PT Cruiser goes topless

CHRYSLER unveiled a stunning drop-top version of the PT Cruiser at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public this weekend.

The design study follows in the tradition of the Chrysler GT Cruiser and Chrysler PT Panel Cruiser concept cars and presents a new side to the successful Chrysler PT Cruiser.

"Once again, we want to demonstrate the tremendous potential of PT Cruiser," Chrysler group chief designer Trevor Creed said.

"Lower, sleeker and with even more attitude, the PT Cruiser convertible styling study is the latest example of the sort of fun we can have with PT Cruiser. And there is more to come." The Cruiser Convertible uses a two-door PT Cruiser body and features a "fastback" soft-top roof design - in contrast to the production car's more sedate wagon styling - reviving memories of American hotrods from the 30s and 40s.

With the roof down, it has a permanent B-pillar/roll-over hoop in the same style as the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet.

Other features include a "chopped" windscreen header, 19-inch alloy wheels and resculpted rear wheel arches, elongated to blend better with the two-door body styling.

Chrysler plans to use the New York unveiling to gauge consumer reaction to the convertible.

If there is sufficient demand it may go into production, although with worldwide sales of the PT Cruiser continuing to outstrip supply that may be some way off.

Chrysler's Mexico plant has been running at full capacity since the launch of the Cruiser in mid-2000.

To date, PT Cruiser sales total 158,000 units in 40 countries, with 1,000 of those going to motorists in Australia.

Chrysler will boost Cruiser production by 50,000 units to 230,000 units annually, when the retro hatchback begins to roll off the line at its plant in Graz, Austria.

The Graz plant currently produces the Chrysler Voyager people mover and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Other highlights at the New York show include several North American introductions, such as the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, Jaguar X-Type sedan, and Mercedes-Benz AMG models.

Significant world debuts include the production Acura RSX, US-bound Honda Si, more powerful Infiniti I35 and Nissan Maxima, and Mitsubishi Lancer. Intriguing concepts include the Lincoln MK 9 and Suzuki X-Treme sport wagon.