Chrysler has launched a new 2.4-litre petrol engine to replace the 2.0-litre petrol engine in the PT Cruiser, and added a cabriolet and a sportier GT special edition to the PT Cruiser line-up for 2005.

Chrysler UK will bring up to 100 left-hand drive 2.4-litre PT Cruiser Cabrio into the UK during the year.

The special edition GT is based on the 2.4-litre Touring and adds a body coloured rear roof mounted spoiler, sports suspension and 17 inch GT alloy wheels.

The new 2.4-litre petrol engine is EU4 emissions compliant. It produces 143bhp and has a top speed of 121mph, 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds.

The PT Cruiser Cabrio features an all-new body structure that combines extra-large doors and a fully lined, electrically-folding cabrio roof.

Available from December 2004, prices start at £12,995 for the Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic, £14,520 for the Touring and £16,020 for the top-of-the-range Limited. The special edition 2.4-litre petrol GT model, which comes with a manual gearbox only, costs £14,995.

The left-hand drive cabriolet, with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, will be available from March 2005 priced at £17,495 for the manual and £18,295 for the automatic gearbox.