Chrysler Chops $4,172 off of PT Cruiser Sticker for $16,998 Base Price

DaimlerChrysler Canada celebrated the introduction of the specially priced base PT Cruiser with a drive-away event

DaimlerChrysler Canada celebrated the introduction of the specially priced base PT Cruiser with a drive-away event. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

held during the Pacific International Auto Show in Vancouver. The unique decal treatment of the cars involved, featuring the $16,998 price displayed across their sides, will not be included.

Now that the PT Cruiser is five years old, expect a newer version to appear toward the end of this year. Chrysler is keeping quiet about any design updates, but don't expect the new version to depart from the current model's styling and layout substantially. A completely revised PT, expected to appear in 2008, will ride on the upcoming 2.0SX replacement's Mitsubishi Lancer-derived chassis architecture, and include DaimlerChrysler's new World Engine developed together with Hyundai and Mitsubishi. Most likely, the new model won't be priced as low as this special 2005 model when it debuts.