When Daimler-Benz acquired the Chrysler Corp., many automotive analysts said the "best case" scenario would be a merger of Chrysler design with Mercedes-Benz engineering and production capabilities. The first true fruit of that scenario was the Chrysler Crossfire, a stylish new sports coupe, out on the Middle East market by the summer of 2005. Crossfire will share many of its components with the new Mercedes CLK.
The Crossfire has a long hood and a rounded, fastback roofline Chrysler calls a "boat tail." The name Crossfire comes from a character line that runs from front to rear. Chrysler designers say the line "crosses" to a negative formation from a positive formation as it travels quickly from the front of the car through the rear fender. The car also has a center spine that runs the length of the car, from the grille in front to between the dual, center-mounted rear exhausts. The spine contributes to the car's chiseled look. There also are six grooves that run the length of its hood and strakes behind the front wheels. The Crossfire's athletic stance is enhanced by rear tires that are larger than those in front, and by its broad shoulders, tall body sides and minimal glass surface. Chrysler calls it "a carved, sculptured appearance."
The car's center spine reappears as an element in the car's interior design. The car's two bucket seats are trimmed in two-tone leather. Gauges have white-on-black faces with metallic bezels and chrome trim rings. The center console has metal-faced controls set into a metallic background. Metallic accents also highlight the interior door panels and the steering wheel. Other features for the two-seat coupe include a speed-activated (at 50 mph) rear spoiler, six-speaker audio system with dual subwoofers and a manually telescoping steering wheel.
Seats are trimmed in leather with Chrysler’s signature winged badge embossed into both headrests. The ignition switch is located on the instrument panel as opposed to the steering column.
Precise, elegant gauges are white-on-black with a black bezel and satin silver trim rings. The center console has a metallic finish that flows from the top of the instrument panel through the center of the car to achieve a twin cockpit look. Satin silver accents are featured throughout the interior including the doors, steering wheel and instrument cluster.
The Chrysler Crossfire is powered by a 3.2-liter 18-valve V6 engine tuned to provide 218 hp and 310 Nm of torque. That power reaches the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The car will have four-wheel antilock disc brakes. It also will be equipped with Mercedes' anti-spin electronic stability program and all-speed traction control. The front suspension will be double wishbones with an independent five-link setup in the rear. The car rides on 18-inch front and 19-inch rear low-profile tires mounted on alloy wheels that are 7.5 inches wide in front and 9 inches wide in back.
The NSG 370 six-speed manual transmission provides optimal shift quality, improved quietness and high quality. A new dual-ratio transmission shift-tower system allows packaging of the six-speed shift pattern within the existing Jeep vehicles, and it is tuned for optimized shift quality. For smooth operation the First and Second gears have triple-cone synchronization, the Third and Fourth gears feature double-cone and the Fifth and Sixth gears single-cone synchronization. Hard-finished gears allow for quiet operation. A multi-rail, steel-construction shift system delivers high strength and precision. The two-piece aluminum case with integrated clutch housing assures powertrain stiffness and light weight. The new First-gear ratio combined with six-speed step spread allows optimization of axle ratios for fuel economy and performance.
The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is equipped with a standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), brake assist and high-performance, Continental SportContact 2 tires that are certified to 168 miles per hour.
The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is low-slung with a sculpted appearance. To remove the top, simply release and pull down the center-mounted handle located on the windshield header, turn the handle which releases the convertible fabric top and lowers the side glass, and lift the front of the top approximately eight inches. Press the button on the center console and the hard tonneau opens up, the soft fabric top folds in, and the hard tonneau closes again. Top up or down, this is a great-looking sports car. Sunshine and fresh air are just 22 seconds away.
Chrysler Crossfire Coupe and Crossfire Roadster are the Chrysler brand’s first modern-day two-seat sports cars. With evocative styling and graceful performance, Chrysler Crossfire Coupe and Crossfire Roadster represent the ultimate expression of the Chrysler brand. Both models represent the sports car of the future, as they combine stunning design with proven engineering.
Chrysler Crossfire Coupe, measured dynamically, has a body structure that is twice as stiff as a Porsche Boxster and as stiff as a Porsche 911. This technical achievement allows Crossfire Coupe to demonstrate sedan-like ride comfort, without sacrificing the handling characteristics that true sports cars require.
