Say Good-bye to PT Cruiser

Codenamed JC49, these are exclusive pictures of the upcoming crossover to be built by the Dodge boys in Toluca, Mexico, and sold in Europe as a Dodge and Chrysler – referred to as the “JZ49” – at the same time.

Both versions will be built on the new Sebring platform, with production scheduled to start in December of 2007, and an on-sale date of early 2008. Chrysler’s version will likely not arrive before the 2010 model year and may replace the retro-styled PT Cruiser. Wearing completely unique sheet metal, the Chrysler model will only account for 25% of the total units built.

Size-wise, the new crossover will measure in a bit larger than Honda’s CR-V, Hyundai’s Santa Fe and the Toyota RAV4 – and hopes to compete directly with Ford’s new Edge in the U.S. The car-based crossover will be offered in a FWD configuration, with AWD optional. We’ve heard lot’s of speculation regarding engines and transmissions (and could provide you with a LONG list!), but the 3.5-liter V6 (from the Sebring) is guaranteed to be one of the several offerings.

non è che si capisca poi tanto dalle foto... speriamo che non segua l'esempio della Voyager, che se possibile nella nuova edizione è ancora + brutta...