Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Includes Best Convertible Systems Available on Earth
- Three-layer world-class convertible top for both style and function - A boot that doesn't have to be hidden - "Smart" glass on easy in and easy out doors - Segment-busting character right down to the deck lid
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 29 -- The new 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible maintains the sedan's beyond cool styling and Swiss Army Knife-like utility, but does so with the panache of a convertible. PT Cruiser Convertible designers and engineers accomplished that feat through the incorporation of several new systems, each unique to the new convertible.
"We searched the world and its supply base to assure we included the best available convertible technology in the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible," said Larry Rybacki, Director-Small Vehicle Product Team Procurement and Supply. "From the world-class top to the new 'Smart' glass system, this vehicle represents convertible bests across the board."
Convertible Top
The PT Cruiser Convertible team investigated convertible top systems and components worldwide with the goal of creating a world-class system for PT Cruiser Convertible customers. The result is not only that, but a system that includes two U.S. industry "firsts" in the form of a six-point top attachment system and a floating bow top retention system.
Mechanical components of the top system include: forged main control link and rails, a stamped top header and main pivot bracket, a high-pressure hydraulic pump and motor, four high-strength steel roof bows on the frame, forged rails, a high-strength steel floating bow, glass stabilizing wide tension belts, a sound-dampening pump cover and a two-piece stamped header.
Soft top system components include: a three-layer premium cloth top, a fully serviceable glass heated backlight, a full headliner, adjustable tension straps, a single center-mounted top release handle and side-glass weather stripping.
The PT Cruiser Convertible's top assembly fits flush with the windshield header for a clean appearance and low wind noise. The top includes a full premium cloth headliner and insulating pad that isolate the cabin from road noise and harsh outside temperatures. The three-layer, premium material is available in Black or Taupe, and provides strength and durability to the top without sacrificing a soft-touch feel, unlike competitors' vinyl top material. A scratch-resistant, heated glass backlight is urethane bonded in place. This standard feature eliminates the need to disassemble the entire top when servicing the backlight, which has the potential to introduce NVH issues after repair on competitive products.
The system's extruded high-strength steel roof bows and rails maintain roof integrity when raising or lowering the top. The rear bow "floats," which creates a compact, clean top-down look. The entire mechanism (including the hydraulics, insulated headliner, weather stripping and latches) is installed in a single manufacturing operation using only six fasteners. Both the floating bow and six-point attachment system are U.S. industry "firsts."
A high pressure, thermally protected electric pump mounted in the center of the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible quickly actuates the top. Anti- chaffing hydraulic lines connect the pump to the cylinders that raise and lower the top. Both the pump and hydraulic lines are secured in the bottom of the convertible top well. A noise dampening cover is positioned above the pump to minimize any noise that may be produced during top operation.
Operating the top is easy. A single D-ring release handle at the center of the windshield/top header provides one-handed release of the two latches located at the front corners of the top. Latches at each corner of the A- pillar secure the top when it is up. The power top switch is conveniently located in the accessory switch bank in the instrument panel center stack area.
Boot
The PT Cruiser Convertible boot was designed specifically for easy installation and stowing. The boot's soft center section allows the arms to nest together for a "tuck in" design that reduces installation time and effort. One person can easily install the boot with a couple of snaps when the top is retracted.
The boot is color-coordinated to match the PT Cruiser Convertible's interior/exterior packaging, while its semi-rigid self-supporting arms give a distinctive appearance to the vehicle when it is in place. When removed, the boot can be stored in the trunk.
To assure low wind noise, engineers performed extensive validation of the boot attachment set up in the Chrysler Group's Aero-Acoustic Wind Tunnel Test Facility in Auburn Hills, Mich.
Doors
Continuing the widely popular heritage styling cues of the Chrysler PT Cruiser sedan was critical to PT Cruiser Convertible designers, and with the "smarts" of the engineering team, the goal was met. The new "Smart" glass frameless system on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible doors allowed designers to maintain the unique sedan styling cues that are sure to become a hallmark of the new convertible as well.
"Developing a glass system that didn't need a window frame was critical in helping retain the 'PT-ness' of the new Convertible," said Lyons. "'Smart' glass technology and some engineering ingenuity led to the same distinct Chrysler PT Cruiser profile on the Convertible as the segment-busting sedan."
As an added benefit, the system's thicker window glass increases vehicle rigidity and contributes to noise reduction in the cabin. This technology is a key contributor to superior wind noise performance and gives the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible one of the easiest door opening and closing efforts in the industry.
As yet another Chrysler Group "first," the PT Cruiser Convertible is one of the first Chrysler Group vehicles to incorporate "Smart" glass technology into a door module.
The system works by lowering the windows slightly whenever the convertible top is lowered. Upon selection of the first detent on the convertible top switch, the front windows lower 40 mm (1.6 in.) and the rear quarter windows lower 55 mm (2.17 in.). All four side windows lower completely when the second detent is selected.
When either door is opened, the door's glass lowers 10 mm (0.39 in.), which prevents the glass from "hanging-up" on the top or upper window seals. The door glass remains in this slightly lower position until the door is closed, at which point, the glass rises completely to fully close the gap.
The "Smart" glass system isn't the only component adding to the robust nature of the PT Cruiser Convertible door system. The doors also contain longitudinal beams that help maintain the integrity of the door opening. This results in a level of sag resistance among the best of the convertibles in its class. The door inner panels are thicker at the hinge face and thinner everywhere else, which increases their strength and stiffness while reducing weight.
The design of the door hinge itself helps minimize the potential for sag on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible. The hinges' large offsets also ensure that the deep-draw front doors have ample space to clear the front fenders. The geometry of the hinges causes the doors to rise slightly when opened, allowing gravity to help them close easily.
Linear door check arms assure smooth operation and hold the doors open when the vehicle is parked on an incline. A new arm on the door check strap improves the open angles on the PT Cruiser Convertible doors for easier ingress and egress.
Finally, the unique style of the new exterior side mirrors decreases wind noise around the A-pillar area.
Deck Lid
Drawing from the distinctive rear stance of the sedan, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible's deck lid exhibits similar styling cues and contours. A new paddle-type pull cup is integral with the winged badge on the deck lid. It replicates the hallmark winged Chrysler badge handle of the sedan, but purposely excludes the integrated mechanical release to assure a completely secure trunk area.
The deck lid's new articulating, four-link design opens up and out for rear compartment access. A parallel link hinge and gas props ease deck lid operation.
Adjusting the thickness of the deck lid inner and outer panels also results in a light deck lid that is easy to open and close, yet is durable enough to remain accurately aligned after long-term use.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com