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Chrysler adds to its Dream Team
Two-tone turbo version of PT Cruiser blows in
By Tom Mack
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Another dream comes true for PT Cruiser fans with the arrival of Chrysler's new 2004 PT Dream Cruiser Series 3. It's the latest addition to a line that has included the Flames, Woodie, PT Turbo and Dream Cruiser Series 1 and 2.
This newest offering in the limited-production series includes a standard 220 horsepower turbo engine, Midnight Blue over Bright Silver two-tone paint scheme and blue-tinted glass - the latter of which are both firsts for the PT Cruiser line. The Series 3 version will carry a $35,340 retail sticker price.
"The unique colour scheme adds some 'show' while the turbocharger on this engine boosts output to 220 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque for enhanced 'go,'" said
Matt Brannigan, Chrysler brand manager for DaimlerChrysler Canada. "It's the most powerful of the three engines available in the PT Cruiser, including a new, optional 180 hp turbo engine for the 2004 model year."
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for all Series 3 Dream Cruisers will be reserved in a single sequenced block to enhance their collectibility.
The newest Dream Cruiser gives customers a vehicle already customized with exclusive equipment right from the factory, said Brannigan. "This is the latest in a series of special PT Cruiser models and is a little more unique than most."
The blue over silver two-tone paint sets the Series 3 Dream Cruiser apart, evoking memories of the bold, multi-tone paint schemes the company made popular in the 1950s. "Chrysler hit its heydey with custom paint options in 1955, including bold, contrasting bodyside inserts called 'colour sweeps' on its upscale Plymouth and Chrysler models," said Dave McKinnon, vice-president of small, premium and family vehicle design and colour fabric mastering. That year, Chrysler offered 56 solid colours, 173 two-tone combinations and several three-tone choices - which usually included white, black and one additional choice like fuschia, bright yellow or lavender.
While these combinations might seem a little flamboyant by today's standard, they were popular enough to help Chrysler sell a then record 1.6 million vehicles in 1955.
Passengers might find it easy to dream when they settle into the Series 3's two-tone, heated front seats, which feature Dark Slate leather with Light Slate accents. The door panels are covered in matching trim. Front floor mats with silver embroidered "Dream Cruiser" logos match the two-tone interior treatment while the instrument panel is accented with Midnight Blue gauge cluster bezels.
From its launch as a production model in February 2000 through July '03, DaimlerChrysler has sold more than 570,000 PT Cruisers worldwide.
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