Press Kit: 2007 Chrysler Group Product Information, What's New for '07

2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible — One-of-a-Kind Styling and Drop-top Capability

Auburn Hills, Mich. August 31, 2006 -

Contributing to the PT Cruiser’s milestone of 1 million total sales, the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible offers cool PT Cruiser styling with versatility and flexibility not found in other convertibles. In addition to its one-of-a-kind heritage styling, the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible boasts a power convertible soft top, 10 inches more rear legroom than its competitors, storage space large enough to fit at least two golf bags or similar lifestyle equipment, two available turbo engine options and an exceptionally quiet ride.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s seats may be configured in nine different ways. Its versatile Fold & Tumble® rear seats and pass-through trunk make it unique in its segment. With 84.3 cu. ft. of space and 13.3 cu. ft. of pass-through luggage volume, the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible maintains its leadership in the segment, offering more interior cargo volume than its competitors.

Chrysler PT Convertible features two available turbocharged engines (180 horsepower or 230 horsepower), which also is unique among its competitors.


“WHAT’S NEW FOR 2007”

Exterior

  • Three new colors: Pastel Yellow Clear Coat, Tangerine Pearl and Opal Pearl Coat

Interior

  • New YES Essentials® seat fabric optional on Touring—available in Pastel Pebble Beige and Pastel Slate Gray
  • Console flood lamp standard on all models
  • “Boston Premium Audio” badge included with Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group

DESIGN

“The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is the ultimate in factory customization,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President—Design, Chrysler Group. “We’ve maintained the unique styling that owns the segment, and given convertible lovers the freedom to drop the top and still maintain the structural integrity of their vehicle.”

The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is a one-of-a-kind convertible—no other convertible on the road can match its unique PT Cruiser styling. From the front, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible features the face of Chrysler, scalloped headlamps and round fog lamps.

On the interior, the instrument panel has a Satin Silver finish and features large, visible graphics, flush shutoff air vents and a Chrysler signature analog clock. The radio is mounted high in the center stack, and a passenger grab handle on the right side of the instrument panel makes it easier for passengers to get into and out of the vehicle. Front cup holders on the GT model get bright accents.

The Chrysler PT Convertible’s center console features a sliding armrest and covered storage space, as well as a front-passenger-seat storage bin. This console includes a battery-fed power outlet for cell-phone charging, and two fold-out cup holders for passengers in the back seat.


ENGINEERING

“Not only is the PT Convertible a blast to drive, it’s also extremely quiet with top up or down and offers a level of ride handling not typically found in the segment,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President—Front-wheel-drive Product Team. “It’s also the only convertible in its class that offers two turbocharged engines.”

From interior spaciousness, function and flexibility to engine power, a quiet ride and sold handling, the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible tops the competition.

The 2007 Chrysler PT Convertible has more interior volume than its competitors, making comfortable room for four passengers. Those passengers also have plenty of room to stretch their legs, with at least 10 more inches of rear-seat legroom than the competition. The PT Convertible also provides interior functionality that is rare in the convertible market, including Fold and Tumble 50/50 rear seats, nine different seat configurations and enough room with the pass-through luggage volume to hold two golf bags.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is the only convertible in its class to offer two turbocharged engines (180 horsepower and 230 horsepower). Not only quick off the line, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible also has a smooth ride. Structural reinforcements provide superior convertible ride and handling. Top up or down, the Chrysler PT Cruiser is an extremely quiet convertible, thanks to extensive wind tunnel testing, acoustic treatments and weather stripping. When the top is dropped, the sport bar design lifts wind above the vehicle and assists in reducing wind noise.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  • The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible offers cool PT Cruiser styling with versatility and flexibility not found in other convertibles
  • Aimed squarely at the sweet spot of the 325,000-unit-per-year segment, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible has distinctive PT Cruiser styling, making it both the convertible to be in and the convertible to be seen in
  • Only the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible offers the PT Cruiser’s distinctive, one-of-a-kind styling that looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside
  • Besides its styling, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is unique in the segment because it has versatile Fold & Tumble rear seats and a pass-through trunk
  • Driving experience shows that the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is extremely quiet with top up or down and offers a level of ride handling not typically found in the segment
  • Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible has two available turbocharged engines (180 horsepower or 230 horsepower), which is unique among its competitors

MODEL LINEUP

2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

Standard Features

  • Front-wheel-drive configuration
  • 2.4-liter, dual-overhead cam, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine (150 horsepower [112 kW] and 165 lb.-ft. [222 N•m] of torque
  • Five-speed manual transaxle
  • Pebble Beige or Black power cloth convertible top
  • Sport bar with integrated dome lamps
  • Cloth low-back bucket seats
  • Power front and rear disc brakes
  • AM/FM radio with single-disc CD player
  • MP3 auxiliary audio input jack
  • Six premium speakers
  • Air conditioning
  • Easy-entry-system front seats
  • Pass-through cargo area
  • Manual driver lumbar adjust
  • Manual adjust seats
  • Color-keyed shift knob
  • Rear 50/50 split Fold & Tumble seats
  • Power decklid release with buttons in the lockable glove box and on the remote key fob
  • Cargo compartment carpet
  • Floor console with covered storage
  • Front-door sill scuff pads
  • Solar-control glass
  • Rear-window defroster
  • Rear-view mirror with reading lamps
  • Cloth sun visors with illuminated mirror
  • Power mirrors
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Panic alarm
  • Sentry Key® theft-deterrent system
  • Instrument cluster with tachometer
  • Satin Silver instrument panel bezels
  • 120 mph speedometer
  • Chrysler signature analog clock
  • Variable intermittent windshield wipers
  • Locking glove box
  • 12-volt power outlet
  • Power accessory delay
  • Speed-sensitive power locks
  • Driver and passenger one-touch power windows
  • Body-color bodyside molding
  • Passenger air bag and cluster bezels
  • Illuminated entry
  • Console flood lamp
  • Front dome lamp
  • Cargo compartment lamp
  • Front and rear body-color fascias
  • Body-color grille with chrome accents
  • Bright door handles
  • PT Cruiser badge
  • Power rack-and-pinion steering
  • Touring suspension
  • Front stabilizer bar
  • Tilt steering column
  • Compact spare tire
  • 15-inch all-season touring tires
  • 15-inch bolt-on wheel covers

Optional Features

  • Anti-lock front disc and rear drum brakes
  • Engine block heater
  • AM/FM stereo radio with an in-dash six-disc CD player and MP3 play capability
  • A special optional package that includes:
    • Four-speed automatic transaxle
    • Front and rear floor mats
    • 16-inch all-season touring tires and aluminum wheels

2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Touring

Standard Features

Standard features beyond those on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible model include:

  • 2.4-liter turbocharged engine (180 horsepower [134 kW] and 210 lb.-ft. [285 N•m] of torque
  • Four-speed automatic transaxle
  • Convertible-top boot cover
  • Cloth low-back bucket seats with Bauhaus feature fabric
  • Front and rear carpeted floor mats
  • Color-keyed shifter bezel
  • Speed control
  • Electronic Vehicle Information Center
  • Three 12-volt power outlets
  • Security alarm
  • 16-inch aluminum wheels
  • Fog lamps

Optional Features

Optional features beyond those available on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible model include:

  • Bright 2.4-liter Turbo badging
  • Large-diameter bright exhaust tip
  • Leather-trimmed low-back bucket seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Six-way power driver seat
  • Anti-lock brakes, including four-wheel disc brakes and traction control on turbo-equipped vehicles
  • 16-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
  • Boston Acoustics premium audio system (which includes six speakers and a 368-watt amplifier)

2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT

Standard Features

Standard features beyond those on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Touring models include:

  • A High-output 2.4-liter turbocharged engine (230 horsepower [164 kW] and 245 lb.-ft. [332 N•m] of torque)
  • Five-speed Getrag manual transaxle
  • Sport-tuned suspension
  • Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes
  • Low-speed traction control
  • 140-mph speedometer
  • AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and MP3 play capability
  • Power front windows with one-touch down feature
  • Power exterior mirrors
  • Two-tone leather-trimmed seats
  • Vinyl door trim bolsters
  • GT embroidered floor mats
  • Chrome lock knobs
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with Satin Silver spokes
  • Silver shift knob
  • Bright pedals
  • Unique center-stack bezel with Mini-Carbon technical design
  • Large diameter bright exhaust tip
  • 17-inch chrome-clad cast-aluminum wheels
  • 2.4-liter Turbo/High-output badge

Optional Features

Optional features, beyond those available on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Touring models include:

  • Four-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick
  • Heated seats
  • AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-disc CD radio and MP3 play capability
  • Boston Acoustics premium audio system with a 368-watt amplifier

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Please refer to the Safety Glossary for descriptions of the following available features:

  • Advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags
  • Driver-side inflatable knee blocker
  • Occupant Classification System (OCS)
  • Ignition key with integral fob and Sentry Key® vehicle immobilizer
  • Height-adjustable three-point seat belts with pretensioners
  • Constant force retractors
  • Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
  • Traveling inboard buckles - front three-point, rear three-point
  • Security alarm system
  • Supplemental side air bags

COLOR AVAILABILITY

  • Pastel Yellow Clear Coat (New)
  • Tangerine Pearl Coat (New)
  • Opal Pearl Coat (New)
  • Marine Blue Pearl Coat
  • Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
  • Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
  • Black
  • Cool Vanilla Clear Coat

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

  • 2007 model year production start: July 2006
  • Production location: Toluca Assembly Plant in Toluca, Mexico
  • Five-speed manual: New Venture Gear in Syracuse, New York
  • 2.4-liter engine: Saltillo Engine Plant in Saltillo, Mexico
  • Getrag transmission: Ludwigsburg, Germany

MARKET POSITION

The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is positioned in the heart of the convertible segment, and along with the Chrysler Sebring Convertible and Chrysler Crossfire Roadster make Chrysler “America’s Convertible Company.”
While the convertible segment is relatively small at about 325,000 annual units, volume in the luxury specialty segments increased nearly 50 percent in the past four years. Standard luxury car segments are up more than 12 percent in total over the same time period, demonstrating continued growth on several levels within the market. The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible draws from the entire convertible segment, in addition to appealing to those who may not have considered a convertible before.

Demographics

  • Gender: 62 percent female/38 percent male
  • Median Age: 55 years old
  • Median Annual Household Income: $78,000
  • Household: 72 percent married
  • Education: 30 percent college graduate

MARKET ADVANTAGES

Styling

  • Refined exterior with updates to front and rear fascias, a new front grille, new headlamps and fog lamps
  • Interior features large gauges, flush, rotating shutoff air vents, a Chrysler signature analog clock, large glove box and a center console with increased storage space
  • High-output Turbo engine provides 230 horsepower
  • Convenience features include available six-way power adjustable seat and an Electronic Vehicle Information Center
  • Radio options including a premium Boston Acoustics sound system, and standard MP3 play capability on all models
  • Coordinated features, inside and out, top up and top down

Versatility

  • More interior volume than competition
  • Pass-through luggage volume of 13.3 cu. ft. to hold two golf bags
  • Nine different seat configurations
  • Versatile Fold and Tumble 50/50 rear seats

Comfort

  • At least 10 more inches of rear seat leg room than the competition
  • Same rear-seat height as sedan

Performance/Handling

  • Only convertible in its class with two turbocharged engines (180 horsepower and 230 horsepower)
  • Structural reinforcements for superior convertible ride and handling
  • Body-in-white stiffness of 4,693 ft.-lb./deg (twist) and 42,800 lbs./in. (bend)

Quietness

  • Quiet convertible top up or top down
  • Extensive wind-tunnel testing, acoustic treatments and weather stripping
  • Sport bar design
  • “Smart” glass system

PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY

2006 Model Year

Powertrain

  • 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI four-cylinder engine (150 horsepower [112 kW]/165 lb.-ft. [222 N•m] of torque) with five-speed manual transmission (standard on Touring model)
  • 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI four -cylinder engine with four-speed electronic automatic transmission (optional on Touring model)
  • 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI intercooled turbo four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower [134 kW]/
    210 lb.-ft. [285 N•m] of torque) with four-speed electronic automatic transmission (optional on Touring model)
  • Increased power — new for 2006 (230 horsepower (164 kW)/245 lb.-ft. (332 N•m) of torque) 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI intercooled high-output turbo four-cylinder engine with heavy-duty Getrag five-speed manual transmission (standard on GT model)
  • Increased power — new for 2006 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI intercooled high-output turbo four-cylinder engine with four-speed electronic automatic transmission and Auto Stick (optional on GT model)

Chassis

  • New, nine-spoke, 16-inch aluminum wheel offerings on Touring model available in painted silver or optional chrome-clad finish (new for 2006)
  • New, 15-spoke, 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels on standard GT models (new for 2006)
  • Power-assisted disc/drum brakes, ABS disc/drum brakes, or ABS front-wheel disc brakes with low-speed traction control depending on model and options selected
  • Touring- or sport-tuned suspension with external front, and internal rear stabilizer bars
  • Power-assisted steering (18:1 ratio)

Exterior

  • Power folding top with insulated headliner, single handle release and serviceable glass back light
  • Convertible top exterior color: Pebble Beige Cloth (new color for 2006)
  • Eight exterior color offerings, including Marine Blue Pearl Coat and Magnesium Pearl Coat (both new for 2006)
  • Modifications to exterior for more refined, upscale appearance exemplifying attention to detail and incorporating “face of Chrysler” design cues include (new for 2006):
    • Redesigned front and rear fascias on all models
    • Redesigned front grille with chrome-accented horizontal bars standard on all models
    • Larger Chrysler “winged badge” on front hood
    • Redesigned headlamps with lower “scalloped” edge on all models
    • Modified taillamp(s) with white turn signal lenses (amber bulb)
    • Fog lamps with updated round design standard on all models
    • Increased opening articulation on rear decklid

Interior

Modifications to interior for more refined, upscale appearance and enhanced utility include (new for 2006):

  • All-new instrument panel and door trim panel design
  • Refreshed seat trim and fabrics for all models incorporating sport contour trim outlines for improved lateral support
  • Interior color offerings: Pastel Slate Gray and Pastel Pebble Beige
  • Larger, more visible instrument cluster graphics with silver gauge faces
  • Higher-output, quieter HVAC system combined with flush shut-off outlets
  • Ergonomic refinements including positioning of radio head unit above HVAC controls; relocation of heated seat and hazard flasher switches to center stack and raised rear window controls (positioned on rear of center console)
  • Instrument panel window switches include “four-window up/down” press and hold feature
  • Satin Silver center stack bezel; GT model includes Mini-Carbon pattern
  • Larger glove box with dampened opening
  • Upscale-designed Chrysler Signature analog clock
  • Center console with fore/aft sliding armrest and covered storage. Unit includes two fold-out cup holders for rear-seat occupants; battery-fed power outlet inside console bin for concealed cell phone charging; and clamshell upper compartment (under lid) for concealing small items
  • Bright-accented ringed cup holders on GT model
  • Six-way power driver seat with manual lumbar optional on Touring and standard on GT
  • MP3 play capability (new for 2006) with exception of single CD radio offering
  • Audio input jack on AM/FM single CD radio can be used for any audio input source (e.g., portable MP3 player, portable cassette player, portable CD player, eight-track player)
  • AM/FM six-CD changer radio can play CDs burned with MP3 files

Boston Acoustics premium audio system is optional and combines six acoustic speakers with 368-watt amplifier (new for 2006)

Enhanced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) applications include dash panel silencer and strategically placed sound damping materials to reduce road and powertrain noise (new for 2006)

Safety and Security

  • Advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags and driver-side inflatable knee blocker with Occupant Classification System (OCS), which detects passenger seat occupant to determine on/off status of air bag (new for 2006)
  • Redesigned ignition key with integral fob and Sentry Key® vehicle immobilizer (new for 2006)
  • Height-adjustable three-point seat belts with pretensioners, constant force retractors and traveling inboard buckles, front; three-point, rear three-point
  • Security alarm system
  • Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with reconfigurable display in cluster includes compass, outside temperature, audio information, average fuel economy, distance to empty and elapsed time (new for 2006)
  • Enhanced electrical features including power speed-sensitive locks and power accessory delay (new for 2006)
  • HomeLink universal garage door opener
  • Supplemental side air bags

2005 Model Year

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible was introduced in the 2005 model year, expanding on the PT Cruiser heritage established with the introduction of the original PT Cruiser sedan in model year 2001.

Two models are offered — PT Cruiser Convertible Touring and PT Cruiser Convertible GT — with five engine / transmission combinations:

  • 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI four-cyl. engine with five-speed manual transmission
  • 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI four-cyl. engine with four-speed automatic transmission
  • 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI intercooled turbo four-cyl. engine with four-speed automatic transmission
  • 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI intercooled high-output turbo four-cyl. engine with heavy-duty Getrag five-speed manual transmission
  • 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, SMPI intercooled high-output turbo four-cyl. engine with four-speed automatic transmission and AutoStick®

At introduction, the new PT Cruiser convertible offers:

  • More interior volume than any of the competitors in or near the segment (84.3 cu. ft. vs. Beetle, 79.6 cu. ft., and Mustang, 79.0 cu. ft.)
  • Pass-through luggage volume of 13.3 cu. ft.
  • Nine different seat configurations
  • Fold and tumble 50/50 rear bench seats
  • Quietness — Wind noise limited using extensive wind tunnel testing, acoustic treatments, weather-stripping and unique design of the Sport Bar. Also features the “Smart” glass system
  • Easy entry system on passenger side — Pull one handle to tilt and slide passenger seat to create wide opening to spacious second row. Seat has a “memory” so it returns to the same track position and seatback angle
  • A true four-passenger convertible — Rear seat leg room is more than 10 inches greater than the Volkswagon Beetle convertible
  • Power folding top with insulated headliner, single handle release and serviceable glass back light

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