2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Turbo

The Cruiser Turbo's boost was created specifically for the PT Turbo, with a redesigned cylinder block and head assembly.

Chrysler marketers and engineers appear to have heard the "soup it up" command from consumer/enthusiasts over the past year and a half. Enter the PT Cruiser Turbo—unveiled at the New York Auto Show in March 2002. Now, the Cruiser Turbo is ready to roar onto the automotive scene, promising action that matches the car's charming mixture of traditional and modern lines. Chrysler vows that the Turbo will deliver "performance backed with attitude," adding that it "capitalizes on the hot rod character" of the Cruiser.


Turbocharging boosts the four-cylinder's output to 215 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 245 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600. Engineers didn't simply bolt a turbocharger onto the existing engine. It was created specifically for the PT Turbo, with a redesigned cylinder block and head assembly. Oil- and water-cooling is used for the turbocharger, and a performance-tuned exhaust system promises a "pronounced exhaust note." A five-speed Getrag manual gearbox is standard, but Chrysler's four-speed automatic transmission—with AutoStick manual gear selection provision—is available.


Cruiser Turbos have all-disc antilock brakes with traction control, plus painted aluminum 17-inch wheels with all-season performance tires. Chrysler claims the body-colored monotone front/rear fascias and body-side moldings give the Turbo a "dipped" appearance.

Inside, the Turbo get inviting performance-type seats, a silver-finish instrument cluster and a satin-silver shift knob.

For 2003, Touring and Limited Edition PT Cruisers have body-colored front/rear fascias, but standard models get new accent-color body-side moldings. Also, a tangerine-colored PT Dream Cruiser Series 2 goes into production in January 2003. Priced some $10,000 higher than a base-model Cruiser, the Dream edition gets the turbocharged engine, performance suspension and special chrome trim.


Inside, Turbo occupants get inviting performance-type seats, and the driver faces silver cluster instruments and a satin silver shift knob. A fold-flat front passenger seat is standard, and both rear outboard seating positions have head restraints. Like other PT Cruisers, the Turbo can be fit with an optional in-dash six-CD changer.