Chrysler’S Pt Cruiser Will Debut In March

Fri., Feb. 11, 2000

Chrysler’s new PT Cruiser sports one of the freshest retro designs on wheels. Based on the Neon platform, the little rig is classified by the EPA as a minivan, but it’s not like any minivan you’ve seen before. From its deep-dish Chrysler grille to its drop-shoulder fenders, bullet-shaped taillights and flared side sills, the PT Cruiser is a stylistic throw-back.

But don’t let its looks fool you - the PT Cruiser is thoroughly modern, even using all-wheel-drive technology. It will run a 150-hp, 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve fourcylinder engine.

Contemporary packaging accommodate four adults and a 65/35 split folding rear seat boosts cargo capacity. Front-seat sideimpact airbags and an energy-dispersing structure offer the kind of safety that the PT Cruiser’s forebears couldn’t hope to match.< The economies presented by today’s design and manufacturing processes will allow Chrysler to sell a well-equipped PT Cruiser for less than $20,000.

The PT Cruiser should generate a tremendous aftermarket for performance and appearance upgrades.

The Sebring convertible gets a revised rear suspension that will improve ride quality and reduce noise. The hardtop Sebring’s 2.5-liter V-6 becomes the standard engine and base price of the Town & Country luxo-van is now less than $27,000.

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