Since the launch of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser in February 2000, and continuing through July 2005, a total of 894,186 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles have been sold worldwide.
Until recently, this retro/modern vehicle has had no direct competition to its nostalgia four-door multi-purpose hatchback styling and loyal customer connection.
That is about to change with the recent release of the 2006 Chevrolet HHR, a handsome and charming 21st century interpretation of a 1949 Suburban utility vehicle that is aimed squarely at the PT Cruiser.
GM hopes that the HHR will catch on with the same fervor that the PT Cruiser has, especially with buyers who personalize their rides and organize clubs to celebrate their emotional connection with the vehicle.
Chevrolet has announced that sales of the HHR are strong and the original plan to build 60,000 units the first year has already been adjusted to double that figure.
But Chevy still has a long road to travel in reaching the level obtained by the PT Cruiser, especially considering how creative DaimlerChrysler has proven by keeping the PT Cruiser fresh and exciting to the public with a continual parade of factory-customizations models.
Since 2001, there have been 10 limited edition PT Cruisers offered, including the Woodie, PT Dream Cruiser Series 1,2,3 and 4, PT Turbo, PT Cruiser Convertible, Flames, and the Chrome Accents models.
Well, get ready for the eleventh variation, and the first special adaptation of the refined 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Billed as the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition, this baby will be easy to identify by the exclusive Solar Yellow paint that radiates off the exterior and highlights the interior.
Dedicated to “The Mother Road” (Route 66 has also been called “The Main Street of America” and “The Will Rogers Highway”), the PT Cruiser Route 66 Edition features distinctive “solar yellow” brake calipers, body-color grille, solar-tinted sunscreen glass, liftgate mounted spoiler, 17-inch all-season performance tires, four-wheel antilock brakes with low-speed traction control, speed control and a sport suspension.
Brightwork accents include chrome body-side moldings, a chrome exhaust tip and 17-inch, chrome-plated, five-spoke Empire aluminum wheels.
A unique “Street Cruiser” badge, complete with Solar Yellow accents, is featured on the liftgate and complemented by “Route 66” Edition badges on the front doors.
Power comes via the standard 2.4-liter (148.2 cubic inch) naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horses and 165 pounds-feet of torque, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission.
An optional four-speed automatic transmission is available.
For the international markets only, the Route 66 Edition will be offered with a choice of the standard 2.4-liter engine or a 2.2-liter common-rail turbo diesel.
Once seated behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel with its Satin Silver spokes, the driver faces a redesigned instrument panel layout with larger gauges accented by a Solar Yellow cluster bezel.
Also, new for all 2006 PT Cruisers, are the flush shutoff, rotating dash air vents, increased glove box capacity, Chrysler signature analog clock, and radio mounted higher in the center stack for closer accessibility.
Being up to date on the latest entertainment trends, the Route 66 Edition has a standard AM/FM radio and six-disc CD player with MP3 play capability, as well as an audio-input jack that can be used to connect portable MP3 players or other auxiliary audio devices.
Located on the right side of the instrument panel, a grab handle has been added for front passenger to use getting in and out of the vehicle.
A new center console with a sliding armrest and covered storage space replaces the previous seat-mounted armrests and front passenger seat storage bin for all 2006 PT Cruisers and the Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition.
This console includes a covered tray for concealing small items, a deep storage bin that holds six CDs, an available battery-fed power outlet for cell phone charging, a new coin holder and two fold-out cup holders for rear-seat occupants
Highlighting the cabin are the premium cloth sport seats upholstered in Pastel Slate Gray with Alias/Albi accents. The driver has a six-way power seat and manual lumbar adjuster. Matching door trim is finished in Pastel Slate Gray with Medium Slate vinyl bolsters.
New convenience attributes on all 2006 models include standard power locks, courtesy map lamps and rear window switches mounted higher on the back of the center console for easier access.
The Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition includes many standard safety features found on the 2006 PT Cruiser, including an enhanced accident response system, new advanced driver and front-passenger multi-stage front air bags with an “occupant classification” system, a driver-side inflatable knee blocker, theft alarm, lower anchors and tethers for child-seats, brake-park interlock, lap and shoulder seat belts in all positions, rear door child protection locks, rear liftgate release latch, remote keyless entry, Sentry Key engine immobilizer and speed-sensitive power locks.
Compared to the $14,210 sticker on the base 2006 PT Cruiser, the limited-built PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition has a manufacturer suggested retail price of $19,185 for the manual transaxle version and $20,020 for the automatic transaxle model.
So, paraphrasing the old 1946 song titled “Route 66,” with words and music by Bobby Troupe, “Would you get hip to this kindly tip,
And get your kicks with Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66.” |