NEW YORK, April 11 — The attention-getting Chrysler PT Cruiser is going topless just in time for spring. At the 2001 New York International Auto Show, Chrysler Group designers debuted their latest custom interpretation, with the drop-top gorgeous Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible styling study.
"The PT Cruiser Convertible is a natural," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Product Design. "In the same tradition as the Chrysler GT Cruiser and PT Panel Cruiser styling studies, this vehicle shows yet another personality for PT Cruiser. Once again, we want to demonstrate the tremendous potential of PT Cruiser."
Once designers lowered the header and roof and resculpted the rear wheel flares, this latest PT Cruiser styling study began to take on a new personality. The two-door PT Cruiser Convertible features a new rear quarter panel to accommodate the newly designed longer doors. To further enhance this study's exterior, body-colored bumpers and a chromed-accented grille were included to reinforce its customized look. In addition, the vehicle was lowered by 1.5 inches (38 mm).
"Based on the regular production Chrysler PT Cruiser, the convertible's design emphasizes its free-spirited attitude," said Lance Wagner, Design Director. "We created a more simplified form. For example, the body-side molding recesses were filled in to strengthen its contemporary clean lines. There's purity in the convertible's design that respects the original styling. While its fresh appearance embodies a totally new character, it still retains and builds on the excitement of the PT Cruiser."