PT Cruiser Turbo Performance
Seeking to capitalize on its recent success with the Neon, Dodge released its seminal PT Cruiser in 2000 as a way of saying to the world that economy need not be boring. Chrysler backed up the PT's mini-hotrod looks in 2003 when it introduced the 2.4L Turbo model in 2003. While not blazingly quick, the PT Turbo gave the platform a much needed kick in the pants and at least some sporting capability.
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History
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The PT's engine was originally derived from the 2.4L Dual Overhead Cam Turbo four used in Dodge's little powerhouse Neon SRT-4. The 2.4L was a little down on power in PT trim (from 245 to 230 horsepower), primarily due to certain concessions made to fit it into the PT's cramped engine bay. A different intake manifold, exhaust manifold and plumbing got the motor in, but didn't flow quite as well as those used in the SRT-4.
Vehicle Performance
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While the standard PT's straight-line performance was nothing to write home about, turbo versions could turn in some very impressive times. It could go from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds (about the same as a 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 or 2010 Cadillac CTS 3.6L Performance Package), and breeze through the quarter mile in about 15.3 seconds (about the same as a 1992 Mazda RX-7 or 2010 Acura RL). Top speed is electronically limited to 136.
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Chassis
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Contrary to popular belief, the PT Cruiser is not and never has been simply a re-styled Neon. Although the two chassis are very similar in many respects, the PT doesn't share a single part with its corporate cousin. Although you can't use any of the chassis components originally designed for the SRT-4, the combination McPherson strut front/reverse Watts link rear suspension is pretty easy to modify and find replacement parts for.
Handling and Braking
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PT Turbos have a faster steering rack than their plebeian cousins, which also helps to give the chassis excellent directional feedback. Although PT Turbos turn in pretty quick and tend to remain stable in the curves, their tall ride height tends to make them a little tippy at the cornering limits. The chassis' four-wheel disc brakes help it to make some impressive numbers on the anti-acceleration side of things as well. The Turbo's sixty-to-zero stopping distance of 123 feet puts it in the same league as a 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 and the more modern 2007 Mazda CX-7.
Potential
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With a few minor tweaks to the turbo and boost pressure, you can easily coax mid-14 second quarter mile times from a PT Turbo. Being a front-drive turbo-car, you can expect 60-foot times to remain above 2 seconds without major alterations to the suspension and drag-oriented tires. A new turbo, new header/exhaust and some computer tuning will get you into the low 12-second range, but you can do the same thing with a boost controller and some nitrous.
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References
- Photo Credit Triuph - Classic Car image by Snow Queen from Fotolia.com
