Post by Candyman on Oct 17, 2010 0:42:58 GMT -8
Hey Everyone,
Here is a good write up of the Dream Cruiser Series 2. Enjoy.
If there is a current production vehicle better suited to customization I've never seen it. Chrysler seems to agree, bound and determined to exploit that fact with a variety of PT Cruiser permutations. Chrysler delved deepest into customization with the seriously off-the-wall Dream Cruiser. My family dubbed it Agent Orange; a slightly irreverent name inspired from its sensational metallic tangerine exterior paint scheme. It's either manna to the eyes or an abomination on wheels, depending on personal taste, something bystanders often feel obliged to express. There are none, however, that don't take a second look while passing by. Personally I love it, but I'm biased being that orange is my favorite color. Its mirror-finish chrome plated 17-inch wheels are stunning too; complete with a tasteful orange center hub that ties together the entire design. The standard PT chrome door handles balance out Chrysler's large chrome winged logo front and rear, the latter of which incorporates a latch handle for the rear liftgate. An exclusive crested badge adorns the left rear side, chrome and orange with the words Dream Cruiser Series 2 inscribed for all to see. Chrysler carries this last theme forward inside at dash central, where a small orange and chrome plaque sits just between a set of vents and below the power window switches, this one marked "No. 1239", one of a limited production. While antagonists will smirk that Chrysler would be lucky to sell so many, remember that there's a butt for every seat. Those that choose the Dream Cruiser will cover bright orange perforated leather inserts surrounded by black premium leather bolsters. The bright orange theme continues to the door panels, complimented by twin dash accents painted to match the exterior, one ensconcing the gauge package with the other overtop the standard passenger side airbag. A little painted tangerine peeks through the front and rear interior edge of the B-pillar too, adding a little visual height to the design. Being totally honest, the non-painted orange surfaces might even be a bit bright for my taste, with a deeper tone possibly matching the paintwork better. But all in all, the interior motif works for this very personal PT. Being an exclusive model, Chrysler hasn't skimped on the extras. Added to the already well equipped standard PT Cruiser, that includes manual air conditioning, a floor-mounted lower console with integrated cupholders and two power outlets, tilt steering, a fold flat passenger seat, 65/35 split folding rear seat, functional carpet covered hard plastic parcel shelf cum picnic table, an engine block heater, tinted solar controlled glass, and power windows that incidentally wind down automatically up front if the button is pushed to the second of its two-stage range, are a few items that come standard in the PT Cruiser GT, the Dream Cruiser's base of existence. These are power door locks with keyless entry, traction control, ABS 4-wheel disc brakes, manual driver's lumbar adjustment, luxury floor mats front and rear, a silver shift knob, power side mirrors, fog lights and last but hardly least, a set of 205/50R17 93H BSW all-season performance tires. Included only on the Dream Cruiser, a $4,960 option package on top of the GT's $27,700 base price, are the already mentioned custom chrome wheels and leather seating surfaces, a rear body color spoiler, a power height adjustable driver's seat (recline and forward and back sliding needs to be performed manually), a power glass sunroof with sliding shade, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, chrome door lock buttons to match the chrome door pulls, and a powerful dash-mounted 6-disc AM/FM CD audio system, that incidentally rocks the kasbah. While the audio system has a lot of power, it's nowhere near as robust as what lies under the curvaceous '40s-style hood. Chrysler adds its wickedly quick turbocharged 2.4-L 4-cylinder, good for 215-hp and a rocket-like 245 lb-ft of torque. OK, there are lots of cars with 245 lb-ft of torque, but to put it into perspective, few that weigh only 1,421 kg (3,121 lbs). As would be expected it's a hoot to drive, speeding away from stoplights with surprising zip - a brilliant orange firebomb, immediately silencing all nay Sayers with mere metallic silver imaginations*. My tester featured a Getrag heavy-duty 5-speed manual shifter, a reasonably adept transmission that best optimizes the available power. But in case you would rather shift only when inspiration strikes, I've driven the turbo with the optional 4-speed AutoStick equipped automatic, and it leaves little to be desired when it comes to acceleration thanks to that aforementioned overzealous torque-biased engine. What surprises even more is the vehicle's agility in the corners. I mean, just take a look at it. It's tall, relatively narrow looking, almost van-like in proportions. Its retro styling doesn't lend to an image of European inspired handling, but nevertheless its Dodge SX derived suspension architecture is up to the job, slicing and dicing its way up, over and around delectably twisting stretches of tarmac, only complaining when pushed to nine tenths particularly bumpy pavement. To be reasonable, there are many alternative sports models that are more inspirational dynamically, but then again few in this price range and none with the PT's storage capacity and multi-person functionality. Its agility is the direct result of its 17-inch wheel and tire package, a wide 1,481 mm (58.3 in) front and rear track, and sport-tuned suspension components, consisting simply of independent struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Its standard traction control gets the power to the ground after which its standard ABS equipped power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes to an authoritative job of clamping down on unbridled enthusiasm, even when pushed beyond reason in mid-corner. As it seems, Chrysler has thought of just about everything when putting together the Dream Cruiser, while still keeping the price within striking distance of the average young-minded Canadian. And just in case you're fence sitting, excited with what you see and hear but concerned about what the neighbors will think when you pull up in the driveway, give it a run around the block. Like me, you might find orange quickly becomes your favorite color.
Specifications (Dream Cruiser Series 2):
* Price Range (MSRP): $32,660
* Body Type: 5-door wagon/minivan crossover
* Layout: front engine, FWD
* Engine: 215 hp, 245 lb-ft of torque, 16-valve, SOHC, turbocharged, 2.4-L I-4
* Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto with manual mode)
* Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
* Curb Weight: 1,421 kg (3,121 lb)
* Seating Cap: 5
* Cargo Volume (seats up/folded): 538 L (19 cu ft) / 1818 L (64.2 cu ft)
* Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.4 / 8.1 L/100 km (25 / 35 mpg)
* Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 80/115,000 powertrain
* Direct Competitors: nothing even comes close
* Web Site: www.daimlerchrysler.ca
*Note: OK, if you really must know metallic silver exterior paint can be found on more than 30 percent of all cars sold around the world. While many choose it for its unparalleled practicality - silver hides scratches better than any other color or shade while needing less washing due to its dirt masking characteristics - and others opt for it because German cars should only be silver (the country's original racing hue), it hardly inspires creativity does it?
Go easy, and I'll catch ya later.
Candyman
Here is a good write up of the Dream Cruiser Series 2. Enjoy.
If there is a current production vehicle better suited to customization I've never seen it. Chrysler seems to agree, bound and determined to exploit that fact with a variety of PT Cruiser permutations. Chrysler delved deepest into customization with the seriously off-the-wall Dream Cruiser. My family dubbed it Agent Orange; a slightly irreverent name inspired from its sensational metallic tangerine exterior paint scheme. It's either manna to the eyes or an abomination on wheels, depending on personal taste, something bystanders often feel obliged to express. There are none, however, that don't take a second look while passing by. Personally I love it, but I'm biased being that orange is my favorite color. Its mirror-finish chrome plated 17-inch wheels are stunning too; complete with a tasteful orange center hub that ties together the entire design. The standard PT chrome door handles balance out Chrysler's large chrome winged logo front and rear, the latter of which incorporates a latch handle for the rear liftgate. An exclusive crested badge adorns the left rear side, chrome and orange with the words Dream Cruiser Series 2 inscribed for all to see. Chrysler carries this last theme forward inside at dash central, where a small orange and chrome plaque sits just between a set of vents and below the power window switches, this one marked "No. 1239", one of a limited production. While antagonists will smirk that Chrysler would be lucky to sell so many, remember that there's a butt for every seat. Those that choose the Dream Cruiser will cover bright orange perforated leather inserts surrounded by black premium leather bolsters. The bright orange theme continues to the door panels, complimented by twin dash accents painted to match the exterior, one ensconcing the gauge package with the other overtop the standard passenger side airbag. A little painted tangerine peeks through the front and rear interior edge of the B-pillar too, adding a little visual height to the design. Being totally honest, the non-painted orange surfaces might even be a bit bright for my taste, with a deeper tone possibly matching the paintwork better. But all in all, the interior motif works for this very personal PT. Being an exclusive model, Chrysler hasn't skimped on the extras. Added to the already well equipped standard PT Cruiser, that includes manual air conditioning, a floor-mounted lower console with integrated cupholders and two power outlets, tilt steering, a fold flat passenger seat, 65/35 split folding rear seat, functional carpet covered hard plastic parcel shelf cum picnic table, an engine block heater, tinted solar controlled glass, and power windows that incidentally wind down automatically up front if the button is pushed to the second of its two-stage range, are a few items that come standard in the PT Cruiser GT, the Dream Cruiser's base of existence. These are power door locks with keyless entry, traction control, ABS 4-wheel disc brakes, manual driver's lumbar adjustment, luxury floor mats front and rear, a silver shift knob, power side mirrors, fog lights and last but hardly least, a set of 205/50R17 93H BSW all-season performance tires. Included only on the Dream Cruiser, a $4,960 option package on top of the GT's $27,700 base price, are the already mentioned custom chrome wheels and leather seating surfaces, a rear body color spoiler, a power height adjustable driver's seat (recline and forward and back sliding needs to be performed manually), a power glass sunroof with sliding shade, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, chrome door lock buttons to match the chrome door pulls, and a powerful dash-mounted 6-disc AM/FM CD audio system, that incidentally rocks the kasbah. While the audio system has a lot of power, it's nowhere near as robust as what lies under the curvaceous '40s-style hood. Chrysler adds its wickedly quick turbocharged 2.4-L 4-cylinder, good for 215-hp and a rocket-like 245 lb-ft of torque. OK, there are lots of cars with 245 lb-ft of torque, but to put it into perspective, few that weigh only 1,421 kg (3,121 lbs). As would be expected it's a hoot to drive, speeding away from stoplights with surprising zip - a brilliant orange firebomb, immediately silencing all nay Sayers with mere metallic silver imaginations*. My tester featured a Getrag heavy-duty 5-speed manual shifter, a reasonably adept transmission that best optimizes the available power. But in case you would rather shift only when inspiration strikes, I've driven the turbo with the optional 4-speed AutoStick equipped automatic, and it leaves little to be desired when it comes to acceleration thanks to that aforementioned overzealous torque-biased engine. What surprises even more is the vehicle's agility in the corners. I mean, just take a look at it. It's tall, relatively narrow looking, almost van-like in proportions. Its retro styling doesn't lend to an image of European inspired handling, but nevertheless its Dodge SX derived suspension architecture is up to the job, slicing and dicing its way up, over and around delectably twisting stretches of tarmac, only complaining when pushed to nine tenths particularly bumpy pavement. To be reasonable, there are many alternative sports models that are more inspirational dynamically, but then again few in this price range and none with the PT's storage capacity and multi-person functionality. Its agility is the direct result of its 17-inch wheel and tire package, a wide 1,481 mm (58.3 in) front and rear track, and sport-tuned suspension components, consisting simply of independent struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Its standard traction control gets the power to the ground after which its standard ABS equipped power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes to an authoritative job of clamping down on unbridled enthusiasm, even when pushed beyond reason in mid-corner. As it seems, Chrysler has thought of just about everything when putting together the Dream Cruiser, while still keeping the price within striking distance of the average young-minded Canadian. And just in case you're fence sitting, excited with what you see and hear but concerned about what the neighbors will think when you pull up in the driveway, give it a run around the block. Like me, you might find orange quickly becomes your favorite color.
Specifications (Dream Cruiser Series 2):
* Price Range (MSRP): $32,660
* Body Type: 5-door wagon/minivan crossover
* Layout: front engine, FWD
* Engine: 215 hp, 245 lb-ft of torque, 16-valve, SOHC, turbocharged, 2.4-L I-4
* Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto with manual mode)
* Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
* Curb Weight: 1,421 kg (3,121 lb)
* Seating Cap: 5
* Cargo Volume (seats up/folded): 538 L (19 cu ft) / 1818 L (64.2 cu ft)
* Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.4 / 8.1 L/100 km (25 / 35 mpg)
* Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 80/115,000 powertrain
* Direct Competitors: nothing even comes close
* Web Site: www.daimlerchrysler.ca
*Note: OK, if you really must know metallic silver exterior paint can be found on more than 30 percent of all cars sold around the world. While many choose it for its unparalleled practicality - silver hides scratches better than any other color or shade while needing less washing due to its dirt masking characteristics - and others opt for it because German cars should only be silver (the country's original racing hue), it hardly inspires creativity does it?
Go easy, and I'll catch ya later.
Candyman
