Tommy,
I am one of those who think somewhat like Kirby. I bought a PT Cruiser even before it was considered a "tuner" car. The GT is my second one in as many years. I didn't make the decision to produce a turbo car, or advertise it and the Chrysler endorsed performance upgrades. I didn't produce 2 "tuner" cars and not look past the current "Fast and Furious" profit potential with my planning, production and marketing. I didn't decide to give my dealer part of my trade-in after I promised him the whole thing (Sway Bar).
I haven't seen many PT Cruisers or SRT-4s making a large showing for team Mopar at the Off-Road events that I have seen televised. There haven't been any of either at any of the local mud-bogging contests. Yet, this is Mopar's stated intended market with this product. And they have had over 2 years of planning and developement to be able to offer it for off road use only?
When I was involved in retail, I never had the luxury of providing add-ons that my target customer's couldn't use. I never sold an item made for sale to support another one, at the expense of the major warranty provisions.
In a nutshell, Mopar and Chrysler simply dropped the ball with this fiasco. The upgrades have been a carrot dangling in front of the market; a promise of things to come. In the time between announcing the product would be available and the product being complete, packaged and made available, there was ample time for a marketing strategy to be developed that matched the demographics of the intended buyer. Using the addage that these are racing parts for the serious racer, and because they will be used on the track there is no warranty is hardly the introduction that the average PT Cruiser owner can identify with. I have had 2 PT Cruisers now, and have never been on a race track, other than crossing the track on foot with a pit pass to help with timekeeping.
I admire UniqTwin's devotion and courage, and I have expressed that many times. She certainly has her work cut out for her, and I genuinely feel for her with the task she faces. I have lanced at a few windmills myself in my 50 years, and it is a thankless job. It is like trying to teach a pig to sing; the pig will never carry a tune, and he doesn't like being forced to try.
I am hopeful that Mopar Performance Parts will be able to make the transition to the 21st century with their product approach for current vehicles. However, until that time comes I am unlikely to be thrilled about the aspects of paying money to negate my warranty and smile about it while I am avoiding the EPA and driving a non-emissions approved vehicle around at the risk of a $20K+ fine every time I hit a public road.
When Mopar and Chrysler address those issues and offer a real-world policy, I will be their biggest fan and will gladly spread the word about their devotion to the car customizers and retro lovers. Until the upgrade is legal to use on the road, and the dealer network endorses a warranty statement that speaks in one voice, I don't expect to be leading the parade...
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