Print
0-24-2003
by Trevor Hofmann
2002 Chrysler California Cruiser Concept - Is This the Next Wave for the PT?
Do you think Chrysler has found an end to PT Cruiser variations? As if! There are so many possibilities for this popular crossover it must keep their product planners up at night, or at least it contributes to more lucid dreams? Either way, wouldn't every carmaker like to have such a problem?
The latest version, introduced at the Paris Motor Show last fall, is even more specifically geared toward those on the left coast than the hotrod-style production PT Cruiser - hence the new name California Cruiser.
"California Cruiser redefines both the look and the interior functionality of a 'Surf Wagon,' with ample space and comfort for four people, every imaginable extreme sports toy, and even the ability to convert to a hotel room for two," said Jim Schroer, Executive Vice President of Chrysler Group Global Sales and Marketing. "All that, and it is totally drop-dead gorgeous - a new interpretation of Chrysler Design magic."
The new concept, penned by the Chrysler Group Design Studio, modifies the existing PT's bodywork substantially in order to take on the surf wagon role. First of all, its 3-door configuration, similar to the GT Cruiser and Panel Cruiser concepts from a couple of years back, gives the car a lowered, hunkered down appearance, amplified by a slightly reduced ride height.
Its rear end incorporates sharply creased corners instead of the PT's normal curves while two long, narrow "chopped" side windows stretch across the car's profile, adding to the low-rider appearance. Look just below and a satin silver bodyside appliqué spans between each wheel well before arcing up over the bulging fenders to wrap around the tail at one end, while rising to meet a side air vent at the other.
The front fenders look stock, but the one at the rear is heavily modified, stretched farther rearward and then cut off abruptly to mirror the California Cruiser's aft styling. New clear lens taillights finish off the altered rear quarter view. Up front, a new chrome grille sits between modified headlamp clusters, both looking down onto a reworked lower fascia incorporating big, round foglamps. Just above, its sculpted hood incorporates seven ridges a la Crossfire, tapering back toward the windshield.
"The California Cruiser introduces the new face of Chrysler by making a 'Next Wave' design statement," stated Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design. "Scalloped headlamps, a chrome-accented grille and an integrated bumper reflect the direction of Chrysler Crossfire and Pacifica while taking inspiration from our heritage of award-winning style and design. The crisp, precise styling themes of those vehicles influenced the profile and rear design of Chrysler California Cruiser."
You think that it looks cool on the outside? Get inside! First, to fully appreciate its unique ambience, push a button and what is probably the world's largest glass sunroof - actually made up of eight glass panels - transforms the hardtop into an open-air cruiser. This sheds some light on the interior's silver door panels, quarter panels and hatchback trim insert, mirroring the exterior appliqué. Each silver and blue striped seat, both in front and back, folds completely flat to accommodate large loads, and even lies flush with both center consoles to provide an optimal sleeping area.
"We created modular seats with a layout that exudes cool, hip images," said Jeff Godshall, Senior Manager of Exterior/Interior Design. "All four head restraints retract into the seat backs, allowing clearance for the seats to fold flat. There also are chromed winged badges in the seat backs for clear brand recognition that this is a Chrysler, through and through."
To make sure the hip California surfers can find their way to the beach Chrysler installed a navigation system into the Cruiser's centre column. Along the electronics theme, it wouldn't be a low-rider without a wicked stereo system, thus a "boom box" is integrated into the rear lift gate. Cool.
As if all the power is in the stereo? Its 2.4-litre high-output turbocharged engine, derived from the new GT Turbo, finds its way under the hood. It's good for 215-hp and 245 lb-ft of torque. That's real hotrod muscle from an economical 4-cylinder - how California eco-friendly of you Chrysler.
An upgraded sport-tuned suspension package improves on the current PT's handling, rounded out by massive 19-inch billet aluminum machined wheels.
Will we ever see a California Cruiser offered for production? With the Cabrio, a true convertible, arriving this summer as a 2004 model it's not too likely the California Cruiser will see the light of day. But that said some of its innovative features may show up on future PT's - the flexible seating arrangement seems the most obvious. Also, expect an adaptation of this concept's custom grille and scalloped headlights on future models.
The PT Cruiser has been a hugely successful vehicle for Chrysler Group, with nearly 444,000 sold since its launch in February of 2000 through to July of 2002. And it's not just popular in our domestic market. Over 65,000 of these cars found their way into homes outside of North America. DaimlerChrysler must have these numbers in mind when planning the model's future.
Jim Schroer may have summed it up best in saying, "An expert surfer will tell you they are after the NEXT wave, not the one in front of them". He continued, "The same holds true for the Chrysler Group, as we look to new consumer demands and expectations around the world. Chrysler California Cruiser is a concept that might be that Next Wave - with us, you just never know."
Specifications: