Chrysler Crossfire
DaimlerChrysler assembles the Crossfire, a model of automobile, and offers it to the public under the Chrysler brand.
Base Crossfires, originally sold beginning in the 2004 model year, are equipped with a 3.2 litre, 18 valve, Single Over-head Cam, 215 horsepower 229 foot pounds of torque Mercedes V-6. The Crossfire shares over half of its components, including most of its interior, drivetrain, and under-body with the SLK.
Crossfires are rear-wheel drive, 2-seat sports cars. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, a 5-speed automatic is optional.
Crossfires are built for DaimlerChrysler by Karmann in Germany.
The name, "Crossfire," comes as a reference to the distinctive character lines that run from front to rear through the body sides. They create a surface that is upward facing as it passes over the rear fender, but they cross mid-way through the door to form a downward facing surface as they reach the front fender.
For the 2005 model year, Chrysler has unveiled both a Crossfire Roadster as well as the SRT-6, super-charged model (in both coupe and roadster. The SRT-6 will be available as both a coupé and a convertible with 330 horsepower (246 kW) and 310 foot pounds (420 Nm) of torque. Upgrades in the SRT-6 not found in the regular Crossfire include suspension, brakes, and cosmetics.
Ironically, 2004 was the last year for the SLK from which the Crossfire is built. After 2004, the SLK will be built on a new platform with Vision SLR-style looks. The Crossfire will remain as the only car based on the older chassis.
References
- "2004 Crossfire SRT-6 Packs Punch", an article in the "News" section on page 30 of the May, 2004 issue of Motor Trend
