"It's PhaT!" - discusses DaimlerChrysler's 2001 model PT Cruiser - Brief Article

Automotive Industries, Jan, 2000 by Gail Kachadourian

But at whom was the PT targeted? DaimlerChrysler used archetype research to determine the emotions that the vehicle and its many clever design and trim details would evoke in drivers of all ages. Photographs, including classic images from the 1930s and 1940s, as well as shots of the vehicle, were shown to groups of DC employees and outsiders. They were asked to pick out the images that were most memorable to them. Their responses confirmed that the PT's appeal cuts across generations, from teens attuned to hipness, to oldsters who saw in the PT the chopped-and-channeled customs of their youth.

"The Cruiser is celebrating all of that flamboyance and post-war optimism, and the American individualism that spawned back then in the cars of the 1930, '40s and '50s," Nesbitt says.

Although PT is based on the Neon PL small car platform, less than 18% of its parts are shared with that model, including a MacPherson strut front suspension. And besides the powertrain, most of these carryover items are corporate parts, such as radios and fasteners. There is no carryover sheet metal. The rear suspension, unique to the PT, is a twist beam with Wailing anus and a Watts linkage supported by coil springs.

For the North American market, the PT Cruiser will have only one engine choice: Chrysler's 2.4L dohc 4-cylinder. It produces 150 hp at 5,600 rpm and 162 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm. A 2.0L version will be offered in Europe.

Consumers will have the option of selecting a 5-speed manual transmission, or a 4-speed automatic option. AI's recent test drive in an early production manual gearbox model showed the PT to be peppy, with good ride and handling. However, many interested consumers are already waiting for a larger engine option (V41) to be available.

Design and Interior

The PT team faced numerous challenges in blending unique styling and package efficiency, including balancing engine compartment area with cabin space. The designers say they wanted to prove that although it is dimensionally small, the PT can offer some of the same attributes of a larger wagon or SUV. With an overall length of 168.8 inches, the PT Cruiser is 5.6 inches shorter than the Neon, and 5.3 inches shorter than a Ford Focus. However, its EPA interior volume of 119.8 cubic feet is comparable to a full-size sedan.

The wheel wells are moved outward, giving the rear of the PT greatly increased space and functionality. Headlamps are as close to the wheels as possible, in order to make the vehicle appear smaller and reduce the appearance of front overhang. The windshield is more upright than most cars and makes the PT appear to have a larger hood.

Nesbitt's styling team pulled many retro themes in a modern direction. A unique roof line, a high belt line accented with three side windows, and exaggerated, separate fender forms connected by simulated flared side sills help create that custom-car side profile. The taillamps are reminiscent of 1940s cars, but also manage to look fresh. There's plenty of chrome on the exterior and interior door handles, and their shapes are pleasing to the hand.