Pronto

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Pronto Cruizer

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California Cruiser

" What might be."


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GT
The GT Cruiser concept borrows design cues from
classic American automobiles.

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PT Pickup:
In a fun look at the potential from this platform, the pickup vehicle conjures images of old Plymouth pickup trucks. Limited cargo capacity and load capacity hurt arguments for producing such a variation, but if Chevrolet is on to something with the SSR retro pickup, then Chrysler could have a low-cost alternative with this model.

PT Panel Van:
Original PT Cruiser product plans promised a panel van version in 2002 or 2003. With an increasing emphasis on cargo-toting flexibility, the Panel Cruiser could appeal to buyers who want a coupe but need more wagon-like abilities -- and it would be an attractive platform for customizers. Overseas, the Panel Cruiser could serve commercial duty in Europe and Japan where such vehicles are routinely used for deliveries.

PT Wagon:
Here's fanciful and even more functional variant of the PT Panel Van. If produced, it would certainly offer an interesting alterative to an SUV by adding more cargo space, or even a third row of seats. And it's a way-cooler choice than any other wagon currently out there.

4x4 Cruiser:
 Although PT Cruisers were seen running about Death Valley last year with an apparent 4x4 system, we suspect this may simply have been camouflaging another vehicle. Given the consumer desire it could find a market with the anti-SUV crowd.

Big Sky All Wheel Drive:
The only PT Cruiser with an all-wheel drive system has an innovative five-panel glass roof system, a unique ground effects package, the more luxurious interior is all about a new level of luxury.

Super Cruiser Concept:
Named "Super Cruiser" for its outstanding performance, this custom two-door Chrysler PT Cruiser features a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that creates more than 300 horsepower.
 

PT Coupe Concept:
The Chrysler Group team began with a new PT Cruiser Convertible,
adding a permanent hard top and functional drop tail gate.
 

Evolution

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The Pteazer Roadster

lThe Pteazer Euro Sport Cruiser

Ron Jon Edition

Ron Jon Edition

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Building the PT Cruiser

Bryan Nesbitt: A new career frontier for a designer
Richard Truett
Automotive News
September 14, 2009

DETROIT -- Bryan Nesbitt's appointment as head of Cadillac is unprecedented in the U.S. auto industry.
Never before has a designer risen to the top job at a major vehicle brand.

But Nesbitt views it as a logical ascension.
"As a designer, you are always looking at how they manage the brand," he said.

Nesbitt, 40, rocketed to stardom a decade ago at Chrysler with his signature design, the PT Cruiser. He joined General Motors as Chevrolet's chief designer in 2001 and later spent six years as GM's European design director before returning to the United States in 2007 to run North American design.

He took over as Cadillac's general manager on Aug. 1. Nesbitt spoke with Staff Reporter Richard Truett about his new position.


What can a designer bring to marketing?

"It's hard for the designer to avoid marketing. You are always wearing a marketing hat. As a designer, you are always looking at how they manage the brand. Most of our designers are looking very holistically at how they visually articulate the brand or the promise of the brand."

Will you still have a voice in Cadillac's design?

"Marketing and design will interface always in product development. Marketing will say, "We believe these are the needs for this particular group of customers. This is really their expectations." The design and marketing teams have to be very, very close."

Do you ever see yourself behind the boards designing again, or is that part of your career over?

"I don't know. It's one chapter at a time. Ultimately in my position in design you are in an art director role. And now I am in an art director role for all those other interfaces. For me, it is a lot of fun."

How do you like the way the PT Cruiser looks on the road today, 10 years after it went on sale?

"I didn't like the update that they did where they altered the headlights. But I find it interesting that Chrysler decided to keep it in production. I believe it is the most profitable small car in Chrysler's history. So, from a revenue standpoint, it seems like it has had a good run.
I've always liked the way it looks. I think it looks better when it is lowered 2 inches with 18-inch wheels.
I loved doing the Chevrolet HHR. Everyone tells me they are the same vehicle. But when I talk to people, they don't get the two vehicles confused.
People get Camrys and Accords confused all the time."