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Chrysler signs on to in-car Internet, while PT Cruiser cabrio gets the chop

Auto Express Car Reviews

04th April 2008

Chrysler signs on to in-car Internet

NOW you can drive and surf at the same time. Chrysler is in the final stages of developing an advanced in-car Wi-Fi system that turns your vehicle into an Internet hot-spot. It will let passengers browse the Web, check E-mails and download movies and music – all from your car.

Chrysler’s cutting-edge mobile technology will use 4G connectivity for high-speed data transfer and wireless Web access. Owners will enjoy enhanced sat-nav features, such as real-time traffic updates, remote vehicle health checks performed automatically and even downloadable upgrades to the ECU and other systems.

However, it’s not all plain surfing. Drivers will have to pay a monthly subscription, and any Internet will only be allowed at speeds below 3mph!

...But Cruiser cabrio logs off

ONE car that certainly won’t feature the new Wi-Fi service is the PT Cruiser Convertible (above). Production of the slow-selling soft-top has ceased, and the model has been withdrawn.

The Convertible was launched in the spring of 2006, but less than 750 were sold in the UK. It has been dropped as part of a worldwide cull of four vehicles from the firm’s line-up, and follows on from Chrysler’s splitwith Mercedes last year. If you are one of the few fans of the Convertible, there are still a few examples available through Chrysler’s UK dealer network.