"Hot Wheels" PT Cruiser debuts at Toronto Auto Show

TORONTO, Feb. 20 /CNW/ - You've probably seen the "Hot Wheels(R)" ad for the Chrysler PT Cruiser on television. Now you can see the real thing at the 2002 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto through Sunday, February 24. DaimlerChrysler is showing a special "Hot Wheels" Edition Chrysler PT Cruiser in its huge Auto Show Chrysler brand exhibit under SkyDome's famous movable roof. The special Chrysler PT Cruiser "image" vehicle will also be shown at other major Canadian auto shows and DaimlerChrysler exhibits.

"Two years after its introduction, the Chrysler PT Cruiser still turns heads," said Pearl Davies, Chrysler/Jeep(R) Brand Manager, DaimlerChrysler Canada. "And it's still Too Cool To Categorize. The "Hot Wheels" Edition PT Cruiser is drawing a lot of attention at Canada's largest auto show, which opened February 15. It's especially popular with show-goers big and small, young and old who enjoyed playing with their prized "Hot Wheels" toy cars," Davies said.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser "Hot Wheels" Edition embodies the essence of Hot Wheels -- speed, power, performance and attitude, through extensive modification of the PT's exterior, interior, engine and suspension, all topped off with a brilliant eye-popping Tangerine Metallic exterior paint scheme.

"The "Hot Wheels" Edition is an exciting culmination of two very popular brands," said Carson Lev, Director of Design and Licensing, Collector and Racing Products, Mattel Hot Wheels. "We've successfully transformed a Hot Wheels car into reality," Mr. Lev said.

Special features of the Chrysler PT Cruiser "Hot Wheels" Edition include:

- Custom Tangerine Metallic exterior paint and interior accents - "Roman Chariot" Billet Type Grille with flush front and rear fascias - Eye-catching "Hot Wheels Edition" exterior badging - 200-Horsepower Whipple Supercharged engine - 18 X 18.5-inch aluminum wheels - Goodyear Eagle 225/40ZR-18 HP Ultra Plus Tires - H & R Stage 2 Sport Lowering Springs (1.4" Front, 1.3" Rear) - Custom Dynamax Dual Exhaust System with Ractive Twin Exhaust Tips