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Defying Convention from all Angles

The Chrysler PT Cruiser adds a new dimension to the Chrysler brand around the world by breaking the barriers of conventional automotive design and function.

"Chrysler PT Cruiser dramatically changes the profile of the Chrysler brand by expanding the breadth of its product line and the presence of the brand around the world," said Robert J. Eaton, Chairman, DaimlerChrysler.

The Chrysler brand offers customers a combination of innovative vehicles that blend expressive design, relevant technology and premium features. The all-new Chrysler PT Cruiser complements the Chrysler brand vehicle line, while providing the potential to broaden the buyer base.

"The Chrysler PT Cruiser is an exceptional addition to the Chrysler brand, " said Martin R. Levine, Vice President, Chrysler/Plymouth/Jeep® Division - DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "Because of its distinct design and functionality, it will have universal appeal without regard to traditional demographics. Chrysler PT Cruiser appeals to the emotions of buyers and meets their active lifestyles."

Based on preliminary consumer research, the emotional appeal of the Chrysler PT Cruiser will have a similar effect on brand identity as do the Prowler for Plymouth and Viper for Dodge.

"Chrysler PT Cruiser will give the Chrysler brand a signature concept-to-reality production vehicle like no other in the world," added Levine. "This vehicle is expected to have a huge presence in the marketplace so we will start fostering our relationship with potential Chrysler PT Cruiser customers from the moment of its public debut at the auto show."

While Chrysler PT Cruiser was developed to meet vehicle requirements around the world and its combination of design and packaging is certain to appeal to people in every country.

"With a personality unlike anything on the road today, Chrysler PT Cruiser will be unique in any environment around the world while transcending cultural difference," said Jim Holden, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing for North America - DaimlerChrysler. "It will build on the momentum we created with the overseas introduction of the Chrysler 300M."

Internationally, Chrysler PT Cruiser will reflect the individualism of consumers who are looking for a vehicle that is efficient for their daily transportation, while offering flexibility for their weekend and holiday travel requirements. This vehicle is for consumers who want to make a statement about their lifestyle and are not afraid to get noticed.

"Chrysler PT Cruiser will strengthen the balance of our product offerings that is critical to sustaining our growth rate and meeting consumer demands of the world market," said Holden. Chrysler PT Cruiser will be sold in more than 40 markets around the world.

DESIGN OVERVIEW

PRODUCT

One of the goals met by the PT Cruiser was to provide a vehicle that would keep the overall exterior length of a small car to address global market needs - another Chrysler group maxim - yet provide the space and function of a larger vehicle.

We kept the overall exterior length of a small car, yet provided the inside space of a much larger vehicle by paying close attention to packaging, and providing a command-of-the-road feel for the driver," said Larry Lyons, Vice President, Small Car Platform Engineering.

"Once we settled on an initial design, there were folks that absolutely loved PT Cruiser when they saw it," said Bryan Nesbitt, Chrysler PT Cruiser exterior designer. "There were others that didn’t like it all but, after taking some time to soak it in, fell for it as well."

"The exterior is such a significant departure from anything on the market," said Dan Knott, Director, Vehicle Development, Small Car Platform Engineering. "Because the design is so unique, we used CATIA and VR from the beginning to yield higher quality vehicles right from the start. For example, packaging issues were much easier to resolve on screen prior to building actual parts."

The large fenders provide one of the key nostalgic elements of the vehicle, bringing back positive memories of classic designs from the 1930s and 1940s. This is further emphasised through the flared sills, evocative of running boards seen on cars from that era.

"The PT Cruiser means a variety of things to everyone who sees it, whether it’s a certain era, image or need," Nesbitt said. "You can’t avoid its retro-yet-still-contemporary cues. But, with that, there is a feeling of durability and toughness with a stance that resembles a bulldog."

The design imperative "form follows function" establishes a new standard, combining emotional and reactional consumer needs. The unique proportions of the fenders, roofline and high beltline accented by three side windows create the distinctive side profile of PT Cruiser.

The roof rises toward the rear for both aesthetic and functional reasons. The slant of the roofline gives the vehicle its "hot rod" posture, or attitude. The practical benefit result of this design is more head room for rear passengers as well as increased cargo space. The proportions of body-side sheet metal and side glass communicate a visual strength and lower overall appearance. The blacked out B- and C-pillars blend with the window graphics enhancing the visual proportion of the vehicle.

"The vehicle stance suggests both confidence and durability," said Nesbitt. "However, there is a level of refinement through the Chrysler brand design signature of ornamentation such as chrome door handles, winged badges and chrome wheels. The PT Cruiser reveals inspired refinement."

The body is inset from the wheels and fenders, giving the PT Cruiser a "wheels to the corner" stance and proportion. This enhances stability and encourages superb handling characteristics. The front fenders are wrapped tightly around the wheels and draw away from the hood, causing the wheels to appear larger, while the fenders appear lower and wider. The head lamps were designed as close to the front wheels as possible, making the vehicle appear smaller by reducing the front overhang. The headlamp design and pronounced grille give the vehicle a face of reliance and strength.

In the rear, PT Cruiser has an aggressive slant to its hatchback profile, giving the entire vehicle a look of forward motion and direction. Bullet-shaped tail lamps complete the reflection of unbridled American design, past and present. The Chrysler winged medallion is featured prominently on the front, and is also incorporated into the rear door latch as a final exclamation to the unconventional soul of the Chrysler brand.

"PT Cruiser has a distinct personality that envelops a variety of eras," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President Product Strategy, Design and Passenger Car Operations - DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "I may see one era, someone may see something else, but one thing is certain - everyone who sees it has an extremely emotional response to PT Cruiser.

Interior Design

"It’s the exterior of the Chrysler PT Cruiser that gets the obvious first notice and gawks on the road," said Lyons. "However, the element that closes the deal in the minds of those who see it is the incredible functionality that comes from its innovative interior".

The seating, for example, can quickly transform the PT Cruiser from a one-passenger to a five-passenger vehicle in a matter of moments with foldable, removable rear seats. In all, more that 25 configurations of the seats are possible, making PT Cruiser truly a "personalised transport" vehicle.

In addition, the attention to detail is apparent. "We have applied a circular theme to the interior that allows it to be elegant in its simplicity," said Jeffrey Godshall, Chief Interior Designer. PT Cruiser features easy-to-read round analog gauges with chrome instrument panel and dashboard material that matches the vehicle’s exterior colour.

"Inside and out, you can’t escape the uniqueness of the PT Cruiser," Godshall said. "It is a vehicle with purpose, practicality and unmatched style. Most importantly, you’re only limited by your imagination."

Chrysler PT Cruiser:

The all-new Chrysler PT Cruiser blends a nostalgic, yet contemporary design with function and technology to create a segment-busting vehicle.

Building on themes illustrated by the two-door Pronto Cruizer and the four-door Chrysler Pronto Cruizer AWD, the Chrysler PT Cruiser is yet another concept-to-reality story for DaimlerChrysler. "Chrysler PT Cruiser embodies a design that evokes emotion in people all round the world," said Gale. "The distinct personality of the PT Cruiser is unmatched by any vehicle on the road."

From the Outside

The Chrysler PT Cruiser’s presence on the road and new level of interior flexibility were created by the design philosophy: Form follows function. "Using our own ‘form follows function’ design imperative, PT Cruiser establishes a new standard for combining design and function in one vehicle," said Gale. "It’s this combination that appeals to both the emotional and rational needs of consumers."

The distinctive side profile of PT Cruiser is created by the unique proportions of the roof line and high belt line that is accented by three side windows. Its exaggerated, separate fender forms are connected by simulated flared side sills that evoke strong heritage but with contemporary forms and materials.

"Chrysler PT Cruiser borrows design cues from classic American automobiles and interprets them with a healthy dose of American fun and freedom," said Bryan Nesbitt, Chrysler PT Cruiser exterior designer.

The PT Cruiser’s front and rear bumpers provide a sturdy, protective feeling. From the front, a pronounced grille and flush-mounted ellipse headlamps are carried forward from the Pronto Cruizer concept car, resulting in one of the most unique ‘faces’ for any higher-volume production car. The high belt line from the side continues around to the rear, using equal proportions of glass and metal on the liftgate. At the rear, Chrysler PT Cruiser’s uniquely shaped tail lamps capture the nostalgic spirit of the bullet-shaped tail lamps seen through the 1940s. The flared fenders and the inset body give the Chrysler PT Cruiser a confident, sure-footed stance from any angle. The recently introduced Chrysler winged medallion is featured prominently on the front and rear of the vehicle to highlight the brand’s heritage.

"The interior of Chrysler PT Cruiser blends innovative features and packaging to create a vehicle that has one of the most sophisticated and flexible vehicle designs, regardless of size," said Jeff Godshall, Chrysler PT Cruiser interior designer. Overall vehicle height combined with unique front and rear seat configurations give Chrysler PT Cruiser the capability to carry five people as a passenger car, or just the driver with the cargo capacity of a light truck. The 63/35 split folding rear seat can be folded forward in two positions or removed completely to reveal a flat load floor. For added efficiency, an available front passenger seat can be folded completely forward for use as a table top for the driver, or to provide enough space to load an eight-foot (2.46 metre) ladder from the rear of the vehicle.

With the rear seat in the upright position, PT Cruiser has a rear storage compartment with a multi-position shelf panel that can be placed in any one of five positions, or removed entirely. One position converts it into a tabletop for other uses, such as tailgate picnics.

Staying true to the design philosophy of form follows function, the versatility of the interior defines how the vehicle would work, yet the unique exterior design is continued inside the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

"The aesthetics of Chrysler PT Cruiser’s interior fulfills the promise of its exterior design, while adding a new level of function for people with active lifestyles," sad Godshall.

The symmetrical, browless instrument panel creates an immediate synergy with the PT Cruiser’s exterior by incorporating colour panels that coordinate with the exterior body colour. The simplicity of the bright-ringed circular gauges recessed into the instrument panel reflects the heritage of precision craftsmanship. Chrysler PT Cruiser’s steering wheel, with its small circular centre hub and spokes, give the vehicle a more open, air appearance. The two-toned spacious interior is enhanced by the Light Neutral and Dark Taupe colours. The finishing touches of chrome door handles and name badges are used both on the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Chrysler PT Cruiser:

DaimlerChrysler once again moves to the forefront of design and engineering with the introduction of the Chrysler PT Cruiser - a combination of design and packaging that is unique in the world today.

"The all-new Chrysler PT Cruiser stands alone in the world market because it combines versatility and efficiency, wrapped in a distinctly American design," said Robert J. Eaton, Chairman, DaimlerChrysler. "Chrysler PT Cruiser is our interpretation of a vehicle that blends many characteristics to create an all-new segment in America which could easily be called a flexible activity vehicle, but it’s really too cool to categorise."

DaimlerChrysler has a long history of creating major new vehicle segments, most notably with the minivan in 1984. Unlike anything else on the market, the minivan anticipated the needs of consumers and gave them answers before the questions were asked. Chrysler expanded this booming segment eight years later by adding a higher level of luxury with the Town & Country minivan - still the benchmark among luxury minivans. Among convertible lines, the Chrysler Sebring Convertible redefined the market by offering the open-top fun and excitement of a convertible as well as the year-round practicality of a primary car, including a full-size back seat and trunk.

"At DaimlerChrysler we will continue to be a leading force in changing the dynamics of the automotive industry," said Eaton. "Whether it be through new business practices, engineering processes or design innovation, we will challenge ourselves every day to create new products that stand out in the marketplace."

Breaking the Mould

It is the spirit of taking on and succeeding at new challenges that led DaimlerChrysler’s Small Car Platform Team in Auburn Hills, Michigan to create the Chrysler PT Cruiser for both the North American and international markets. Similar to other segment-busting vehicles, Chrysler PT Cruiser anticipates the needs of owners by understanding emerging trends in the ways people use their vehicles. The prefix "PT", meaning "personal transportation," reflects PT Cruiser’s flexibility and versatility for each individual owner.

"Chrysler PT Cruiser melds DaimlerChrysler’s signature American design with an innovative interior package to meet consumer needs on a global basis," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President Product Strategy, Design and Passenger Car Operations - DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "This combination breaks the mould of the traditional small car to create a truly flexible activity vehicle."

"The overall vehicle architecture was explored through the Pronto and Pronto Cruizer concept vehicles, which gave us considerable consumer feedback," added Gale. At 168.8 inches (4288.55mm), the overall exterior length of the PT Cruiser is 5.3 inches (134.6mm) shorter than the Ford Focus, yet its EPA interior volume of 119.8 cubic feet (3.39 cu. Metres) rivals that of a full-size sedan.

"We kept the overall exterior length of a small car to address global market needs, yet provided the inside space and functionality of a much larger vehicle by paying close attention to vehicle packaging and providing command of the road seating," said Tom Sidlik, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Small Car Operations - DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

While its design blends contemporary and nostalgic cues, Chrysler PT Cruiser was engineered with highly advanced technologies including the most intensive use yet of Computer-Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA), Digital Modelling Assembly (DMA) and Virtual Reality.

CATIA links all major disciplines in the development of the vehicle, including suppliers, from the earliest stages of the program, to allow all areas of the program to keep abreast of the latest updates. Building on the experience of other platform teams, the PT Cruiser team relied on CATIA to bring together design, engineering and manufacturing, resulting in increased efficiencies and higher quality throughout these disciplines. One benefit of CATIA is to reach an optimal design of a part in a shorter amount of time, leaving more time for validation and testing.

In addition to CATIA, engineers extensively used DMA and Virtual Reality as design and analysis tools. DMA allows engineers to assemble components with three-dimensional computer analysis prior to building a physical prototype to ensure the proper fit. Through Virtual Reality, engineers experienced the PT Cruiser from the perspective of the occupants, allowing them to optimise the interior package and related ergonomics.

"The exterior design is a significant departure from anything on the market," said Chris Theodore, Senior Vice President Platform Engineering - DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "Because the design is so different we used CATIA and Virtual Reality from the very beginning of the development process to yield much high quality vehicles right from the start."

For the Australian market, the PT Cruiser will be powered by a 2.0-litre DOHC 16 valve engine with the option of either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

Both left and right-hand-drive versions of PT Cruiser will be produced at DaimlerChrysler’s Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico, with sales to begin in early 2000.

The five-speed manual transmission has ratios spaced to deliver optimum performance and fuel efficiency. The reverse gear includes a brake that stops the gear rotation for easy engagement. To improve durability with higher torque output, the five-speed manual transmission was upgraded with a stiffer input shaft, wider gear faces and improved bearings.

The optional four-speed automatic features wide-spaced gear ratios that contribute to brisk acceleration and smooth highway cruising, along with high fuel efficiency. The transmission uses new final drive gearing to optimise performance and efficiency. Features of this system include electronic, fully adaptive shifting, improved torque management for quick shifts and interactive speed control and engine and transmission controllers that provide control in hilly terrain.

To make cruising even more enjoyable, the PT Cruiser’s suspension mounting, body structure stiffness and suspension calibrations are tuned to minimise noise, vibration and harshness, and body lean. The MacPherson strut front suspension features a high-roll centre that contributes to responsive steering while reducing body lean during brisk cornering. Low-lean geometry achieves the desired suspension handling performance. A stiff front suspension cross member attaches the front suspension to the body structure and supports the steering gear.

"Stiffness, which results in a high natural vibration frequency, helps limit the transmission of road noise and engine vibration to the interior," said Dan Knott, director, Vehicle Development Small Car Platform Engineering.

Also contributing to the solid ride and handling characteristics is the rigid support of the PT Cruiser’s body structure.

"The PT Cruiser’s body serves a number of purposes for us," said Ernie Laginess, Director, Body Engineering, Small Car Platform Engineering. "First, the high-strength steel assures durability and rigidity for a stable ride and handling. The durability provides a safety element. And, the bending and torsional characteristics allow us to meet our aggressive performance criteria for noise, vibration and harshness control."

Body structure bending and natural torsional frequencies or vibrations are separated from steering column, powertrain and suspension input frequencies to enhance strength and soundness. The transmission of natural noise and vibration are reduced at each one of the 47 points between the body and these systems. Tuning each local area individually to separate its natural frequency from the input largely eliminates noise and vibration paths to the passenger compartment.

The tightly sealed body shell lowers wind and road noise as well, resulting in quiet ride through all driving ranges. This is achieved through precise dimensional control of door and liftgate openings and their sealing systems and through attention to detail on sealing body seams and other openings.

"The handling and stability of the PT Cruiser is very impressive to begin with," Laginess said. "But, having a quiet ride makes cruising in the PT Cruiser an added bonus."

Research conducted during the early stages of the PT Cruiser program confirmed that a large, flexible interior was important to consumers. A newly designed Watts linkage rear suspension system permitted the interior wheel wells to be moved outward, greatly increasing cargo space and functionality.

"The PT Cruiser’s interior aesthetics fulfill the promise of its exterior design, while adding a new level of function for people with active lifestyles," Godshall said.

"The PT Cruiser blends innovative features and packaging to create a vehicle that has one of the most sophisticated and flexible interior designs regardless of size," Godshall said.

PT Cruiser’s ability to carry everything from five passengers to kitchen appliances - or the proverbial kitchen sink - stems from its versatile seating system. This flexibility is the result of a seating system that can be configured into more than 25 positions to accommodate practically any combination of passengers and cargo.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is one of the most functional vehicles of its size or type for carrying a mix of passengers and cargo. Folding, tumbling and removing either or both portions of the rear seat and folding the front passenger seat provide numerous configurations.

That’s what sets the PT Cruiser apart from the crowd: a cool, emotion-inducing exterior with a practical interior of unprecedented proportions."

A multi-position, removable shelf panel that can be placed at the same height as the folded rear seat backs provides an extended load-carrying surface. A front passenger seat that folds flat at the same height as the folded rear seat backs gives the PT Cruiser the ability to carry objects up to eight-feet long with the liftgate closed.

The team even carried their thinking outside the vehicle, equipping the removable split rear seats with sturdy lift handles and rollers for easier removal and storage. The result is one of the most versatile vehicle interiors in the world today.

Limousine-like head room and leg room, along with exceptional shoulder room, allow occupants the luxury of comfort while providing an outstanding command-of-the-road seating position. Placement of the instrument panel, steering wheel, pedals and seats gives the PT Cruiser one of the best ingress/egress of any vehicle on the market. This allows most occupants to slide directly into the seats without stepping up or bending down.

Using virtual reality technology, engineers were able to place roof pillars to maximise outward visibility and spaciousness. In addition, this technology was used to achieve the optimum ergonomics for the instrument panel-mounted controls, the shifter, armrests, power window controls, the door release lever and door-mounted switches.

The front bucket seats are manually adjustable, reclining with a two-way adjustable, locking head restraint standard on all models. The front passenger seat folds flat, extending the cargo loading area all the way forward to the instrument panel. When folded, the front seat back is the same height as the folded rear seats, providing a level loading floor from front to rear.

PT Cruiser’s spacious rear seats easily accommodate occupants who are well over six-feet tall. Among DaimlerChrysler vehicles, rear seat head room is only exceeded by the Company’s minivan models.

"Years from now, when people talk about this vehicle, there is no doubt the exterior will be listed as the attention grabber, "Edson said. "But, through some outstanding innovation and teamwork, PT Cruiser also has one of the most innovative and versatile interiors of any vehicle imaginable with a spectrum of functions offering anything from the comfort and safety of five-passenger seating to the utility of a small cargo van or truck."

However, one of PT Cruiser’s main attributes is its ability to combine these classic cues with a very high level of modern-day safety and environmental responsibility.

While the Chrysler PT Cruiser is already drawing rave reviews for its cool design and unmatched interior versatility, company engineers paid close attention to occupant safety, both in active and passive areas.

In any vehicle, the primary safety system is a properly used safety belt. The PT Cruiser is the first DaimlerChrysler vehicle with a three-point centre rear belt system. The retractor is concealed in the seat back and the webbing exits through a slot at the top of the back.

The latch that holds the seat back in the upright position also supports the shoulder belt loads. Tie-down loops for child seat tethers mount on the seat back behind each seating position.

A next-generation driver air bag works with the steering column, telescoping column coupling and instrument panel knee bolster to provide supplemental restraint in frontal impacts. New technology and unique frontal impact design allows the driver air bag to mount beneath the small, circular steering wheel trim cover and to be more compact.

The next-generation passenger air bag includes a hybrid inflator that uses a small amount of pyrotechnic propellant to release and heat compressed inert gas stored in a high-pressure cylinder. Supplemental side air bags are included with optional leather-trimmed seats, but otherwise are a stand-alone option.

A fully deployed side air bag covers an area about 15 x 26 inches (380 x 660mm). When the bag deploys, it opens the seam between the front and side of the seat trim cover.

The PT Cruiser body structure also provides a high level of impact protection. For example, a unique transverse beam connects the centre pillars and ties into the floor plan at the centre tunnel. The beam contributes to side-impact protection and increases body stiffness. Placed directly in line with side impact loads, it helps protect occupants during side-impact collision. A longitudinal beam in each front door helps distribute crash energy to the centre pillar, where a die-cast zinc alloy extension attached to the centre pillar accepts the load.

The PT Cruiser structure also is reinforced from front to back - in the doors, along the floor pan "tunnel", in the sills and in the windshield pillars - to help dissipate the energy generated in a

frontal crash. Chrysler engineers also reinforced the front wheel wells so more of the force from a frontal crash is routed through the tyres to the sills - and less targets the passenger compartment.

In addition, the PT Cruiser features refinements of the welded joints securing the centre pillars, sills and roof rails to increase stiffness and decrease twisting under impact. Its 8km/h bumper uses high-strength steel beams and high-density structural foam to protect against visible damage in low-speed collisions.

The PT Cruiser has been engineered and tested to stringent durability standards and meets or exceeds US, European and Australian frontal, side, rear and offset crash regulations as well as roof crush criteria.

Other key safety features on the Chrysler PT Cruiser include:

• A clever feature to prevent children from being trapped in the rear compartment.The forward corners of the shelf panel atop the rear compartment are notched so little hands can reach the buttons that recline the rear seat
• A higher seating position that improves the driver’s view of the road.
• Best-in-class lighting from quad halogen-bulb headlamps.
• Optional heated exterior mirrors.
• Shoulder belts in every seating position, including the rear centre seat.
• Optional seat-mounted side air bags for supplemental head and thorax protection, along with standard front air bags in the driver and front passenger positions.
• Universal anchor attachments and cinching latch plates to better secure child seats.
• A seat belt system equipped with pre-tensioners and constant force retractors that hold occ pants securely while limiting the force the belt applies to the upper body.
• An Accident Response Illumination system which turns on the interior dome lamp and unlocks power doors when the air bag deploys to help emergency personnel render assistance.
• DaimlerChrysler’s Sentry Key Theft Deterrent system, which includes remote keyless entry and a panic alarm.
• Child-proof locks on the backseat doors.

MARKETING

The PT "Personal Transportation" Cruiser is yet another breakthrough vehicle for the Chrysler brand. It combines the romance of American automotive heritage with tremendous versatility to satisfy both the emotional and practical needs of any consumer. It is heralded as a true segment buster that defies easy or immediate categorisation.

"PT Cruiser can be whatever the individual owner wants it to be," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President, DaimlerChrysler Product Strategy and Design & General Manager, Passenger Car Operations. "It fits any lifestyle: Some may see it as a tribute to the classic era, some as a street rod, others as a multi-faceted and functional light truck in a class of its own. There’s really nothing like it on the road today.

That combination of images and eras makes the PT Cruiser appealing to a wide range of consumers, with each putting emphasis on a different attribute.

Is the Chrysler PT Cruiser supposed to be a hot rod? Is it supposed to be a car? Is it a people mover? Is it retro? Is it futuristic?

"Everyone sees a different era in the PT Cruiser’s design, and that’s exactly how it should be," said Larry Lyons, Vice president, Small Car Platform Engineering. "PT Cruiser is too versatile to be locked into one segment or one vehicle style."

That’s what sets the PT Cruiser apart from the crowd: a cool, emotion-inducing exterior with a practical interior of unprecedented proportions."

The segment-defining 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser has forever changed the landscape of the automotive market. It has also changed the way people view the Chrysler brand, creating an image as important as the vehicle itself.

"Chrysler PT Cruiser dramatically changes the Chrysler brand profile and the way people think of the brand," said A. C. (Bud) Liebler, Senior Vice President of Marketing, DaimlerChrysler. "This vehicle provides tangible evidence that the Chrysler brand has become more contemporary, with a portfolio of innovative products that matches the lifestyles of our customers."

The PT Cruiser transcends traditional automotive expectations by creating a new segment with no direct competitors. Chrysler PT Cruiser’s combination of size and versatility will draw attention from various segments of the market including small cars, mid-size cars and small sport-utility vehicles.

The overall exterior length of the PT Cruiser is equal to the size of a small car to provide nimble city handling, yet its interior volume rivals that of a full size sedan.

Even before the all-new Chrysler PT Cruiser hits the markets, its emotional appeal has created unprecedented interest around the world.

The overall size and versatility of the PT Cruiser expands the depth and breadth of the Chrysler brand, giving us a vehicle with universal appeal," said Martin R. Levine, Vice President, Chrysler/Jeep Division. "It has an emotional draw that serves as a beacon for the Chrysler brand without regard to gender, age, education or income."

The prospective customer is defined by their attitude and self-perception rather than quantified demographics. Early indications are that they will want to personalise the PT Cruiser with their identity, confidence and passion. They are adventurous in their hobbies and travel and enjoy being the first on the block with the latest technology. In the US, potential customers often view themselves as the ‘social chairperson’ and are not afraid of going their own way. Recent research groups in Australia have proved this attitude to be similar in our own market.

"Everyone sees this vehicle differently because they project their personal philosophy to define PT Cruiser on their own terms," said Liebler. "The PT Cruiser can be whatever the individual owner wants it to be and fits any lifestyle." With its uniqueness and exceedingly apparent brand building potential, the PT Cruiser adds a new dimension to the Chrysler brand.

While Chrysler PT Cruiser was developed to meet vehicle requirements around the world, research shows its combination of American design and packaging is what appeals to people in every country. Potential owners may have a greater desire to stand out in a crowd and be more independent.

"With a personality that transcends cultural differences, the Chrysler PT Cruiser is unlike anything on the road today," said Levine.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Advertising

From the beginning, the all new Chrysler PT Cruiser was designed to be sold around the world. So it’s only natural to design the advertising with an international flair for worldwide appeal.

"The Chrysler PT Cruiser dramatically changes the profile of the Chrysler brand by expanding the breadth of its product line and the presence of the brand internationally," said A. C. (Bud) Liebler, Senior Vice President of Marketing, DaimlerChrysler. "this vehicle gave us the opportunity to create a consistent tone and message for the Chrysler brand around the world."

The advertising sets a contemporary tone for the Chrysler brand with the intent to attract new buyers into the Chrysler showroom.

PT Cruiser’s presence in the market is already evident, with interest expressed from more than potential customers. Since the first showing of the PT Cruiser, Chrysler began fostering a relationship with a growing group of consumers who couldn’t get enough information about this segment-busting vehicle.

"The emotional draw of the PT Cruiser gave us the unique opportunity to build a relationship with people before the first one even went on sale," said Kuhnie.

For months the Chrysler brand also has been communicating with consumers through e-mail and direct mail. Interested consumers received a series of fun and informative pieces that included product details on the exterior design, interior functionality, colour choices and technical information.

PRODUCT

Exterior Design

One of the goals met by the PT Cruiser was to provide a vehicle that would keep the overall exterior length of a small car to address global market needs - another Chrysler group maxim - yet provide the space and function of a larger vehicle.

We kept the overall exterior length of a small car, yet provided the inside space of a much larger vehicle by paying close attention to packaging, and providing a command-of-the-road feel for the driver," said Larry Lyons, Vice President, Small Car Platform Engineering.

"Once we settled on an initial design, there were folks that absolutely loved PT Cruiser when they saw it," said Bryan Nesbitt, Chrysler PT Cruiser exterior designer. "There were others that didn’t like it all but, after taking some time to soak with it, fell for it as well."

"The exterior is such a significant departure from anything on the market," said Dan Knott, Director, Vehicle Development, Small Car Platform Engineering. "Because the design is so unique, we used CATIA and VR from the beginning to yield higher quality vehicles right from the start. For example, packaging issues were much easier to resolve on screen prior to building actual parts."

The large fenders provide one of the key nostalgic elements of the vehicle, bringing back positive memories of classic designs from the 1930s and 1940s. This is further emphasised through the flared sills, evocative of running boards seen on cars from that era.

"The PT Cruiser means a variety of things to everyone who sees it, whether it’s a certain era, image or need," Nesbitt said. "You can’t avoid its retro-yet-still-contemporary cues. But, with that, there is a feeling of durability and toughness with a stance that resembles a bulldog."

The design imperative "form follows function" establishes a new standard, combining emotional and reactional consumer needs. The unique proportions of the fenders, roofline and high beltline accented by three side windows create the distinctive side profile of PT Cruiser.

The roof rises toward the rear for both aesthetic and functional reasons. The slant of the roofline gives the vehicle its "hot rod" posture, or attitude. The practical benefit result of this design is more head room for rear passengers as well as increased cargo space. The proportions of body-side sheet metal and side glass communicate a visual strength and lower overall appearance. The blacked out B- and C-pillars blend with the window graphics enhancing the visual proportion of the vehicle.

"The vehicle stance suggests both confidence and durability," said Nesbitt. "However, there is a level of refinement through the Chrysler brand design signature of ornamentation such as chrome door handles, winged badges and chrome wheels. The PT Cruiser reveals inspired refinement."

The body is inset from the wheels and fenders, giving the PT Cruiser a "wheels to the corner" stance and proportion. This enhances stability and encourages superb handling characteristics. The front fenders are wrapped tightly around the wheels and draw away from the hood, causing the wheels to appear larger, while the fenders appear lower and wider. The head lamps were designed as close to the front wheels as possible, making the vehicle appear smaller by reducing the front overhang. The headlamp design and pronounced grille give the vehicle a face of reliance and strength.

In the rear, PT Cruiser has an aggressive slant to its hatchback profile, giving the entire vehicle a look of forward motion and direction. Bullet-shaped tail lamps complete the reflection of unbridled American design, past and present. The Chrysler winged medallion is featured prominently on the front, and is also incorporated into the rear door latch as a final exclamation to the unconventional soul of the Chrysler brand.

"PT Cruiser has a distinct personality that envelops a variety of eras," Gale said. "I may see one era, someone may see something else, but one thing is certain - everyone who sees it has an extremely emotional response to PT Cruiser.

Interior Design

"It’s the exterior of the Chrysler PT Cruiser that gets the obvious first notice and gawks on the road," said Lyons. "However, the element that closes the deal in the minds of those who see it is the incredible functionality that comes from its innovative interior".

The seating, for example, can quickly transform the PT Cruiser from a one-passenger to a five-passenger vehicle in a matter of moments with foldable, removable rear seats. In all, more that 25 configurations of the seats are possible, making PT Cruiser truly a "personalised transport" vehicle.

In addition, the attention to detail is apparent. "We have applied a circular theme to the interior that allows it to be elegant in its simplicity," said Jeffrey Godshall, Chief Interior Designer. PT Cruiser features easy-to-road round analog gauges with chrome .. panel and dashboard material that matches the vehicle’s exterior colour.

"Inside and out, you can’t escape the uniqueness of the PT Cruiser," Godshall said. "It is a vehicle with purpose, practicality and unmatched style. Most importantly, you’re only limited by your imagination."

Ride & Handling

The five-speed manual transmission has ratios spaced to deliver optimum performance and fuel efficiency. The reverse gear includes a brake that stops the gear rotation for easy engagement. To improve durability with higher torque output, the five-speed manual transmission was upgraded with a stiffer input shaft, wider gear faces and improved bearings.

The optional four-speed automatic features wide-spaced gear ratios that contribute to brisk acceleration and smooth highway cruising, along with high fuel efficiency. The transmission uses new final drive gearing to optimise performance and efficiency. Features of this system include electronic, fully adaptive shifting, improved torque management for quick shifts and interactive speed control and engine and transmission controllers that provide control in hilly terrain.

To make cruising even more enjoyable, the PT Cruiser’s suspension mounting, body structure stiffness and suspension calibrations are tuned to minimise noise, vibration and harshness, and body lean. The MacPherson strut front suspension features a high-roll centre that contributes to responsive steering while reducing body lean during brisk cornering. Low-lean geometry achieves the desired suspension handling performance. A stiff front suspension cross member attaches the front suspension to the body structure and supports the steering gear.

"Stiffness, which results in a high natural vibration frequency, helps limit the transmission of road noise and engine vibration to the interior," said Dan Knott, director, Vehicle Development Small Car Platform Engineering.

Also contributing to the solid ride and handling characteristics is the rigid support of the PT Cruiser’s body structure.

"The PT Cruiser’s body serves a number of purposes for us," said Ernie Laginess, Director, Body Engineering, Small Car Platform Engineering. "First, the high-strength steel assures durability and rigidity for a stable ride and handling. The durability provides a safety element. And, the bending and torsional characteristics allow us to meet our aggressive performance criteria for noise, vibration and harshness control."

Body structure bending and natural torsional frequencies or vibrations are separated from steering column, powertrain and suspension input frequencies to enhance strength and soundness. The transmission of natural noise and vibration are reduced at each one of the 47 points between the body and these systems. Tuning each local area individually to separate its natural frequency form the input largely eliminates noise and vibration paths to the passenger compartment.

The tightly sealed body shell lowers wind and road noise as well, resulting in quiet ride through all driving ranges. This is achieved through precise dimensional control of door and liftgate openings and their sealing systems and through attention to detail on sealing body seams and other openings.

"The handling and stability of the PT Cruiser is very impressive to begin with," Laginess said. "But, having a quiet ride makes cruising in the PT Cruiser an added bonus."

Research conducted during the early stages of the PT Cruiser program confirmed that a large, flexible interior was important to consumers. A newly designed Watts linkage rear suspension system permitted the interior wheel wells to be moved outward, greatly increasing cargo space and functionality.

"The PT Cruiser’s interior aesthetics fulfill the promise of its exterior design, while adding a new level of function for people with active lifestyles," Godshall said.

"The PT Cruiser blends innovative features and packaging to create a vehicle that has one of the most sophisticated and flexible interior designs regardless of size," Godshall said.

PT Cruiser’s ability to carry everything from five passengers to kitchen appliances - or the proverbial kitchen sink - stems from its versatile seating system. This flexibility is the result of a seating system that can be configured into more than 25 positions to accommodate practically any combination of passengers and cargo.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is one of the most functional vehicles of its size or type for carrying a mix of passengers and cargo. Folding, tumbling and removing either or both portions of the rear seat and folding the front passenger seat provide numerous configurations.

That’s what sets the PT Cruiser apart from the crowd: a cool, emotion-inducing exterior with a practical interior of unprecendented proportions."

A multi-position, removable shelf panel that can be placed at the same height as the folded rear seat backs provides an extended load-carrying surface. An optional front passenger seat that folds flat at the same height as the folded rear seat backs gives the PT Cruiser the ability to carry objects up to eight-feet long with the liftgate closed.

The team even carried their thinking outside the vehicle, equipping the removable split rear seats with sturdy lift handles and rollers for easier removal and storage. The result is one of the most versatile vehicle interiors in the world today.

Limousine-like head room and leg room, along with an exceptional shoulder room, allow occupants the luxury of comfort while providing an outstanding command-of-the-road seating position. Placement of the instrument panel, steering wheel, pedals and seats gives the PT Cruiser one of the best ingress/egress of any vehicle on the market. This allows most occupants to slide directly into the seats without stepping up or bending down.

Using virtual reality technology, engineers were able to place roof pillars to maximise outward visibility and spaciousness. In addition, this technology was used to achieve the optimum ergonomics for the instrument panel-mounted controls, the shifter, armrests, power window controls, the door release lever and door-mounted switches.

The front bucket seats are manually adjustable, reclining with a two-way adjustable, locking head restraint standard on all models. Available is a front passenger seat that folds flat, extending the cargo loading area all the way forward to the instrument panel. When folded, the front seat back is the same height as the folded rear seats, providing a level loading floor from front to rear.

PT Cruiser’s spacious rear seats easily accommodate occupants who are well over six-feet tall. Among DaimlerChrysler vehicles, rear seat head room is only exceeded by the Company’s minivan models.

"Years from now, when people talk about this vehicle, there is no doubt the exterior will be listed as the attention grabber, "Edson said. "But, through some outstanding innovation and teamwork, PT Cruiser also has one of the innovative and versatile interiors of any vehicle imaginable with a spectrum of functions offering anything from the comfort and safety of five-passenger seating to the utility of a small cargo van or truck."

However, one of PT Cruiser’s main attributes is its ability to combine these classic cues with a very high level of modern-day safety and environmental responsibility.

While the Chrysler PT Cruiser is already drawing rave reviews for its cool design and unmatched interior versatility, company engineers paid close attention to occupant safety, both in active and passive areas.

In any vehicle, the primary safety system is a properly used safety belt. The PT Cruiser is the first DaimlerChrysler vehicle with a three-point centre rear belt system. The retractor is concealed in the seat back and the webbing exits through a slot at the top of the back.

The latch that holds the seat back in the upright position also supports the shoulder belt loads. Tie-down loops for child seat tethers mount on the seat back behind each seating position. Tethers included with aftermarket child safety seats supplement the seat belts in restraining the seats.

A next-generation driver air bag works with the steering column, telescoping column coupling and instrument panel knee bolster to provide supplemental restraint in frontal impacts. New technology and unique frontal impact design allows the driver air bag to mount beneath the small, circular steering wheel trim cover and to be more compact.

The next-generation passenger air bag includes a hybrid inflator that uses a small amount of pyrotechnic propellant to release and heat compressed inert gas stored in a high-pressure cylinder. Supplemental side air bags are included with optional leather-trimmed seats, but otherwise are a stand-alone option, since PT Cruiser meets all side impact regulations without them.

A fully deployed side air bag covers an area about 15 x 26 inches (380 x 660mm). When the bag deploys, it opens the seam between the front and side of the seat trim cover.

The PT Cruiser body structure also provides a high level of impact protection. For example, a unique traverse beam connects the centre pillars and ties into the floor plan at the centre tunnel. The beam contributes to side-impact protection and increases body stiffness. Placed directly in line with side impact loads, it helps protect occupants during side-impact collision. A longitudinal beam in each front door helps distribute crash energy to the centre pillar, where a die-cast zinc alloy extension attached to the centre pillar accepts the load.

The PT Cruiser structure also is reinforced from front to back - in the doors, along the floor pan "tunnel", in the sills and in the windshield pillars - to help dissipate the energy generated in a frontal crash. Chrysler engineers also reinforced the front wheel wells so more of the force from a frontal crash is routed through the tires to the sills - and less targets the passenger compartment.

In addition, the PT Cruiser features refinements of the welded joints securing the centre pillars, sills and roof rails to increase stiffness and decrease twisting under impact. Its 5mph bumper uses high-strength steel beams and high-density structural foam to protect against visible damage in low-speed collisions.

The PT Cruiser has been engineered and tested to stringent durability standards and meets or exceeds US, European and Australian frontal, side, rear and offset crash regulations as well as roof crush criteria.

• A clever feature to prevent children from being trapped in the rear compartment. The forward corners of the shelf panel atop the rear compartment are notched so little hands can reach the buttons that recline the rear seat.
• A higher seating position that improves the driver’s view of the road
• Best-in-class lighting from quad halogen-bulb headlamps
• Optional heated exterior mirrors
• Shoulder belts in every seating position, including the rear centre seat
• Optional seat-mounted side air bags for supplemental head and thorax protection, along with standard front air bags in the driver and front passenger positions
• Universal anchor attachments and cinching latch plates to better secure child seats
• A seat belt system equipped with pre-tensioners and constant force retractors that hold occupants securely while limiting the force the belt applies to the upper body
• An Accident Response Illumination system which turns on the interior dome lamp and unlocks power doors when the air bag deploys to help emergency personnel render assistance.
• DaimlerChrysler’s Sentry Key Theft Deterrent system, which includes remote keyless entry and a panic alarm
• Child-proof locks on the backseat doors.

DaimlerChrysler’s Sentry key Theft Deterrent System is included with Australian equipment. It includes two keys that operate the system and deter vehicle theft by making it impossible to start the engine without the owner’s key.

"In addition to the vehicle’s obvious design heritage, there are numerous innovations in the PT Cruiser," said Walt Battle, Director, Program Management, Small Car Platform. "Ironically, the innovation involved in everything from its design to the new environmentally friendly technology make this vehicle a very futuristic product as well".

Engines feature a new catalytic converter technology in combination with DaimlerChrysler’s existing emission control technology to help exceed regulations for pollutant output.

Similar to the processes in the plant, DaimlerChrysler engineering, design and management teams were required to use innovative methods to transform the dream of PT Cruiser into reality. "there’s no question that PT Cruiser’s design brought challenges to the engineering and programming staff" said Dan Knott, director, Vehicle Development, Small Car Platform Engineering."We all loved the mold-breaking design, but had to come up with equally unique ways on the engineering side while holding true to the product and process efficiencies from a program management perspective."

Virtual Reality (VR) allowed all members of the development team to evaluate three-dimensional product designs in a computer environment. The ability to simulate the interaction of people within the vehicle - prior to an actual model ever being built - was efficient and cost effective. Engineers and designers learned that VR provides a fast and useful tool for evaluating product designs and functions.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

Chrysler PT Cruiser Features:

CLASSIC FEATURES

• DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS
• AIR-CONDITIONING
• ABS BRAKES
• POWER DOOR LOCKS WITH REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
• POWER MIRRORS
• POWER WINDOWS WITH ONE-TOUCH DOWN
• RADIO/CASSETTE/CD PLAYER
• SIX SPEAKERS
• LOW-SPEED TRACTION CONTROL
• INTEGRATED OVERHEAD CONSOLE
• FLOOR MATS
• THREE-POINT SEATBELTS
• 195/65R15 TYRES
• OPTIONAL SIDE AIRBAGS
• 65/35 SPLIT, FOLD, TUMBLE & REMOVABLE REAR SEAT
• MULTI-POSITION REAR SHELF
• CARGO AREA NET
• FULL LENGTH FLOOR CONSOLE
• CHROME EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES
• CHILD-PROTECTION REAR DOOR LOCKS
• SPEED SENSITIVE "ROLLING" DOOR LOCKS
• DYNAMIC SIDE-IMPACT INTRUSION PROTECTION
• HEADLIGHT LEVELLING
• ELECTRIC DRIVER’S SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

LIMITED FEATURES

IN ADDITION TO OR REPLACING CLASSIC FEATURES

• FRONT SIDE AIRBAGS
• CHROME 16-INCH WHEELS
• 205/55R16 TYRES
• LEATHER/SUEDE UPHOLSTERY
• FRONT FOG LIGHTS
• OVERHEAD CONSOLE
• LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL
• OPTIONAL MOONROOF

Chrysler PT Cruiser Specifications:

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

DaimlerChrysler’s Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System is included with Australian equipment. It includes two keys that operate the system and deter vehicle theft by making it impossible to start the engine without the owner’s key.

"In addition to the vehicle’s obvious design heritage, there are numerous innovations in the PT Cruiser," said Walt Battle, Director, Program Management, Small Car Platform. "Ironically, the innovation involved in everything from its design to the new environmentally friendly technology make this vehicle a very futuristic product as well".

Engines feature a new catalytic converter technology in combination with DaimlerChrysler’s existing emission control technology to help exceed regulations for pollutant output.

Similar to the processes in the plant, DaimlerChrysler engineering, design and management teams were required to use innovative methods to transform the dream of PT Cruiser into reality. "there’s no question that PT Cruiser’s design brought challenges to the engineering and programming staff" said Dan Knott, director, Vehicle Development, Small Car Platform Engineering. "We all loved the mould-breaking design, but had to come up with equally unique ways on the engineering side while holding true to the product and process efficiencies from a program management perspective."

Virtual Reality (VR) allowed all members of the development team to evaluate three-dimensional product designs in a computer environment. The ability to simulate the interaction of people within the vehicle - prior to an actual model ever being built - was efficient and cost effective. Engineers and designers learned that VR provides a fast and useful tool for evaluating product designs and functions.