This New Chrysler PT Cruiser Concept Commands New Respect As A Modern Hot Hatch

Back in the day, people either loved or hated the PT Cruiser. However, this exclusive render shouldn’t be mistaken for the polarizing original.

In the 1990s, Plymouth was a dying brand. Chrysler was desperate to shore up this make’s reputation, since its sales dipped considerably for years. At the same time, the success of the retro-based styling of the Plymouth Prowler and Volkswagen New Beetle inspired Chrysler to design its own nostalgia-oriented model, the PT Cruiser.

Initially, the PT Cruiser drew accolades following its 2001 debut as a Chrysler, since Plymouth shuttered the same year. Soon after, though, its poor build quality and safety issues came to light. To add to its troubles, its styling bewildered car enthusiasts, especially after a 2006 facelift. After this design change, sales declined and Chrysler finally decided to make 2010 the compact’s last year.

But an exclusive render by HotCars’ artist Rostislav Prokop completely redeems the love it or hate it Chrysler PT Cruiser. He transforms it into a hot hatch, while paying tribute to its uniqueness and bringing new respect to this much-maligned car.

Based on the Dodge Neon platform, the PT Cruiser was basically a tall FWD wagon with a distinctively retro shape. The 1930s Chrysler Air Flow with its pronounced peaked grille was the inspiration for its style. Prokop updates the grille by making it vertical, reminiscent of the mid-2000s Chrysler 300.

The teardrop-shaped headlights are now slit-like, rectangular dual LED headlights that sit further forward on the fenders. This forward-facing look modernizes the front end. The beefier fenders are also an update to accommodate bigger wheels.

The back end of the PT Cruiser is now much sleeker. Gone are the protruding, boxy hatch of the pre-facelift models as well as the bland, minivan-like ones of subsequent models. A single wraparound taillight sits above the bumper, replacing the original’s rather odd, almond-shaped taillights.

As the rear badging suggests, a 2.4-liter turbo inline-four runs this new PT Cruiser. Originally, the 2006 GT model had a similar engine borrowed from the sporty but tiny Dodge Neon SRT-4. It produced 230 hp with both 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions options.

Unlike the original, we imagine that the turbo in this car is much stronger with an EFI system to back it up. This time the horsepower rates closer to 350, which puts it more rightfully on par with the likes of the VW Golf R.

With its new muscular styling and its boosted power, Prokop’s PT Cruiser is a hot hatch well worth a closer look.