Chrysler adds Sunset Boulevard appeal to PT Cruiser

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser "Sunset Boulevard"

Chrysler has added some bling to its 2008 PT Cruiser model range with the introduction of a limited-production "Sunset Boulevard" special edition PT Cruiser, dedicated to the "great American road that is part of Hollywood legend and the inspiration for countless songs, movies and TV shows." The 500 "Sunset Boulevard" editions will be powered by the standard 2.4-litre naturally aspirated 150 bhp engine, but come with a "Sunset Crystal" bronze paint, 16-inch chrome-clad nine-spoke wheels with all-season touring tires, a power moonroof and deep-tint sunscreen glass.

Since its introduction in 2000, Chrysler has sold over 1.2 million units of the PT Cruiser and is now keen on boosting sales at the end of the product life cycle, after sales dipped 25% in the first seven months of 2007. Frank Klegon, Executive Vice president of Product Development at Chrysler acknowledges that demand has softened up, but enthusiastically points out that the PT Cruiser is built in a low-cost Mexico and that it's in a very good financial position. It is unlikely that there will be a second-generation PT Cruiser, but Chrysler is expected to launch a small crossover that, according to Forbes, will "perform many of the same functions as the PT Cruiser." Klegon declined to comment and gave no further product details.

The "Sunset Boulevard," going on sale in September, is already Chrysler's 11th factory-customized PT Cruiser. What's the big deal with yet another special-edition model?

Press Release

Chrysler Brings Some Bling to the Boulevard with its Newest Buzz Model - the 2008 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition

New Chrysler PT Cruiser model lights up the boulevard to kick-off annual Woodward Dream Cruise Eleventh factory-customized limited-edition PT Cruiser celebrates another great American driving road New PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition delivers factory customization and limited production at a value price More than 1.2 million PT Cruisers sold since its introduction in 2000

Royal Oak, Mich., Aug 13, 2007 - Chrysler again kicks off the annual Woodward Dream Cruise today with the introduction of its newest special-edition PT Cruiser dedicated to a great American road that is part of Hollywood legend and the inspiration for countless songs, movies and TV shows – Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Announced in conjunction with Detroit’s famed Woodward Dream Cruise, the 2008 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition will be available later this summer as a limited-production version of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. “The Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition joins the Route 66 Edition and Pacific Coast Highway Edition as the third in our Street Cruiser series dedicated to famous highways,” said David Rooney, Director – Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. “Like the historic roads we’re celebrating, the Chrysler PT Cruiser is a classic, and the perfect vehicle for factory customization because it celebrates the journey, as well as the destination.” Chrysler is limiting production of this unique factory-customized Sunset Boulevard Street Cruiser Edition to just 500 units for the 2008 model year. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition will be $16,650 for the manual transaxle version and $17,475 for the automatic transaxle model. Both prices include a $640 destination charge. “The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a classic that lends itself to personalization, and the car enthusiasts here at Chrysler are always looking at new ways to make this one-of-a-kind cruiser even more unique ,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Front-wheel-drive Product Team. “We have a long history of success with keeping PT Cruiser fresh and exciting. In fact, the Sunset Boulevard is the 11th factory-customized PT Cruiser since it was first introduced in 2000.” Glitz and Glamour, PT Style The Chrysler PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition is inspired by the glitz and laid-back glamour of Los Angeles — from the bright lights of Hollywood to the beautiful beaches along the coast. Soaked in the warm, golden rays of the perfect “Sunset Crystal” paint and accented with glistening bright chrome accents, this limited-edition PT Cruiser model brings some bling to the boulevard. Additional special equipment on the Sunset Boulevard Street Cruiser Edition includes 16-inch chrome-clad nine-spoke wheels with all-season touring tires, a power moonroof and deep-tint sunscreen glass. Brightwork accents include chrome body-side moldings and chrome lock knobs. A unique “Street Cruiser” badge, complete with Sunset Crystal accents, is featured on the rear liftgate and complemented by “Sunset Boulevard” Edition badges. Unique interior features on the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition include bright sill scuff pads, bright accent ring cup holders and chrome PRNDL bezel on vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle. Cluster bezels and the passenger air bag door are Sunset Crystal to match the exterior body color. Based on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser LX, the Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 150 horsepower (112 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. (220 N•m) of torque coupled with either a five-speed manual transaxle or a four-speed automatic. With the five-speed manual, this engine achieves 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway based on 2008 EPA estimates, perfect for a weekend cruise down any boulevard in the country. Additional standard equipment includes power windows with auto-down function on both front windows, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player, MP3 play capability and auxiliary audio input jack, 65/35 fold/tumble/removable rear seats, a center console with sliding armrest and storage, Chrysler signature analog clock, compass and temperature display, power accessory delay, rear-window wiper/washer, manually adjustable front seats, front dome lamp, cargo compartment lamp, four premium speakers, 12-volt center instrument panel power outlet and a tilt steering column. Standard exterior equipment on the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition includes body-color front and rear fascias, Chrysler winged badge on the hood and liftgate, bright door handles, halogen quad headlamps and a body-color strip spoiler on the liftgate. Power rack-and-pinion steering, power front disc/rear drum brakes and Tire Pressure Monitoring System also are standard. The glow of the sunset also glimmers from the interior of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition. Bauhaus feature fabric covers Pastel Pebble Beige sport contour bucket seats. This limited-edition vehicle also includes many of the standard safety features found on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, including front-seat-mounted side air bags, enhanced accident response system, new advanced driver and front-passenger multi-stage front air bags with the Occupant Classification system, Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child-seat anchor system, brake/park interlock, lap and shoulder seat belts in all positions, rear door child protection locks, remote keyless entry with illuminated entry, Sentry Key engine immobilizer and speed-sensitive power locks. Available options on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition include an automatic transaxle, air conditioning, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes with low-speed traction control (ABS), engine block heater, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with free first-year subscription, and Sound Group I (which includes SIRIUS Satellite Radio and 368-watt Boston Acoustics audio Group with six speakers and subwoofer). The Chrysler PT Cruiser Lineup Continues to Grow The Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition is the 13th vehicle and the 11th customized version of the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser since it was first introduced in 2000. The 2008 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition joins the Flames, Woodie, PT Dream Cruiser Series 1, 2, 3 and 4, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the refreshed 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 and Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway editions. More Photos