But pushing the GT was a lot easier considering it has a much more potent 220 horsepower engine than the Bug, rated at only 150
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| The GT convertible scoots up the road quickly thanks to a 220-hp 16-valve, SOHC, turbocharged, 2.4-liter inline-4 engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
horsepower. Laced with the top-of-the-line optional engine, the GT convertible scoots up the road quickly thanks to a 16-valve, SOHC, turbocharged, 2.4-liter inline-4 producing an equally impressive 245 lb-ft of torque. Taming the high-output turbocharged engine was the optional 4-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick sequential shift capability. Rather than the throttle-and-brake driving style that most automatics offer, the AutoStick mode was a great complement to a great convertible. Manually shifting it made for quick and responsive gear changes, ideal when I needed a few extra horses to boost me up a hill or when passing a fellow commuter. It was also perfect for slowing me down without the need to tap the standard 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Incidentally, a 5-speed manual is standard. I also got a kick out of the PT's awesome audio system. The top was down, the sun was out, warm wind a blowing and tunes from the optional AM/FM/6-disc in-dash CD changer featuring 6 premium speakers were booming. Again,
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| The sleekly styled graphite metallic exterior paint coupled with a taupe pearl beige interior was as classy as can be. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
even with the top and windows down, sound quality was great. I couldn't ask for more. Well, maybe I could have asked for a little less attention while cruising the city streets. Then again, maybe not. The sleekly styled graphite metallic exterior paint coupled with a taupe pearl beige interior was as classy as can be. But adding even more flash were the optional 17-inch chrome-finished 5-spoke rims. I was stuck in rush hour traffic, with the top down of course, when a group of teenaged boys crossed the street in front of me. I heard one of them say "nice rims (ha ha)" with a sarcastic undertone. I thought to myself, hey you're walking and I'm cruising, who's laughing now? But in reality they are nice rims that add to the sporty attributes of the ride, benefiting both style and performance. Like I said, the car is either loved or not.
