New roadster and high-performance models.
(Find Used in Your Area)
By Mitch McCullough
Overview
The Chrysler Crossfire is a two-seat sports car that brings exciting styling to the class. For 2005, Chrysler is adding a roadster for top-down motoring. Plus, a powerful new SRT-6 model is available, both coupe and roadster body styles.The Crossfire combines American design with German engineering. Look underneath and you'll find a lot of Mercedes parts, including the V6 engine, multilink suspension, and steering. It's based heavily on the Mercedes-Benz SLK. Chrysler excels at design and we love the Crossfire's romantic shapes and sleek, athletic lines. The long hood and fastback make the coupe instantly recognizable. Not surprisingly, the Crossfire runs like a Mercedes. It has a firm, but comfortable ride and precise steering that reminds us of the SLK. The 3.2-liter V6 feels and sounds like the engine from the previous-generation SLK. Though Chrysler points out that it has more torque than the BMW Z4 roadster, Porsche Boxster, and Audi TT Quattro, the three-valve Mercedes V6 simply does not offer the free-revving sportiness those other three deliver. Nor does it have the power of the Nissan 350Z or Infiniti G35 coupe. But that's okay. The Crossfire is relatively light at just 3060 pounds. It's performance is plenty thrilling enough for most drivers and its rear-wheel drive gives it that classic sporty feel. In short, it's fun to drive and delightful to ride around in. To kick it up a notch, the new Crossfire SRT-6 features a supercharged version of the V6 rated at 330 horsepower, a huge jump from the standard 215-horsepower engine. Chrysler claims the SRT-6 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, which is very quick indeed. The suspension and brakes are upgraded for spirited driving. The big rear wing that comes on the SRT-6 models detracts from the Crossfire's svelte styling, though. Also new for 2005 is an entry-level coupe dropping the price of entry below $30,000.
Model Lineup
The 2005 Chrysler Crossfire line has grown to include eight variants. The standard Crossfire coupe ($29,045) comes with a six-speed manual transmission, while the Crossfire Limited is available with a choice of six-speed manual ($33,745) or five-speed automatic with AutoStick ($34,820). (MSRPs do not include $875 destination charge.)Similarly, the standard Crossfire Roadster ($34,085) comes with the six-speed manual, while the Roadster Limited comes with manual ($38,045) or automatic ($39,120). The Crossfire SRT-6 coupe ($44,820) and SRT-6 Roadster ($49,120) come standard with the automatic. The base coupe comes standard with power windows, speed control, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and all-speed traction control. Limited models heated leather power seats, tire-pressure monitoring system, touring gear, heated mirrors, fog lamps, and a universal garage door opener. Options are limited to a navigation system ($1,200) and all-season tires ($185) in place of the standard high-performance tires. Crossfire comes in Classic Yellow, Aero Blue, Alabaster, Black, Blaze Red, Graphite Metallic and Sapphire Silver Blue.
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