GT,
I think that Ethanol 1 had a question with real merit:
Is the new 180hp engine esentially the 215 or 220 hp turbo we have come to know and love?
WHY?
He is an owner.
Smart Mopar Performance people would let him know if the Stage I upgrade kit was a viable choice.
Our resident engine development engineer from Chrysler let the cat out of the bag by saying:
The 180bhp Turbo (Special Value Turbo internally) is essentially the same as the GT, but calibrated to run on 87 Pump octane. You don't get the upgraded brakes, wheels or suspension - and you're stuck with an automatic trans. It's a good intermediate step from the base engine to the GT - if you like automatics.
Interpretation: Same engine de-tuned, cheaper rolling chassis.[8)]
I think that this was a fair question to ask, and good information for anyone looking to get that second PT, or a friend that would want information (definitely not provided by Chrysler).[:X]