Excerpt from the article that I found HERE at Forbes.com

"At last report, the company is trying to decide whether to add a V-6 in the next re-do. The current PT is a four-cylinder. Adding a V-6 would make it bigger and heavier, more expensive and thirstier for gasoline. That does not seem like the right thing to do today.

Such a move would be bad enough, but here's worse news (and I am quoting Automotive News, which usually gets its facts straight): "Another issue is styling. Retro and cutesy are out of fashion. Expect the next-generation PT Cruiser to be more of a straight-up Toyota RAV4 fighter with the retro elements played down."

The word is that Chrysler may even be thinking about changing the name on the new model, which is due in three or four years."

What's up with this?

 

I would think chrysler will take a look in the next year or two at the sales of the HHR to determine whether or not to ditch the retro look for the next generation of pt cruiser. just my thoughts

 

The PT Cruiser, in it's current form, has been very successful for Chrysler. Part of me thinks they would be stupid to change it too drastically. But then again, we can't expect it to be around as-is forever. If they do decide to do a drastic overhaul on it though, I think it would be in their best interest to change the name.

 

The normal manufacturing cycle of a particular model is 5 years...so the PT is due.

Oh, in regard to retro styling....let us not forget the 2008-9 Camaro, which I believe is due for release in mid 2008. That would be a terrible shame. But, maybe IF GM has its s**t together, retro will not be passe'.

 

I believe retro is where its at, look at some of the new releases out there and up coming ones. People can't wait to get their hands on them, that in it self should tell you something..

 

When I look at the new Camaro I see more of the new Cadillac design influence than old-school Camaro. At least with the new Mustang you can tell where its influence comes from.

I'm glad the Camaro is coming back, just don't see it as a look towrads the past heritage.

 

ithink the camaro is alittle to much new and not enough old. i want new tech/old design.

 

I saw the Camaro at the Chicago auto show and thought it looked better up close and personal whereas the challenger was more photogenic. The grill is more angular when you see it up close so pictures don't do it justice. I feel the same way about old Honda S2000. It just looks better when you actually see it and walk around it.

 

How can Chrsyler say that retro is dead? When the new challenger is coming! Cmon..man this is best a marketing ploy for the PT to have an excuse for getting its butt kicked in sales by the HHR. And at worst...its true that they want to do away with the PT and replace and are just finding ways to market a new ride...similar to the Neons transformation to the Caliber. Course thats just my