| Chrysler Crossfire | |
|---|---|
 2004 Chrysler Crossfire coupe | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler |
| Production | February 2003 – December 2007 (76,014 units) |
| Model years | 2004–2008 |
| Assembly | Germany:Osnabrück (Karmann) |
| Designer | Eric Stoddard Andrew Dyson |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style |
|
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Platform |
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| Related | Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 94.5 in (2,400 mm) |
| Length | 159.8 in (4,059 mm) |
| Width | 69.5 in (1,765 mm) |
| Height |
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| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler Chrysler TC by Maserati |
TheChrysler Crossfire is arear-wheel drive, two-seatsports car, marketed byChrysler and manufactured in Germany byKarmann from 2004 through the 2008model years.
Developed during the periodChrysler andDaimler-Benz were merged, known asDaimlerChrysler, the two-seater uses theMercedes-Benz R170 platform and shares 80% of its components with the first generation SLK.[3][4]
Beginning in 2001 as aconcept car styled byEric Stoddard, the Crossfire was further refined by Andrew Dyson before production started in 2003 for the 2004 model year sales.[5][6]
The name "Crossfire" refers to twocharacter lines that run from front to rear along the body sides, prominently crossing below the mirrors on the door panels.[7] Conceived during the period of Daimler Chrysler, the name also refers to the collaboration of the two companies.
The Chrysler Crossfireconcept car was introduced at the 2001North American International Auto Show. The production version was unveiled at the 2002Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2004 model and "is as faithful a translation from concept to production as any in recent memory."[8][9] The concept car was designed "to evoke a strong, passionate, emotional response. We had to retain that. We want to polarize our audience—we want people to love it or hate it."[8]
Conceived as a two-seathalo car for the Chrysler brand, the objective was to use available components on a two-seat roadster chassis. The production car shares about 39% of its parts with Mercedes-Benz vehicles and Chrysler dealers were required to invest in special equipment, tools, and parts to be able to market the new luxury model.[10] The rear-wheel-drive Crossfire coupe styling objective was for a "unique, almost sculptural"[11] design.
The Crossfire's styling includes a wide stance with 19-inch rear wheels and 18-inch front wheels.[12] Automotive journalists compared the Crossfire toAmerican Motors' 1965–1967AMC Marlin.[13] Noted journalist,Paul Leinert said the "distinctive boat-tail rear end reminds more than one observer of the old Rambler Marlin."[14] For example, Rob Rothwell wrote "... when I first espied the rear lines of the Chrysler Crossfire I was instantly transported back to 1965 and my favorite car of that year, the Rambler Marlin."[15]Motor Trend also compared the "provocative boattail theme" of the 2004 Crossfire's sheetmetal to that of the AMC Marlin fastback.[16] The Crossfire's tail is "formed as the edges of the roof converge into a kind of teardrop shape, leaving the rear fenders to flare out over the rear wheels."[12]
Chrysler said the Crossfire took inspiration from the 1930sart deco period and buildings such as theChrysler Building.[17] Motor Trend cites vehicle influences from 1930s including Bugattis and theTalbot Lago.[18]
The objective for Chrysler was to "give the brand a touch of class would be a thoroughly modern, European-edged sports car in its range – something that could compete against the raft of roadsters on the market".[19] Furthermore, the car was to be "plush" and "refined", rather than a "boy racer".[19]
Chrysler executed the interior and exterior styling. All other elements of the car such aswheelbase, track,engine,transmission,chassis structure,suspension components, are shared with theR170 platform.[20] For example, the engine bay of the Crossfire is virtually identical to theMercedes-Benz SLK320 on theR170 platform. The seats from the Mercedes-Benz SLK320 would bolt directly into the Crossfire chassis. The dashboard layout, controls, and instruments are also similar to those on the Mercedes-Benz SLK320.
The standardtransmission is a 6-speedmanual with an optional 5-speedautomatic. Base (standard) and Limited models, originally offered beginning in the 2004 model year, were equipped with a Mercedes-Benz M112 3.2 L, 18-valve,SOHCV6 engine that was rated by Chrysler at 215 hp (160 kW) and 229 pound force-feet (310 N⋅m) oftorque.[21]
The SRT-6 models were equipped with a supercharged version of the M112 engine built by Mercedes' performance branch,AMG. The SRT-6 models came only with the 5-speed automatic transmission, consistent with AMG cars of the same era. The 6-speed transmission used by the Chrysler Crossfire is a variant of the Mercedes sourcedNSG-370. The 5-speed automatic transmission in the Crossfire (known as5G-Tronic) is also Mercedes-sourced and a variant of the 722.6 family. The automatic transmission-equipped Crossfires achieve a better EPA fuel efficiency rating over the 6MT, mostly due to the difference in gear ratios.
The Crossfire uses therecirculating ball steering system from theR170 platform.[20] Front suspension is unequal length (SLA) double wishbone suspension with 5 point multi-link in the rear.[6] As with the concept car, all Crossfire models used two different wheel sizes measuring 18x7.5-inch on the front and 19x9-inch on the rear.[22] Standard all-season tires were 225/40R18 on the front and 255/35R19 on the rear.
The first production Crossfire was assembled on 3 February 2003, and driven off the production line by Chrysler Group's COOWolfgang Bernhard in Germany.[23]
The Chrysler Crossfire's standard features included large alloy wheels with performance-rated tires, aBecker–sourced AM/FM stereo with anti-theft system and a 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 a manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive (RWD), a leather-wrapped and stitched steering wheel, a power-retractable cloth convertible roof (for convertible models), front floor mats, and air conditioning.
Optional features included an automatic transmission, a six-speaker premiumInfinity sound system with two "subwoofers" mounted directly behind each seat, a CD-based GPS navigational system, exterior paint colors, and additional interior color choices.
The original contract with Karmann to build the Crossfire was for about five years with an annual sales target of 20,000 units in the United States.[24] Sales of the Crossfire were slow, with an average 230-day supply of the vehicles during November 2005. A small number of Crossfires were imported to the United States and Mexico in 2006 (and almost all of these were roadsters).[25]
Chrysler discontinued the Crossfire after the 2008 model year, as part of its restructuring plans.[26] The last Crossfire was assembled on 17 December 2007.
| Model Type / Year | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | Grand Totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossfire Coupe | 0 | 1,807 | 770 | 434 | 0 | 3,011 |
| Crossfire Limited Coupe | 22,801 | 9,027 | 2,155 | 1,063 | 826 | 35,872 |
| Crossfire Limited Coupe (RHD) | 2,322 | 983 | 591 | 128 | 0 | 4,024 |
| Crossfire Limited Roadster (LHD & RHD) | 0 | 18,501 | 4,281 | 1,905 | 960 | 25,647 |
| Crossfire Roadster | 0 | 1,806 | 780 | 803 | 0 | 3,389 |
| Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe | 0 | 2,419 | 47 | 0 | 0 | 2,466 |
| Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe (RHD) | 0 | 26 | 79 | 0 | 0 | 105 |
| Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster | 0 | 1,252 | 69 | 0 | 0 | 1,321 |
| Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster (RHD) | 0 | 78 | 101 | 0 | 0 | 179 |
| Grand Totals | 25,123 | 35,899 | 8,873 | 4,333 | 1,786 | 76,014 |
| Year[28][29] | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production | 35,700 | 28,000 | 12,500 | 4,805 | 2,000 |
| Model | Years | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Handling | 0-60 mph (97 km/h) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited | 2004–2008 | 3.2 L V6 | 195.2 cu in (3199 cc)[1] | 215 hp (160 kW; 218 PS)[1] | 229 lb⋅ft (310 N⋅m)[1] | Skid pad 1.0g 70 – 0 mph in 161 ft.[30] | 6.4 sec (6-speed manual)[31] | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| Base (Standard) | 2005–2008 | |||||||
| SRT-6 | 2005–2006 | Supercharged 3.2 L V6 | 330 hp (246 kW; 335 PS)[2] | 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) | Skid pad 1.0g 70 – 0 mph in 157 ft.[30] | 4.8 sec (5-speed automatic)[32] | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
For model year 2004, only the coupe was offered in a single trim level, equipped similarly to the following year's Limited model.
For model year 2005 model year; Coupe and Roadster configurations were available, each with three ascending trim levels: Base, Limited, and SRT-6 (supercharged). Base Crossfires, Coupe or Roadster, featured matte black painted windshield frames, black filler plugs (in place of fog lights) in the front fascia, and fabric seats with separate, movable headrests. Limited and SRT-6 models, both Coupe and Roadster, all featured silver-painted windshield frames and are equipped with fog lights. The Limited trim level featured leather upholstery. The SRT-6 model offered leather/Alcantara upholstery. All Base and Limited Crossfire models included an electronic rear wing that would automatically deploy at about 65 mph and descend at 45 mph. A manual override switch raised or lowered the spoiler at any speed.
For model years 2006-2007, an SE Roadster model (essentially a base model) was offered in Blaze Red Crystal Pearl and with black accented 15-spoke SRT-6 style wheels.
The SRT-6 trim level, available as acoupe andconvertible, featured aMercedes-Benz AMG M112 3.2 L V6supercharged engine delivering 330 hp (246 kW) and 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) of torque.[2] Other SRT-6 model-specific features includedsuspension andbrake modifications, a front fascia air dam, and a fixed rearspoiler. The SRT-6 used the same drivetrain, suspension, and braking components as those used on theMercedes-Benz SLK 32 AMG. The standard tires were upgraded to Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sports, sized 225/40R18 on the front and 255/35R19s in the back.[33] The SRT-6 cars did not feature the electronic wing that the Base and Standard cars featured.
For model year 2006, the SRT-6 was special order only.
TheNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA ) crash test ratings (2004 and 2007, Coupe):[34][35]
9.5%
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