is reinforced for safety's sake. Again, of all the entry level convertibles I've tested the GT had the least amount of top-down-induced airflow and was the most comfortable to talk to other passenger's in, without causing one of us to yell out, "SAY THAT AGAIN, I CAN'T HEAR YOU THAT WELL."
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a "love it or hate it" kind of vehicle. Some love the retro styling, some don't. I can't say that I
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| The PT Cruiser GT Convertible features a turbocharged engine, suspension upgrades, racier wheels and tires, and more. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
As always seems to happen when a convertible is parked in my garage, the week started off overcast with some showers. But come Tuesday, the sun was out and therefore so was I. With temperatures soaring, it was ideal for top-down PT convertible cruising, made even better being that I had a few friends visiting from out of town.
One day I picked up my girlfriend and we decided to go for a highway cruise. She was amazed at how little wind was
 |
| With temperatures soaring, it was ideal for top-down PT convertible cruising. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |