Forbes - The Fate Of An Icon

[Hotrod]

I agree, the interior doesn't fit the car. I don't like the new lower front end either, think they should have gone more retro in that area and could have improved the front end verses breaking it up, just doesn't look right to me either. I'd like to see just improvements in the car and leave the styling as is. I'd like for them to trick it out more instead of a complete change such as suicide rear doors, the three door cars and extended cab trucks have them, why can't the pt. I'd also like to see things such as improved materials in the interior as well as a split rear hatch with a roll down rear window versus the heavy one piece we have now. I'd also like to see an improvement on the hood where possible it works like a clam shell and opens the engine bay more for easier access.

[EJIII]

Great ideas, Hotrod! I think that DC is overdue to build a direct injected turbo PT. With everyone else (Even Saturn!) getting 260hp+ out of 2.0L, my 2.4L is getting nearly as retro as the PT Cruiser's styling! I also agree that due to the new front-end and interior, along with the low-tech engine, my next new vehicle won't likely be a PT. As Cruisers go, the FJ is much more interesting to me these days.

[purple04]

I think the article has it right. Refine the thing! VW was very sucessful doing that with the bug years ago. The production numbers quoted indicate that this car isn't losing customers, so make it bulletproof and better. DC will have great customer retention. I've been asked about mine 3 times in the past 4 months, and one person has already bought one. The other 2 are still considering one. There are 7 here, in a company of ~200 people. Fix the automatic trans to last 150K, Deal with the RKE, balljoints, MPG/power (weight) and other details. Don't mess with a proven winner!

[quicksilverdon]

They should take a lesson from BMW, who has just released a "new" Mini - that looks like the old one, but is redesigned, new engine, a bit bigger, but is hard to tell from the one it replaces.

I agree w/Purple04 - fix the problem areas - and do something about the turning radius!!

[deederz]

soup it up a little, but definately keep it RETRO!

[bobs turbo pt]

like purple said , " i get asked how do you like the pt" at least two 3 times a week is still has people interested in it !! make it alittle more peppy thats about it!!

[fritz_t_coyote]

quote:Originally posted by quicksilverdon

They should take a lesson from BMW
8<snip>8

As long as they don't saddle the PT with a 'Bangle Butt' or (gods help us) 'I-Drive'.

[)]

[bsdunek]

quote:Originally posted by Striker

...and a small pick-up [8D]

I love the idea of a old style pick-up! I would want one of those.