Chrysler to Introduce Cool Chrome Cruiser in 2003

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 12-- The chrome look is back. A shining example of "too-cool-to-categorize" styling will get even brighter, as Chrysler will make a chrome appearance package available on its 2003 PT Cruiser.

Similar to the Locke Touralette version of the 1927 Chrysler Imperial and the 1934 Chrysler Airflow with its chrome "waterfall" grille, this new chrome appearance option draws on the Chrysler brand's design heritage.

Chrysler has been at the forefront of re-introducing jewel-like headlamps and taillamps to production vehicles as fresh styling cues. And the distinctive chrome wings of the Chrysler logo are one of the most recognizable automotive signatures on the road.

"Chrome is like jewelry. Tastefully applied, it captures attention. Over-applied, it looks gaudy," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President- Chrysler/Jeep® Division Global Brand Center. "With the Chrysler PT Cruiser Chrome Accents package, we struck the right balance for the brand and for this unique vehicle."

Offering just the right amount of added sparkle to the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrome Accents package features a body-color, monotone grille with chrome horizontal bars. Based on the grille from the popular Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Styling Study first shown at the 2001 New York Auto Show, the new grille inspired other package features, all of which are tailored to fit the Chrysler PT Cruiser's unique architecture.

The Chrome Accents package also includes a monotone, body-color front fascia with horizontal chrome bars on the lower opening. Full-surround chrome molding encircles the entire circumference of the vehicle, complemented by lower chrome bodyside moldings. A unique chrome-plated, billet-look fuel filler door, 16-inch chrome-clad wheels and a bright exhaust tip complete the "iced-out" exterior package.

Inside, the customized appearance begins with brushed silver front door scuff plates. The plates are engraved with a bright "PT Cruiser" graphic that greets drivers and front passengers. A chrome shift bezel (for automatic transaxle-equipped vehicles) and chrome shaft gear shift lever with a satin silver shift knob reflect the Dark Slate and Dark Taupe/Light Pearl Beige interior color options. Chrome door lock knobs to match the chrome door handles and a leather-wrapped steering wheel complete the interior.

The Chrome Accents option will be available on 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring and Limited Edition models sold in North American and international markets later this year. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the package is $1,270 on Touring Edition PT Cruisers and $595 on Limited Edition models. The Touring Edition model includes 16-inch chrome-clad wheels, a bright exhaust tip and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as additional package equipment. These same features are standard on the Limited Edition Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Automotive Chrome History

Early twentieth century automobiles used brass, and later nickel brightwork, on their front radiators for manufacturer identification. Since these materials tended to tarnish easily and required constant polishing, the industry eventually turned to chromium plating, a more expensive but lower maintenance option. The first widespread use of chrome on American automobiles began in 1926 when the three-step process of electroplating copper, nickel and chromium onto sheet steel made chrome inexpensive enough for mass production.

In the 1950s, chrome was used widely to accent the entire vehicle, inside and out. Today, chrome accents are used more sparingly to distinguish a vehicle's natural character lines.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Lineup

As the sixth version in the Chrysler PT Cruiser family, the new Chrome Accents PT Cruiser joins the Flames, Woodie and Dream Cruiser Series 1 models, as well as the 2003 Chrysler PT Turbo due this fall and the PT Cruiser Convertible, to go on sale in early 2004.