The official PT Cruiser convertible debuted, looking much like the concept that's been making the auto show rounds for a couple of years now. It features a rollover protection hoop that reportedly reduces interior wind substantially when the top is lowered. When the top is up it is reported to offer best in class interior quietness. Chrysler chose to make use of a traditional soft tonneau cover that buckles into place above the folded top, a similar storage solution to VW's Golf/New Beetle convertible when folded. This makes for more room in what looks to be a large trunk, with the added benefit of tumble under rear seats and rear split seatback pass-through. The drop-top PT offers the most interior room in its class too. It will offer a base 150-hp four as well as the model's top-line 220-hp turbocharged four, sprinting well ahead of its German convertible rival with either engine. It's coming in March 2004.
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| The official PT Cruiser convertible debuted, looking much like the concept that's been making the auto show rounds for a couple of years now. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
An even sexier convertible will be in showrooms two months later in May. The Crossfire roadster (see news archives January 28, 2003: Will this Chrysler Crossfire Convertible Join the Coupe in 2005?) officially debuted during Monday's Detroit event. Just think of it as a Crossfire coupe with the top cut off and you'll get the picture. It looks sensational, and will offer the same premium quality interior as the coupe. Expect a reasonable price increase over the $47,745 base 215-hp coupe, with the more powerful SRT-6 drivetrain available as well.
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| The sensational looking Crossfire roadster officially debuted during Monday's Detroit event. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
The what? Yes it is official. The new Crossfire will get all the power it needs via a 330-hp supercharged V6. Dubbed the SRT-6, following a sport model designation started with the most recent Viper SRT-10 roadster and SX 2.0 based SRT-4 sedan, the Crossfire SRT-6 should eliminate mere pretenders from the rearview mirror at 5.2 seconds to 60 mph and an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. Zero to 100 to 0 mph reportedly takes only 16.5 seconds. It features the world's first application of Z-rated all-weather performance tires from Michelin, 220/40 ZR 18s up front and 255/35 ZR 19s in the rear. Only subtle badging differentiates the top-model from the entry Crossfire, as little is needed to enhance its appearance. It'll be out in April 2004.