Chrysler Crossfire

Did You Know?

• The first production Crossfire was assembled on 3 February 2003 and driven off the line by Chrysler Group's COO Wolfgang Bernhard.
• Sales of the Crossfire were slow, with an average 230-day supply of vehicles during November 2005.
• The last Crossfire was assembled on 17 December 2007.

Design

The name "Crossfire" refers to two character lines that run from front to rear along the body sides, crossing below the mirrors on the door panels, and also alludes to the collaboration of Chrysler and Daimler. The concept car debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, and the production version was unveiled at the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2004 model, described as a faithful translation from concept to production. The concept was designed to evoke a strong emotional response, with the aim of polarizing the audience. The production car shares about 39% of its parts with Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and Chrysler dealers had to invest in special equipment to market the luxury model. The coupe's styling objective was a "unique, almost sculptural" design, featuring a wide stance with 19-inch rear wheels and 18-inch front wheels. Automotive journalists compared the Crossfire to the 1965–1967 AMC Marlin, noting the distinctive boat-tail rear end. Motor Trend also compared the provocative boattail theme to the AMC Marlin fastback, with the tail formed as the roof edges converge into a teardrop shape, leaving rear fenders to flare over the wheels. Chrysler cited inspiration from 1930s Art Deco and buildings such as the Chrysler Building, while Motor Trend noted influences from 1930s Bugattis and Talbot Lagos. The objective was to give the brand a touch of class with a thoroughly modern, European-edged sports car that was plush and refined rather than a boy racer.

Mechanical design

Chrysler executed the interior and exterior styling, while all other elements—wheelbase, track, engine, transmission, chassis structure, and suspension components—are shared with the R170 platform. The engine bay is virtually identical to the Mercedes-Benz SLK320, and seats from that car bolt directly into the Crossfire chassis. The dashboard layout, controls, and instruments are similar to those of the SLK320. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, with an optional 5-speed automatic. Base and Limited models from 2004 used a Mercedes-Benz M112 3.2 L V6 rated at 215 hp and 229 lb·ft of torque. SRT-6 models used a supercharged version of the M112 built by AMG, paired only with the 5-speed automatic. The 6-speed manual is a variant of the Mercedes-sourced NSG-370, and the 5-speed automatic is a variant of the 722.6 family. Automatic-equipped cars achieve better EPA fuel efficiency due to gear ratios. The Crossfire uses recirculating ball steering from the R170 platform, with unequal-length double wishbone front suspension and 5-point multi-link rear. All models use 18x7.5-inch front and 19x9-inch rear wheels with 225/40R18 front and 255/35R19 rear tires.

Equipment

Standard features included large alloy wheels with performance-rated tires, a Becker AM/FM stereo with anti-theft system and single-disc CD player, keyless entry with security alarm, a power-retractable rear wing spoiler, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, dual power front sports bucket seats, full instrumentation, a 3.2 L V6 engine with manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front floor mats, and air conditioning. Optional features included an automatic transmission, a six-speaker premium Infinity sound system with subwoofers behind each seat, a CD-based GPS navigation system, and additional exterior and interior color choices.

Models

The Chrysler Crossfire debuted for the 2004 model year as a single coupe trim, similar to the 2005 Limited. For 2005, both coupe and roadster bodies were offered in three trims: Base, Limited, and SRT-6, which was supercharged. Base models had matte black windshield frames, black plugs where fog lights would go, and fabric seats with separate movable headrests. Limited and SRT-6 trims shared silver windshield frames and fog lights; the Limited used leather upholstery, while the SRT-6 used leather and Alcantara. Base and Limited models had an electronic rear spoiler that automatically rose at roughly 65 mph and lowered at 45 mph, with a manual override switch. From 2006 to 2007, an SE Roadster, essentially a base model, was sold only in Blaze Red Crystal Pearl with black-accented 15-spoke wheels styled like the SRT-6’s. The SRT-6 trim, available as a coupe or convertible, used a Mercedes-Benz AMG M112 3.2-liter supercharged V6 producing 330 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It also had modified suspension and brakes, a front air dam, and a fixed rear spoiler, sharing its drivetrain and components with the Mercedes-Benz SLK 32 AMG. Tires were Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sports, sized 225/40R18 front and 255/35R19 rear. The SRT-6 lacked the electronic wing. For 2006, the SRT-6 was available only by special order.