Whoa, Mama: Chrysler's 2008 PT Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition

Chrysler has announced yet another spinoff for its aging PT Cruiser: The Sunset Boulevard Edition. The SBE gets Sunset Crystal paint – maroon is probably the best descriptor – along with a little more chrome, 16-inch wheels and a moonroof. The interior adds a few chrome fittings and custom fabric seats. Under the hood … is the Cruiser’s base 150-hp four-cylinder.

Prices begin at $16,010 with a stick shift, and an automatic sets you back another $825. Both figures represent about a $1,000 premium over the regular PT Cruiser. Chrysler says 500 SBEs will be built.

Ad nauseum? You decide: This is the 11th spinoff for the aging Cruiser, which hasn't gotten a major redesign since early 2000. We're not sure what Chrysler wants to do with the car, but if the latest edition is any indication, it will be on life support for at least a little while longer.

[Source: Chrysler]

Comments

Dumb.

Dumb you say? Not really. It will keep the name plate going further until a decision is made as to what to do with the design: modify it somehow, or drop it completely and go with a different approach. It's a shame, though. The Cruiser was a brilliant idea that could continue if only the "new" Chrysler improved upon it year after year, as VW did with the original VW Beetle. Of course in this day such a concept is no longer the case...unfortunately. What we have now are models such as the Ford Focus: tired, and "freshened" for '08, but still tired, if U know what I mean...I could go on with other cases, but you get the idea. The Cruiser IS tired too but not so much for its shape/design as for its dated powerplants, lack of promotion on Chrysler's part, and the company's general indifference towards this machine, with ploys like "The Sunset Boulevard Edition"...Oy Vey!

Peace!<-AladdinSane--

I forgot to say lame and pathetic too...

Peace!<-AladdinSane--

I own a PT Cruiser and I love it. A great car indeed.

Who cares. The PT Cruiser only shining moments are the day they released it and the day they stop making it. It's hard to believe almost 8 years later, the most interesting redesign is the paint.

I hope in the restructure they dump this car and bring in some new products that makes the brand exciting or at least bearable. The 300 is the only car they make that has any traction and even that looks like it's due for an update.

Hey, maybe they will give that one a new color and keep it the same for another 7 years as well.

Here's to making cars in the slow lane.

Who cares. The PT Cruiser only shining moments are the day they released it and the day they stop making it. It's hard to believe almost 8 years later, the most interesting redesign is the paint.

I hope in the restructure they dump this car and bring in some new products that makes the brand exciting or at least bearable. The 300 is the only car they make that has any traction and even that looks like it's due for an update.

Hey, maybe they will give that one a new color and keep it the same for another 7 years as well.

Here's to making cars in the slow lane.

Mom loves hers and there's definately a market for "little old ladies".

Since Chrysler can't seem to do ANYTHING right now, maybe it's best that all they do is paint mods on this car.

Maybe they get get "signature" editons, that always works.

Remember the AMC Levis Gremlin, the Thunderbird Fila, Cartier and Bill Blas Lincolns, and the Nautica Villager?

What the heck, PT's will probably be collectible someday (people have conventions for Pez dispensers after all) So why not a few SE's?

Still it needs a new engine, one that can be retrofitted for hot rodders, and a top notch interior redo. Then sell it untill they stop comming.

And the new Corolla? When are we going to have it?

Chysler is doing the same as Toyota, selling the same old car because they have a niche and people who buy them. Corolla is bought by Central American immigrants and PT Cruiser by senior citizens.

They are paid for, so it is all profit now from these venerable cars.

I love my PT Cruiser and I still get people asking me how much I like it as they are in the market to buy one. I got mine new in 2002 and have had absolutely no problems with it whatsoever. It is a great car. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! This little car has a lot to offer and is very flexible - can be used as a car or a truck. LOVE IT!

"which hasn't gotten a major redesign since early 2000."
Can you say DUH! It was designed as a retro
looking car. They already put stupid upgrades
in it. As for it's shining moments. It did
da*n good for a car that got no advertising.
This Sunset model isn't about breathing new
life into the car. Ever since the 3rd year of
the car, they have made a special edition each
year. If you really knew anything about the
car, you'd have known that.