Oh Chrysler PT Cruiser ! AND a model that always exuded passion. Adored by some fans, hated by many! It never flashed an elegant line, any technological audacity or records that might have catapulted it into the automotive pantheon. But this is a model that at least had the dignity of being original in many points. And be a different offer on the market. There were others like him. Chevrolet HHR, Plymouth Prowler, Renault Avantime and Vel Satis, Citroën C3 Pluriel…

Because at the time of its release in the early 2000s, the PT Cruiser follows a fashion trend: neo-retro. You know, the technique where the new model looks like an older one. Volkswagen had just released a facelifted version of its Beetle in 1998 post-war In 2002, Ford left the neo-retro Thunderbird.

Unique design in the world

Chrysler also wanted to try an experiment and jump into this interesting breach. Especially since in the late 90s, his Plymouth brand was bled to death (it will disappear in 2001), and its aging Chrysler range. The offer of the third American automobile group was, to put it mildly, surprising. It was about a reimagining of 1930s American hot rods ! The sleek silhouette of the PT Cruiser was a skillful blend of hot rod lines with biodesign who reigned at the time.

Its prominent front grille and its excessively low headlights as a result, the picture became really special. The quality/reliability issues it experienced hastened its downfall. Despite a facelift in 2006, he finally retired from the scene in 2010. Today, 13 years after his death, visually revived by the initiative of the Americans Hotcars who had fun modernizing it in the style of the 2020s.

2023 PT Cruiser: Neo-Neo-Retro?

We always recognize its characteristic silhouette. But the designers gave it an additional touch of modernity. Yes, that’s why it’s a modernized version of an already neo-retro model. In this case, can we talk about neo-neo-retro? A is now displayed signature minimalist LED on headlights and front fog lights. Same behind with a the most stylish light strip. This runs between the two headlights, which have also been updated.

In general, this new interpretation is less eye-catching than the production version. Probably because its design is simpler. No excessive chrome or frillsLike a 2001 PT Cruiser. It’s livery is a cross between black and brown, which isn’t too bad! Obviously, since this is a purely graphical interpretation, we can’t tell you more about its technical aspects… But we could start dreaming of a big block Hemi V8…