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.
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| Chrysler adds its wickedly quick turbocharged 215-hp 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine to the Dream Cruiser package. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
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).
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| A hoot to drive, the Dream machine also has the added feature of being able to stand out in a crowd. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
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.
