2005 Chrysler Crossfire Review

Specifications

An Ideal Mix of Sport and Elegance

It was close to a year ago that I speculated Chrysler would lop the top off of its sensational new coupe in a news story (January 28, 2003: Will this Chrysler Crossfire Convertible Join the Coupe in 2005?).

While Id like to be revered as an inspired seer penetrating the inner sanctum of autodom, its not as if the news of the Crossfire Roadsters arrival was unexpected. Some things, rather, just make so much sense it would only be major news if nothing happened at all.

After spending a day in a preproduction Crossfire Coupe in Southern California during its North American media launch, I knew there was only one thing that could make it better. OK maybe two things, but Chrysler is satisfying my insatiable thirst for speed in an upcoming 333-hp supercharged SRT-6 version so that wish has been granted as well.

The other wish was first unveiled to me in the flesh during a pre-Detroit media event Chrysler Group held in Motowns Cobo Hall. Sure November isnt exactly the time of year, nor Detroit the most suitable place to pull the sheet off of a new roadster, but I would have been much more put out if they had kept it under wraps.

Gorgeous it is, just like its coupe sibling. The car transforms into a ragtop as if it were made for it, which of course is the truth. After all, just under forty percent of the Crossfire is Mercedes-Benz SLK, itself a roadster. The major difference between the two drop tops, other than the obvious styling details, is that Chrysler doesnt use a retractable hardtop.

Whatever, if cloth is good enough for BMWs Z4 then Chrysler fans shouldnt be concerned with the Crossfire getting a less sophisticated setup than its M-B relation. And its not as if Chryslers fabric unit is a canvas tent either, but rather a beautifully detailed multi-layered enclosure with full insulation for reduced exterior noise seepage.

The soft-top retracts easily too, according to Chrysler. A simple two step process, starting with the twisting release of the handle located on the windshield header which drops the side windows while lifting the front half of the top by about 8-inches. A center console mounted button does the rest, tucking the top under a hard tonneau cover when all is said and done.

Whether putting the top up or down the process doesnt take long, according to Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler Group. “With the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, consumers can choose their passion,” he said. “Top up or down, this is a great-looking sports car. Sunshine and fresh air are just 22 seconds away.”

I like the roll hoops, as well-suited to the design as they are functional safety devices. Chrysler once again calls them “sport bars” (see January 7, 2004: 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Preview), possibly to woo the mostly male customer demographic the brand is targeting.

I spoke with Trevor Creed, Chrysler Groups Senior Vice President of Design, after the November introduction, and he was enthused about the new roadsters styling. “Our new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster captures the spirit of the Crossfire coupe,” he stated. “We use sport bars and tonneau cover fairings to give Crossfire Roadster even more of an aerodynamic appearance.”

I have to agree with him. The Crossfire is an enticing design in coupe or this latest drop top version. Both offer a distinctively grooved hood, Bugatti-esque center spine and retrospective tapered “boat tail” rear end styling - very nice.

That back end features a retractable spoiler that increases in height at about 60 mph, an expensive but effective way to keep the design intact while not forgetting the importance of rear lift (Audi are you listening). The spoiler features an integrated third taillight.

The cars 18-inch front and 19-inch rear 7-spoke alloy wheels on P225/40 and P255/35 ZR performance tires are as much a statement of design as they are effective at keeping the Crossfire Roadster on track during aggressive cornering. And that it should do well, the coupe being one of the more agile cars Ive had the pleasure of driving. The Roadster features an independent double wishbone suspension up front and independent 5-link suspension in the rear, both with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers. Adhesion to the road is further enhanced by standard Electronic Stability Program and all-speed traction control.

This is probably as good a time as any to talk about passive safety features. The Crossfire Roadster boasts next-generation driver and passenger front airbags, door-mounted thorax side airbags, the LATCH child restraint system with a passenger-side airbag deactivation switch (try that in a Boxster), tire pressure monitoring system, Sentry Key vehicle immobilizer, security alarm system, quad halogen projector headlamps and tow-away protection. I wonder if that last one saves a person from getting a parking ticket.

Speaking of tickets, the roadster will be motivated by the same 3.2-L, 18-valve, SOHC, 90-degree V6, with 215-hp at 5,700 rpm and 229 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm, that powers the coupe, which as I mentioned before left me wanting for more. The engine is sourced from Chrysler Groups Mercedes-Benz sibling (or parent depending on how you look at it), which may mean the automakers upcoming 272-hp V6 with 258 lb-ft of torque featuring variably adjustable intake and exhaust camshafts, could be part of the package in the near future. Also, as I mentioned previously, the new supercharged SRT-6 is on the way for those that just cant get enough.

While the supercharged version will be available with a manual-shift-capable 5-speed automatic only, Crossfire Roadsters with the lesser engine get the brands 6-speed manual as standard equipment and AutoStick equipped automatic gearbox for a little extra.

The console that houses the shift lever will be familiar to SLK owners, as are the majority of dash parts and surfaces. Just the same, its a well executed cockpit made of the best materials and components that fit to exacting specifications. A few differences include the Crossfires center spine that starts on the center console, crosses over the shifter knob, up the center stack, across the dash and then out through the windshield to the exterior spin on the hood. Its a cool styling detail that sets Chryslers coupe and new roadster apart from less inspired competitors.

Chrysler fits the Crossfire Roadster with Infinitys Modulus audio system featuring AM/FM/CD, plus a 240 watt digital amplifier. Its six speakers including dual subwoofers do a decent job of pumping out bass-laden tunes as well as catching the finer details of classical or jazz. According to Chrysler its based on Infinitys Modulus home theater surround sound system.

The standard eight-way power adjustable heated leather drivers seat and four-way power heated leather passenger seat are covered in leather and amazingly comfortable, featuring a branded Chrysler wing in the headrests more importantly and enough support to keep buttocks and lower back in place during extreme action sequences.

Leather can be found elsewhere throughout the interior, as can aluminum trim on the doors, dash, console and shifter. Overall I like Chryslers elegant approach to design, with the new Crossfire Roadster a perfect fit into the lineup.

“The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is absolutely stunning,” stated Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler Group. “The styling, technology and performance get the adrenaline flowing. This spring, the car to be seen in is the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster.”

While Bell is obviously biased, I dont doubt his comments come from the heart. The Crossfire Roadster is a superb car, that easily deserves its premium placement beside such notables as Audis TT Roadster, BMWs Z4 convertible, Porsches Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK. What it has going for it that these others dont is extreme exclusivity. The word on just how good this car is has yet to reach the street, and until it does you can drive one of the best kept secrets in the automotive business.