Chrysler introduced the rear-wheel-drive, low-slung Crossfire coupe for 2004. The Crossfire Roadster came one year later. Considered the first tangible result of the DaimlerChrysler merger, the Crossfire is built in partnership with Karmann in Germany. The Crossfire's bodysides are relatively tall, but glass surfaces are minimal. Either a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic teams with the standard 215-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6.
Unfortunately, the tire-smoking Crossfire SRT6, with its 330-hp supercharged V-6 is no longer available.
Exterior The Crossfire's styling is a blend of edges and subtle curves. A center spine runs the full length of the coupe and serves as a dominant design feature.
A signature winged Chrysler badge up front spans the upper width of the chrome grille. The headlights have double circular elements that carve their way into the front fascia. Six grooves run the full length of the long hood. Metallic-finished side air louvers highlight the bodysides. The rear wheels are 19 inches in diameter, while the front ones measure 18 inches.
Wide rear fenders end in large, sculpted taillights above dual exhaust pipes. A tapered boat-tail shape highlights the rear end, which emphasizes the large rear wheels, tires and fender. A retractable spoiler activates when the Crossfire reaches 50 mph. Riding a 94.5-inch wheelbase, the Crossfire coupe stands 51.5 inches tall.
Interior Only two occupants can fit inside the Crossfire's two-toned twin-cockpit interior. A metallic center console flows from the top of the instrument panel through the center of the car.
The seats are trimmed in either cloth or leather upholstery. The ignition switch is on the instrument panel. White-on-black gauges have a chrome trim ring.
Under the Hood The Crossfire's 3.2-liter V-6 generates 215 hp and 229 pounds-feet of torque. Either a six-speed manual gearbox or an adaptive AutoStick five-speed automatic transmission can be installed.
Safety Side-impact airbags, all-disc antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are standard. For 2007, a collection of safety improvements aims to increase frontal crashworthiness. Changes include upgraded front airbags that can deploy to varying degrees based on occupant size and position, as well as seat belt pretensioners with constant-force retractors that distribute loads more evenly during rapid deceleration. Also new are knee airbags for the driver and passenger.
Driving Impressions Exhibiting truly sporty behavior with tight, precise handling, the Crossfire clings to the pavement. Big tires pay off in curves, and body lean is minimal. Steering takes a bit of effort.
The Crossfire's suspension manages to suppress most bumps and depressions. Even though performance is vigorous, engine power is less than overwhelming. The automatic transmission responds masterfully and rapidly for quick passing.
The seats are terrific — sporty, but well-cushioned and supportive. Headroom is good, but elbowroom is tighter. The Crossfire runs quietly, but a semi-sporty exhaust note can be heard at times. Noise from the automatically rising spoiler can be annoying.
Crossfire Roadster Introduced as an early 2005 model, the soft-top version of the Crossfire uses the same powertrain components as the coupe. The front ends in both models are identical, and the body styles share taillamps and a rear fascia. New elements for the Crossfire Roadster include a deck lid, rear spoiler and hard tonneau cover. Like the coupe, the Roadster flaunts a "boat-tail" appearance, though it's different in profile.
After loosening and raising the roof by several inches, it takes 22 seconds for the powered fabric top to retract all the way. Cargo space totals 6.5 cubic feet with the top up and 3.6 cubic feet with the roof lowered.
Satin silver "sport bars" go behind the seats. The tires are amply sized — P225/40ZR18 up front and P255/35ZR19 in back — but they yield a softer ride than the coupe's tires. Custom luggage is standard in the Limited model.
Other than its dramatic styling, agile handling is the Roadster's main attraction; it yields a sense of total control. Featuring superior steering feel, the car reacts almost instantaneously on twisty roads. Despite an unabashedly taut suspension, the ride is reasonably smooth — not gentle, but far short of punishing. Like the coupe, acceleration from a standstill with the manual transmission is energetic — and almost so when passing or merging.
Top-up visibility is awful, making mirror use essential when changing lanes. Wind rush is notable with the top down, which might detract a bit from the fun-in-the-sun factor. The seats are marvelous, but some controls aren't positioned where you'd expect them
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