![]() ![]() tires provide extra grip and crisper turn-in, while the performance-tuned 4-wheel disc brakes provide additional stopping power.Īlthough pricing is yet to be announced, expect the base sticker to be somewhere in the low $20,000 range with fully loaded models bumping up around $25,000. In addition to the increase in power, the larger 17-in. The PT Turbo automatic is a no-excuses performer. Shifting the AutoStick manually, we hand-timed 0–60-mph sprints in the 8-second range, a huge improvement over the stock automatic, which takes more than 10 sec. But the biggest surprise is how well the turbo package matches up to the automatic. The 5-speed manual shifts with precision. At Chrysler's Arizona proving grounds, we found that the Turbo cruises effortlessly at 80 to 90 mph. From a distance, however, the Turbo has a definite turbine whine when pushed hard. ![]() At full throttle, the engine sound is raspy, bordering slightly on the ragged, and yet it's docile at idle and in low-speed operation. The turbo four pulls sweet and strong, with torque peaking at 3600 rpm and horsepower at 5200 rpm. The best part of the package, however, is what's under the hood. What is improved is the use of darker colors for the lower dash fascia and door inserts and upgraded bolstering for better lateral support on the front bucket seats. The body-colored dash inserts and instrument cluster bezels give way to a design that is somewhere between fake carbon fiber and tweed, proof that some things are better left unchanged. Inside, the manual has a chrome shift knob, while the automatic gets a similar cue ball treatment, but with a pushbutton on top. The size and modern look of the alloy wheels give the PT Turbo more of a hot-rod appearance than the retro "truckster" of the original. wheels shod with P205/50R-17 tires fill the wheel wells. The bumper fascias front and rear are body-colored, and the lower grille opening is larger to provide additional airflow to the intercooler. The appearance of the PT Turbo is subtle yet striking. The automatic has a higher-capacity torque converter and AutoStick sequential shifting as standard. ![]() The engine itself has been completely reworked with a new block casting, liquid-to-air intercooler, larger exhaust and upgraded crankshaft, pistons and rods to handle the additional power generated by the Mitsubishi turbocharger, which provides a maximum 14 psi of boost.Ī Getrag heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission better suited to the engine's torque is also part of the package and can be distinguished from non-turbo manuals by the different shift pattern, which has reverse up and to the left rather than below 5th. There's more to this story than simply slapping on a turbo and a badge on the rear deck. This extra muscle, along with a number of other upgrades to the suspension, tire package and interior trim, gives the Cruiser a much-needed lift to keep a finicky public interested in things PT. Still, has heard the cries for more power, and has the answer in the 2003 PT Turbo, which adds a turbocharger to produce 205 bhp and at least 220 lb.-ft. Its cool looks, upright seating position and ability to gobble gobs of cargo - rather than the 150-bhp output of its inline 2.4-liter inline-4 - are why people flocked to get one. The initial success of the proves that styling and package flexibility can trump raw performance. ![]()
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