Specifications

Engine Specs
150 hp @ 5,600, 162 lb-ft @ 4,000
Bore and Stroke - 3.44" X 3.98"
Fuel Delivery System: Sequential Multipoint Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio - 9.5:1
The engine uses balance shafts to reduce vibration, as the 2.5 liter engine did before it.
Revisions include:
Cylinder head. Reshaped ports and redesigned cooling passages, reduced exhaust valve diameters to increase cooling of the spark plugs and exhaust valve seats.
Pistons. New aluminum alloy pistons have a new crown configuration to improve charge motion for improved idle stability.
Camshafts. A redesigned exhaust cam optimizes performance and idle quality in conjunction with the redesigned exhaust ports and valves in the cylinder head.
Intake Manifold. Refined manifold runner and plenum configurations help provide a broad torque curve with abundant low-speed torque. The intake manifold configuration also helps minimize low-speed wide-open throttle induction noise (called rumble). Ribs molded into the top surface of the manifold provide rigidity and minimize radiated engine noise.
As usual, returnless sequential fuel injection is used, though the fuel pressure was increased to 58 psi for better warm weather driveability. A larger air cleaner reduces resistance, while a tuning chamber lowers noise.
A Double Start Override feature prevents starter operation when the engine is running and automatically disengages the starter when the engine reaches operating speed to prevent excessive overrun. The alternator charging rate, fuel injection rate, and spark advance, which vary with temperature, are computer controlled. An electronic engine idle speed control provides a low nominal idle speed.
The manual transmission includes a gear brake for reverse, so it is easier to shift into that gear. Other changes were made to increase durability of the gears and clutch. The self-adjusting mechanism maintains a consistent clutch spring orientation as the disc wears, where the spring orientation changed with prior mechanisms. Hydraulic clutch actuation provides pedal isolation from power train vibration and noise and provides a positive feel.
The cable operated transmission has a 3-plane shifter and these gear ratios:
1st - 3.50	2nd - 1.96	3rd - 1.36	4th - 0.971
5th - 0.811	Reverse - 3.42	Final Drive - 3.94	Overall Top-Gear - 3.20
For the four speed automatic:
1st - 2.84	2nd - 1.57	3rd - 1.00	4th - 0.69
Effective Final Drive - 3.910		Overall Top Gear - 2.694

Suspension systems

The MacPherson strut front suspension features a high roll center that contributes to responsive steering. It reduces body lean during cornering to establish stable tire loads quickly. Low-lean geometry achieves the desired suspension handling performance. A stiff front suspension crossmember attaches the front suspension to the body structure and supports the steering gear. Stiffness, which results in a high natural vibration frequency, helps limit transmission of road noise and engine vibration to the passenger compartment.

Coil springs support the twist beam rear suspension. Trailing arms and a Watts linkage provide longitudinal and transverse location, respectively. Ample suspension travel of 8.5 inches (215 mm) provides a comfortable ride and minimizes instances of suspension bottoming even when fully loaded. Large oval trailing arm front eye bushings allow ample deflection in the fore-aft direction to dampen harshness effects. The rear suspension's transverse beam causes the tires to remain vertical relative to the road during cornering. This enhances rear tire cornering traction for good handling. The rear suspension's coil springs and jounce bumpers mount above the beam, in line with the wheel centerline to prevent after shake when the wheel hits a bump.

The Watts linkage is used for lateral location. It includes two transverse links pivoting on the body structure at the outer end and on a third link at the inboard ends. The third link pivots at its center on the axle, moving in a vertical plane relative to the body. This system constrains lateral movement of the axle. Compared to the more commonly used track bar, the Watts linkage:

	Reduces lateral suspension movement relative to the body to help minimize wheel well size
	Induces less side-to-side variation in handling
	By distributing transverse loads through two links with four bushings, rather than one link with two bushings, it substantially increases lateral stiffness for more precise handling, reduces body structural stiffness requirements and allows use of softer bushings, limiting transmission of road noise and harshness.

A new power steering fluid is used.

Brake systems

Large vented front rotors 10.94 x 0.9-inch (280 x 23-mm) feature a gooseneck design that contributes to heat resistance and long-term smooth operation. Large-diameter rotors help ensure ample stopping ability and heat resistance. Air scoops in the front fascia and sculptured areas in the front wheel splash shields provide cooling air for the front brakes. This contributes to lining life and long-term quiet operation.

Standard drum-type rear brakes are 8.66 inches (220 mm) in diameter by 1.57-inches (40-mm) wide. They have stamped steel hub sections and cast iron friction surfaces and adjust automatically when the brakes are applied. A parking brake mechanism is included in each brake.

A four wheel disc system with antilock brakes and traction control is available. Traction control is automatically active below about 35 mph, but the driver may disable it using a switch. The traction control system software includes a thermal model that calculates front brake temperatures. The thermal model will shut off traction control and illuminate the TRAC OFF indicator when the brakes may be overheating to ensure that adequate braking effectiveness is always available.

Specifications of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Overall Specifications

Engine Specs

Suspension systems

Brake systems