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The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible: The convertible to be in and be seen in

No other ragtop can beat PT Cruiser Convertible’s combination of styling, unprecedented versatility, quietness and comfort

The new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible continues the PT Cruiser sedan phenomenon


Chrysler Rolls Back the Top on Heritage Design With New PT Cruiser Convertible

Hands down and top down, the all new 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible offers customers a different kind of convertible. Only the PT Convertible offers the PT Cruiser’s distinctive, one-of-a-kind styling that looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside. The car’s coordinated, refined appearance is reflected in the color-keyed sport bar with individual, recessed overhead lighting and a customized two-tone interior.

“The new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible opens up the sedan styling to reveal an exterior and interior design that’s coordinated when the top is down,” said Dave McKinnon, Vice-President-Small, Premium and Family Vehicle Design and Color Fabric Mastering. “This creates a connection between two usually separate environments, which is essential in developing a distinctive convertible design like the one we’ve achieved on the PT Cruiser Convertible.”

An Exterior With Unmistakable PT Cruiser Cues

Chrysler PT Cruiser designers have been busy since creating the original Styling Study vehicle first seen at the New York International Auto Show in 2001. Everything on the vehicle from the A-pillar back is new except the distinctive taillights, which retain the heritage-inspired look of the PT Cruiser sedan.

“Our reputation for turning truly unique concept vehicles into significant production cars continues with the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President-Design. “We wanted to maintain the memorable features everyone admired on the Styling Study, yet give customers a new interpretation of cool that they’ve come to expect from a Chrysler PT Cruiser.”

Like the sedan, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s body is designed around the passengers and their cargo, resulting in a unique small-car shape. While compact in size, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is neither a small car trying to look big, nor a sport-utility vehicle look-alike.

Heritage-inspired cues on the PT Cruiser Convertible celebrate the American custom car era. Reference to an earlier automotive era is made with separate fender forms connected by a simulated running board and a tapered hood that distinguish the engine compartment from the passenger area. Frameless, teardrop-shaped taillamps set into each rear fender include distinctive star-burst optics that hint at historic “blue-dot” lenses.

With top down, the totally unique sport bar gives a modern, customized look that features flush-mounted overhead lighting. Crossing overhead between the front and rear seat, the distinctive color-keyed sport bar is a standard “form follows function” element of every Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible. A DaimlerChrysler first, the hydroformed steel bar is covered in complementary color trim. The high-gloss sport bar commands attention and gives the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible a distinct look from its competitors. The inside of the sport bar is lined with a textured three piece polypropylene trim that matches the interior. The bar also features two flush- mounted overhead courtesy lamps, providing a light source where no other convertible can. A bright Chrysler winged emblem just above the belt line accents the sport bar design.

In addition to these styling elements, the sport bar design and location dramatically reduce wind buffeting effects when the roof is retracted, which improves vehicle quietness and passenger comfort. It also helps achieve added transverse body stability and provides improved positioning for the seat belt turning loops.

With top up, the lower roof line gives a fastback appearance with a slanted forward style. The sloping silhouette gives the vehicle an aggressive stance even when stationary. Carefully balanced fender forms, flared sills and side windows graphically proportion the new two-door body style to create a contemporary unity. Black outside mirror housings provide a flowing side window appearance that continues the forward gesture.

World-class quad headlamps nested within the front fenders hug the wheels, while a body-color front fascia pushes the grille and fender surface back to visually shorten the front overhang. Fender forms wrap around the wheels to join thick, flared sills for a solid road stance.

Adding a touch of brightness, exterior chrome accents can be found on the outside door handles, the door key cylinder cap and nameplates, as well as on the exhaust tip of turbo-equipped vehicles and on the grille and front fascia of GT models.

The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is available in the following exterior colors: Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Cool Vanilla, Dark Plum, Electric Blue, Light Almond Pearl Metallic, Midnight Blue, Graphite Metallic and Inferno Red (except on the Standard model).

Two-tone Customized Interior Uniquely PT

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible interior is available in two color schemes on the GT model. Standard seats on the Standard and Touring models are low-back and trimmed in a unique Fresno print on Dark Slate Grey cloth.

“Inspired by two-tone color combinations of earlier automotive eras, we’ve achieved a luxurious, distinctive interior design for the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible,” said Jeffrey Godshall, Senior Design Manager-Chrysler PT Cruiser Interior. “Together with the circular patterns and features first introduced on the sedan, the complementary color combinations continue the modern approach to heritage design on the all-new convertible version.”

The Standard and Touring model cloth seat packages include a driver-side manual lumbar adjustment, with supplemental side airbags and a driver-side power height adjuster available as optional equipment on Touring models.

The GT model PT Cruiser Convertible features Royale Grain leather front and rear seats in Dark Slate with Medium Slate accents on the seats and doors or Light Pearl Beige/Dark Taupe with Dark Taupe accents on the seats and doors. Heated front seats are optional on the GT model, while supplemental side airbags, a driver-side manual lumbar adjustment and a driver-side power height adjuster are standard.

Continuing the heritage design cues, the steering wheel features four thin spokes radiating from a small circular hub. The spokes have a basket-weave Demmers grain. The Chrysler “seal” medallion, mounted over embossed wings on the trim cover, originated with the first Chrysler car in 1 924.

Consistent with interior cues from the Chrysler PT Cruiser sedan, the Convertible features “browless” circular instruments outlined by chrome accents. The high-gloss finish on the gauge bezel and airbag door also has a historic precedent, while the color is keyed to the exterior paint for most color schemes. This helps bring the outside color to the inside of the vehicle when the top is down. A complementary color instrument panel top cover continues the coordinated theme. For contrast, the center stack controls are black, while the surrounding bezel and air outlets are a complementary color.

Heritage cues continue on the manual transaxle shift lever with a spherical knob and a sewn vinyl boot at the base on the Standard and Touring models. The automatic transaxle shifter features a white ball knob with a chrome release button. All GT models include a satin silver painted spherical shifter knob as a performance design cue.

Composed of interlocking shapes, the unique halo-design door trim panels continue the two-tone interior color scheme. The doors feature long, vinyl-covered arm rests with open grip areas that have a concave circular depression behind them for greater hand clearance. A red reflector at the rear of the door trim panel provides a warning to approaching night time traffic when the door is open. Coordinating fabric bolsters applied to the center door sections of cloth package vehicles complete the door design.

Unlike competitors with separate conventional trunks, the Chrysler PT Cruiser features a passthrough trunk area as stylish as the rest of the interior. The design of the interior passenger area flows through to the cargo section via color-keyed trunk quarter panels, deck lid trim and carpeting. Each quarter panel also houses a 6”x 9” speaker behind an integral circular grille. Similar grilles and speakers are found on the doors as well.

The All-new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible: Still the Swiss-army-knife of the Auto World



The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s versatile cargo area is unique in the segment because it has a versatile back seat (fold and tumble rear seats) and a pass-through trunk, capable of carrying two golf bags or similar lifestyle equipment.

At 84.3 cu.-ft., the PT Cruiser Convertible has more total interior volume than the Beetle convertible (79.6 cu. ft.) and the Mustang convertible (79.0 cu.-ft.) The PT Cruiser Convertible is the only convertible among these same competitors to offer true pass-through luggage volume of 13.3 cu.-ft. and nine different seat configurations.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible was designed to be taller than most cars, yet shorter than a minivan or a small sport utility vehicle. This led to a 103-inch wheelbase with short front and rear overhang dimensions.

The Fold and Tumble Rumba

Like the sedan, folding and tumbling either or both portions of the rear PT Cruiser Convertible seats results in numerous interior configurations. The additional cargo area can hold a variety of large objects easily with both rear seats folded or tumbled. There’s even room for two golf bags or home improvement supplies.

“Like the sedan, the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible has more versatility built into it than a Swiss Army knife,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President-Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering. “Maintaining multiple seat configurations and unparalleled cargo storage in a convertible was a challenge our engineering team met with all the success of the four-door version.”

To accommodate both passengers and cargo, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible features a 50/50 split rear seat that can fold or tumble to create a variety of useful configurations. Each section can be folded flat independently to form a load-carrying surface and can be tumbled forward to permit cargo pass-through from the trunk. In the upright position, each seat back latches to the body structure at its center. Pulling the knobs from inside the trunk releases each rear seat back for folding. When folded, the carpeted seat backs lie horizontally, creating a flat-load area. With the seat back folded, the back and cushion also can be tumbled forward using a nylon pull-strap in the center of the folded seat. The full length of the flat cargo floor can be exposed with a single pull that releases the seat cushion floor latch and raises the seat to the tumbled position. The seat belt buckle anchors also tumble with the cushion to keep the cargo floor clear.

When in the tumbled position, an adjustable nylon web strap on each seat cushion hooks to a chrome striker on the quarter panel. The seat is held in the tumbled position by attaching the seat hook to the striker and cinching the seat tether strap securely. A fabric pocket on the side of the cushion holds the web strap hook when the seat cushion is in the normal position.

The cushion and seat back latch in place automatically when returned to their normal positions.

A stationary rear seat bolster completes the low profile design. No tools are needed to fold or tumble the seats, as each section of the standard rear cloth seats weigh about 29 lbs. (13.2 kg.).

Boatloads of Storage

Just because there’s two less doors doesn’t mean the PT Cruiser Convertible has less storage capability than the sedan. Places to put things abound, including:

A cubby bin at the base of the center stack

Locking bin-type glove compartment with storage clips specifically designed for a tire gauge or pen/pencil

An under-seat storage drawer with slots for cassette tapes and CDs

Door storage pockets

Four cup holders, coin holder, pen tray, a miscellaneous storage bin, and a cubby bin at the rear of the center console

Driver seatback storage pocket

To keep items in the rear cargo area secure when the top is down, the rear seat releases are mounted inside the trunk, with the trunk release button located in the lockable glove box.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Features Best-in-class Comfort That's Hard to Top

Cargo isn’t the only thing that fits comfortably in the new 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible. People are also just as well seated.

“Our customers are accustomed to the exceptional roominess of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, so it was imperative that we give them all the space and comfort they deserve in the new PT Cruiser Convertible, too,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President-Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering. “Our engineers used the transverse structural beam as the rear mounting surface for the front seats, which left the floor clear from sill to tunnel and created roomy foot wells for best-in-class rear leg room,” he added.

With almost ten inches more rear leg room (40.9) than the VW Beetle convertible (30.1) and the Mustang convertible (29.9), PT Cruiser Convertible passengers can stretch out and enjoy the same theater-style seating as the popular PT Cruiser.

The PT Convertible also has the same rear seat height as the sedan, for true, four-passenger vehicle space. The upright seating position adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

Seating That Never Forgets

The PT Cruiser Convertible’s wide opening doors give easy access to the rear seat, but a new passenger front seat also makes it easy for rear seat occupants to get in and out of the vehicle. The new passenger seat track mechanism incorporates a mechanical memory that returns the seat to the design position after it has been tilted and slid back for access to the back seat. When the seatback is returned to the upright position, it returns to the previously set position and the track is assisted back to the design-designated location with minimal effort. A lever on the outboard side of each front seat operates the manual recliner.

An additional seatback tilt lever on the driver-side seat and a tilt lever with track release on the passenger-side seat allow for easy rear seat ingress and egress. The recliners also have full position memory, which returns the seat back to the previously set recline position after it has been tilted.

A convenient power cushion driver seat adjuster is optional on Touring Edition models and standard equipment on all GT models. It provides 35 mm (1.38 in.) of continuously variable vertical movement.

Wind-blown Performance Options Available on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

To satisfy convertible customers’ need for speed, the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible offers two turbocharged engine options under the hood.

“The new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible offers both 180-horsepower and 220-horsepower High Output turbocharged 2.4-liter engine options, giving convertible customers performance choices not found on competitive vehicles in its class,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President-Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering.

The Chrysler PT Convertible is available with a 180-horsepower turbocharged engine on the Touring model, and a 220-horsepower High Output turbocharged engine as the standard GT model powerplant.

Optional Touring model powertrain features include an automatic transaxle along with the 2.4-liter 180-horsepower DOHC turbocharged engine.

The GT model powertrain features a 2.4-liter 220-HP High Output turbocharged DOHC engine with a heavy-duty Getrag five-speed manual transaxle as standard equipment. The same engine equipped with a four-speed automatic transaxle with AutoStick® also is available as an option.

Robust Body Structure for Superior Handling

Another attribute important to performance-minded convertible customers is handling, which the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible has covered as well. Designed with all the reinforcement necessary to make it a great convertible rather than a chop job, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s superior handling characteristics have been built into the car’s structure.

“With more than half of its parts unique from the sedan, the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible represents a vehicle specifically engineered with convertible drivers in mind,” said Lyons. “We engineered more stability into the body structure itself and fine-tuned the handling to deliver the type of ride a convertible deserves.”

Computer-aided Engineering (CAE) was used extensively to refine the PT Cruiser Convertible’s body performance, which resulted in high levels of structural integrity. This structural integrity leads to a stiffer body with less twist and bend, which means PT Cruiser Convertible customers enjoy a quieter ride, better handling and reduced shake.

“The traditional convertible challenge of how to tie the whole vehicle back together once the roof is gone was solved on a computer screen long before the first prototype models were produced,” said Lyons. “Creating a rigid structure using computer-aided engineering helped us eliminate body twist and bend in the early phases of vehicle development.”

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s rigid structure not only gives customers a more solid ride, but it also makes the car handle more precisely and gave engineers more suspension-tuning latitude without sacrificing low NVH levels. Using CAE, the front strut, rear suspension Watt’s linkage, rear shock absorber and rear trailing arm mounting structures were stiffened, while their natural frequencies were tuned to separate them from the noise and vibration inputs of tires and suspension components. This allowed engineers to tune the suspension bushings for optimum handling without affecting NVH levels.

Besides the PT Cruiser Convertible’s longer wheelbase (103.0” versus 99.1” for the VW Beetle and 101.3” for the Mustang), several other factors contribute to the car’s stable ride and superior handling, including:

A unique combination of sport bar, a stamped cross-vehicle kick-up reinforcement and rear seat support for rear-end stiffness

An innovative design of the joint that runs from the front hinge pillar through the hydroformed sill tube and into the B-pillar that creates a stronger door opening area for less body twist and bend

Engine mounts that are tuned to use the powertrain as a mass damper for less body shake

Spring rates that are adjusted to compensate for added front and rear mass of a convertible

Sway bar rates that are increased in the front and lowered in the rear to maintain ride balance

Damper tuning that is adjusted to compensate for changes to mass and spring rate changes

A new rear seat anchor structure for increased body rigidity

The overall result of these factors combined is an impressive body-in-white stiffness of 4693 ft.-lb./deg (twist) and 42,800 lbs./in. (bend).

The Art of Conversation Isn't Lost on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

Regardless of whether the top is up or down, one thing convertible customers typically have to sacrifice for their day in the sun is the ability to carry on a conversation. Not so with the very “untypical” 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible.

“One thing we know from our experience with convertible customers is that convertibles are ‘social vehicles,’ which means passengers want to be able to talk to each other when riding in them, much like they would around a kitchen table,” said Steve Bartoli, Vice President-Strategy. “So, we made sure Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible passengers could carry on an open-air, ‘picnic table’ conversation while driving, something other convertibles would be hard pressed to offer.”

While the ultimate proof is on-the-road experience, extensive wind tunnel testing contributed to Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s “picnic table” conversation level of quietness. As one of the first Chrysler Group vehicles to benefit from the company’s full-scale Aero-Acoustic Wind Tunnel Test Facility in Auburn Hills, Mich., PT Cruiser Convertible engineers were able to accomplish the following:

World-class wind noise reduction with top up and down

Significantly reduced rear compartment turbulence through ideal sport bar tuning and placement

Optimal boot fastening and attachment integrity

Enhanced mirror design for minimal turbulence-induced noise

Surfaces tuned for reduced noise and turbulence

Several critical sections of the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible were reviewed for opportunities to reduce noise levels in an effort to make it a quiet convertible, top up or top down. From the glass to the engine compartment, potential NVH issues were identified and eliminated or reduced, with the ultimate goal of making the vehicle “picnic table” conversation capable.

Body

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible body provides tight sealing against wind, road and aspiration noise. While a stiff body structure contributes to low NVH levels, tuning the complete structure to minimize transmission of outside noise and vibration into the passenger compartment also adds to the PT Cruiser Convertible’s quietness.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible engineers used full body Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models to determine dynamic bending and torsional characteristics that would meet the team’s performance criteria for NVH control. The natural frequencies of these characteristics were then separated from steering column, powertrain and suspension input frequencies and transmitted to the body structure at forty-seven attachment locations. Tuning each local area individually to separate its natural frequency from that of the input virtually eliminates the area as a potential noise and vibration transmission path into the passenger compartment.

In addition to a unique styling cue, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s sport bar serves an important noise-reduction function by directing wind vectoring behind the vehicle. The sport bar design, location and height prevent air from circling back into the rear seat vacuum, moving it over the passenger compartment instead.

Inside the cabin, extensive application of acoustic treatments help absorb, dampen or block noise from entering the passenger compartment. Steering column stability is achieved through robust mounting of the instrument panel structural beam and a lightweight tubular steering shaft, which also reduces NVH levels. Local stiffness at the rear shock attachments was increased by inserting bulkheads inside the longitudinal rail to minimize noise transmission. Mounting the rear spring seats on the cross member suspended between the longitudinal rails also helps isolate the passenger compartment from noise transmitted through the rear suspension.

In addition, the following body features contribute to NVH control:

Seatbelt turning loops that sit in a shallow pocket for less wind noise around the turning loop and attachment bolt

Unique “C-channel” weather stripping between the convertible top and side windows

A stiff front bumper beam and attachments to the longitudinal rails

Optimized stiffening bead patterns on all inner panels

Heat-expandable foam baffles in the longitudinal rails

Pass-through sealing on the cowl side inner wiring

Full-perimeter hood weather stripping

Powertrain

As is the case with all Chrysler Group powertrain systems, the engine, transmission, driveline and engine accessories on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible were engineered to minimize the levels of noise and vibration they create. Their mounting systems also were refined in conjunction with the body structure to separate input and response frequencies.

The PT Cruiser Convertible’s air induction system also was engineered to reduce airflow resistance and minimize induction noise. The large air cleaner housing mounted in the left front corner of the engine compartment dampens incoming airflow pulsations. A tuning chamber in the cover enhances its noise reduction ability. Body mounting prevents the housing from becoming a potential engine noise amplifier, while rubber mounting keeps it from transmitting induction noise to the body structure.

In addition, the following powertrain features contribute to NVH control:

Low-rumble intake manifolds

Counter rotating balance shafts

High-volume air induction system with tuned resonators

Sealed timing belt covers

A “torque axis” engine mounting system with right side hydro-elastic bushing

A rigid front suspension cross member

Rigid accessory mounting brackets

A shrouded alternator fan with low pulley ratio

A front power plant bending strut

A linear fuel vapor-purge solenoid

An isolated shifter base plate on manual transaxle vehicles

Suspension

Similar to the powertrain components, the PT Cruiser Convertible tires, wheels, brakes, suspension and steering systems were tuned to separate their natural frequencies from each other and from those of the body structure. In addition, their mounting systems were refined in conjunction with the body structure to isolate them from the passenger compartment.

Top, Door, Decklid Weather Stripping

Extensive use of weather stripping, combined with rigorous sealing of body panel seams and gaps on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible resulted in one of the most tightly sealed bodies of any DaimlerChrysler Corporation convertible.

Unique C-channel weather stripping completely wraps the top edge of the side windows at the sealing edge of the convertible top. This weather stripping’s unique design dramatically prevents wind noise and water leakage compared with conventional weather stripping. An anti-stick coating on this section of weather stripping makes it easy to open and close the door.

Extensive door weather stripping also helps seal the PT Cruiser Convertible against wind and water. Body-mounted tubular weather strips seal the sides and lower edges of both doors, while inboard lips overlap the interior trim for a continuous appearance. These lips and the carrier that attaches the weather stripping to the door opening flanges include a co-extruded rubber. The door-mounted weather stripping also comes in contact with the upper edges of the body sills to prevent road splash and road noise.

Finally, a body-mounted, one-piece tubular weather strip seals the circumference of the deck lid.

The New PT Cruiser Convertible: Converting Sedan Safety and Security to a Drop-top

Like all vehicle owners, convertible owners are concerned about occupant safety, and the PT Cruiser Convertible has them covered, even when the car isn’t. PT Cruiser Convertible safety engineers incorporated numerous enhancements into the body structure for improved impact performance. A full spectrum of safety and security features also is standard on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, making it not only safe for occupants while on the road, but secure when it’s parked as well.

“Every driver demands safety and security for themselves, their passengers and their cargo, and convertible owners are certainly no exception,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President-Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering. “The new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible includes the numerous safety features of the sedan version, as well as special high-strength steel applications for added protection without added weight.”

Throughout the body structure, high-strength steel and differential thickness panels are used selectively to meet safety, durability and performance requirements. Use of high-strength steel contributed to a safer and stiffer vehicle with the least amount of added weight possible (approximately 150 more pounds than the PT Cruiser sedan versus the additional 350 pounds added to the Volkswagen Beetle convertible compared with the Volkswagen Beetle).

“To protect occupants, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible was designed and tested with strict safety and impact goals in mind from the onset of its development,” said Steve Speth, Director-Vehicle Compliance and Safety Affairs. “From the front, to the rear, to the side, structural enforcements were included for added protection in the unfortunate case of an impact.”

Rear Impact

A continuous beltline structure around the rear that ties into the B-pillar and a hydroformed sill reinforcement provide rear impact protection on the PT Cruiser Convertible. While the new rear seat structure was designed to allow cargo pass-through, it also incorporates integrated seat belt anchors and provides body torsional rigidity, both of which improve function and safety for rear occupants.

Front/Offset Impact

Longitudinal hydroformed reinforcements inside the PT Cruiser Convertible sills and a revised hinge pillar help redirect offset loads. A longitudinal beam in each front door distributes collision energy to the rear of the vehicle. A new wraparound stamped reinforcement structure at the beltline ties directly into the kickup structure between the front and rear floor pan for improved offset impact management. Strengthening the rear faces of the front wheel wells also provides a load path through the front tires into the sills. A tunnel reinforcement cross member and floor reinforcements minimize floor pan wrinkling in the foot well area as well.

Side Impact

The PT Cruiser Convertible’s quarter trim panels were designed to optimize the vehicle’s interior volume, but they also protect passengers in the event of a side impact through the inclusion of energy-absorbing foam inserts on the backside of the panels. A similar foam insert is included on the backside of the door trim panels for the same purpose. Added foam in these areas also prevents contact with the convertible top mechanisms in side-impact collisions.

Safety engineers also incorporated two unique transverse beams into the body structure. Both tie into the floor pan (one at the center tunnel and the other at the kick-up cross member). Placed directly in line with side-impact loads, the beams help the front door side-impact beams and the basic body structure to maintain overall vehicle integrity during a side-impact collision.

Safety and Security Features

In addition to the safety components designed into the body structure of the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, a number of safety features also protect occupants.

Seat Belts

Unibelt three-point belts with low-tension retractors provide primary passenger restraint in all seating positions. The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s front seat belt turning loops are attached to the sport bar for improved positioning. Load-limiting front seat belt retractors include pretensioners that minimize seat belt slack during a frontal collision above a certain deceleration level.

Driver and Passenger Air Bags

Next-generation driver and passenger air bags are standard equipment on all Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertibles. The air bags are deployed at a reduced output in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Combined with seat belts, the instrument panel structure and the body structure, the air bags assure significant front-seat occupant protection in frontal impacts.

Outboard, front-seat-mounted supplemental side air bags also are available on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible for enhanced side-impact protection for the driver and front passenger. These air bags are standard on GT models and optional on Touring Edition models.

User-Ready Child Seat LATCH System

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible includes a user-ready Lower Anchorage and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) system for mounting compatible aftermarket child seats. As an alternative to using seat belts for retention, the LATCH system allows owners to attach compatible child seats directly to the upper and lower rear seat structures, which minimizes seat movement.

Front Seat Head Restraints

Front seat structures on the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible incorporate a locking feature on all adjustable head restraints that prevent inadvertent downward movement during an impact.

Getrag G288 Manual Transmission Audible Reverse Alert

The Getrag G288 manual shifter on Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertibles equipped with this transaxle includes an audible acknowledgement feature that sounds after the shift lever has been moved to the reverse gate.

Accident Response Illumination

In the event of an accident that results in an air bag deployment, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible’s dome lamp illuminates and the door locks unlock. This makes it easier for emergency personnel to assist the occupants.

A remote power deck lid release is standard on all Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertibles. The switch is mounted in the lockable glove box and is further secured by removing the power to it. This is accomplished by setting the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) using either the key fob, the exterior door key cylinder or the interior door lock switch. Power is restored to the remote power deck lid release switch by disabling the VTSS.

The VTSS, which is standard equipment on Touring and GT model Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertibles, also emits both audible and visible signals if unauthorized entry into the vehicle is attempted.

A Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) feature on Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertibles uses a rolling code to prevent pirating of the vehicle unlock signal. RKE also includes a panic alarm and provides central locking and unlocking of all openings with the key.

Finally, a Sentry Key Immobilizer System on Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertibles deters vehicle theft by immobilizing the engine if an attempt is made to start the car without a properly programmed key.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Includes Best Convertible Systems Available on Earth

The new 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible maintains the sedan’s beyond cool styling and Swiss-Armyknife- 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 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 to p. 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 p oint, 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.