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Chrysler has added some bling to its 2008 PT Cruiser model range with the introduction of a limited-production Sunset Boulevard special edition PT Cruiser, dedicated to the great American road that is part of Hollywood legend and the inspiration for countless songs, movies and TV shows. The 500 Sunset Boulevard editions will be powered by the standard 2.4-litre naturally aspirated 150 bhp engine, but come with a Sunset Crystal bronze paint, 16-inch chrome-clad nine-spoke wheels with all-season touring tires, a power moonroof and deep-tint sunscreen glass. Since its introduction in 2000, Chrysler has sold over 1.2 million units of the PT Cruiser and is now keen on boosting sales at the end of the product life cycle, after sales dipped 25% in the first seven months of 2007. Frank Klegon, Executive Vice president of Product Development at Chrysler acknowledges that demand has softened up, but enthusiastically points out that the PT Cruiser is built in a low-cost Mexico and that it's in a very good financial position. It is unlikely that there will be a second-generation PT Cruiser, but Chrysler is expected to launch a small crossover that, according to Forbes, will perform many of the same functions as the PT Cruiser. Klegon declined to comment and gave no further product details. The Sunset Boulevard, going on sale in September, is already Chrysler's 11th factory-customized PT Cruiser. What's the big deal with yet another special-edition model? ue to tradition, Chrysler unveiled its newest special-edition PT Cruiser, the Sunset Boulevard Edition, on the eve of Detroit's famous Woodward Dream Cruise. The automaker chose the same Detroit venue it has used for years to release models in its PT Dream Cruiser Seriesand not the famed road in California, some 2300 miles awayto launch yet another limited-run variant. This is the 13th version of the PT, including 11 factory-customized Cruisers since the retro crossover debuted in 2000, and the third in what has become the Street Cruiser Series. Others in the series are the PT Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition (say that 10 times fast) and the PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition, both of which also celebrate some of America's greatest driving roads. Limited to just 500 units when it goes on sale this summer, the Sunset Boulevard Edition was designed to bring some bling to the boulevard, Chrysler says. We'll let you decide whether the automaker has in fact brought the bling with a number of exterior and interior modifications. Major changes include 16-inch, nine-spoke chrome wheels, special Sunset Crystal (burgundy) paint, and unique Street Cruiser badging. The remaining special equipment virtually mirrors that of other PT special editions, including chrome body-side moldings, chrome door handles, interior accents, a power sunroof, and tinted sunscreen glass. Based on the current 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Sunset Boulevard Edition will retain an identical drivetrain. Utilizing a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque, the PTSCSBE is no beast, but it is efficient. Equipped with a manual transmission, you can expect upwards of 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. All of this can be yours for a cool $16,650 with a manual tranny or $17,475 for those who don't like to use their left foot. However, if a special-edition PT Cruiser is something that interests you, time is running out. It's a one-model-year offer, but we'll be back on Woodward this time next year for the 2009 special edition, and again the year afterunless, of course, continuing rumors of the PT Cruiser's demise after 2009 prove to be true. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io Ready to ride shotgun with us? Sign up for the smartest car news out there. Email address What's your email address? LET'S GO. By signing up, I agree to Hearst Magazines Terms of Use (including the dispute resolution procedures); my information will be used as described in the Privacy Notice. This commenting section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information on their web site. Conversation Powered by TermsPrivacyFeedback