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Chrysler Crossfire

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Chrysler Crossfire
2004 Chrysler Crossfire coupe
Overview
ManufacturerDaimlerChrysler
ProductionFebruary 2003 – December 2007 (76,014 units)
Model years2004–2008
AssemblyGermany: Osnabrück (Karmann)
DesignerEric Stoddard
Andrew Dyson
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Platform
RelatedMercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase94.5 in (2,400 mm)
Length159.8 in (4,059 mm)
Width69.5 in (1,765 mm)
Height
  • 51.5 in (1,308 mm) (coupe)
  • 51.8 in (1,316 mm) (roadster)
Chronology
PredecessorChrysler Prowler
Chrysler TC by Maserati

The Chrysler Crossfire is a rear-wheel drive, two-seat sports car, marketed by Chrysler and manufactured by Karmann of Germany for the 2004 through 2008 model years.

Developed during the period when Chrysler and Mercedes Benz had merged, known as Daimler Chrysler, the two-seater uses the Mercedes-Benz R170 platform and shares 80% of its components with the first generation SLK.[3][4] The second generation SLK was built on the R171 platform with model year 2005; the R170 platform was essentially handed down to Chrysler for the Crossfire. Having initially arrived in 2001 as a concept car styled by Eric Stoddard,[5] the Chrysler was further refined by Andrew Dyson[6] before production began in 2003 for 2004 model year sales.

Design

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The name "Crossfire" refers to two character 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.

Crossfire Roadster
The "crossfire" character lines of the bodyside change direction of their creases on the door

The Chrysler Crossfire concept car was introduced 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 "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-seat halo car for the Chrysler brand, the marketing objective was also to make use of available components using 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 to American Motors' 1965–1967 AMC 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 1930s art deco period and buildings such as the Chrysler Building.[17] Motor Trend cites vehicle influences from 1930s including Bugattis and the Talbot Lago.[18] Chrysler wanted to once again offer a performance coupe reminiscent of the luxury reputation they enjoyed during the late 1950s to mid-1960s with the Chrysler 300 letter series coupes and convertibles.

Mechanical design

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Power-operated convertible top
Interior
Chrysler Crossfire 2005 SRT-6 with Mercedes-AMG Engine

Chrysler executed the interior and exterior styling. All other elements of the car such as wheelbase, track, engine, transmission, chassis structure, suspension components, are shared with the R170 platform.[19] For example, the engine bay of the Crossfire is virtually identical to the Mercedes-Benz SLK320 on the R170 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 standard transmission is a 6-speed manual with an optional 5-speed automatic. 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, SOHC V6 engine that was rated by Chrysler at 215 hp (160 kW) and 229 pound force-feet (310 N⋅m) of torque.[20]

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 sourced NSG-370. The 5-speed automatic transmission in the Crossfire (known as 5G-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 the recirculating ball steering system from the R170 platform.[19] 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 with two different wheel sizes measuring 18x7.5-inch on the front and 19x9-inch on the rear.[21] 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 COO Wolfgang Bernhard in Germany.[22]

Equipment

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The Chrysler Crossfire's standard features included large alloy wheels with performance-rated tires, a Becker–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 premium Infinity sound system with two "subwoofers" mounted directly behind each seat, a CD-based GPS navigational system, exterior paint colors, and additional interior color choices.

Sales and production numbers

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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.[23] 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).[24]

Chrysler discontinued the Crossfire after the 2008 model year, as part of its restructuring plans.[25] The last Crossfire was assembled on December 17, 2007.

Officially recognized production numbers by model year by
Chrysler and Crossfire International Car Club Incorporated[26]
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
Notes:
LHD = Left hand drive (steering wheel on the left side)
RHD = Right hand drive (steering wheel on the right side)
Crossfire Coupe and Crossfire Roadster refer to the "Base" model
Year[27][28] 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Production 35,700 28,000 12,500 4,805 2,000
Note: Cars produced in one calendar year may be marketed as the following model year.

Models

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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.[29]

6.4 sec (6-speed manual)[30]

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.[29]

4.8 sec (5-speed automatic)[31] 155 mph (electronically limited)

Base and Limited

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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.

SRT-6

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See also: Street and Racing Technology
2005 Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe in Sapphire Silver Blue

The SRT-6 trim level, available as a coupe and convertible, featured a Mercedes-Benz AMG M112 3.2 L V6 supercharged engine delivering 330 hp (246 kW) and 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) of torque.[2] Other SRT-6 model-specific features included suspension and brake modifications, a front fascia air dam, and a fixed rear spoiler. The SRT-6 used the same drivetrain, suspension, and braking components as those used on the Mercedes-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.[32] 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.

Safety

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NHTSA crash test ratings (2004 and 2007, Coupe):[33][34]

  • Frontal Crash Test – Driver:
  • Frontal Crash Test – Passenger:
  • Side Impact Rating – Driver:
  • Rollover Rating: 9.5%

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d "2008 Crossfire Feature Availability and Specifications" (PDF). Chrysler media. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 February 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "2006 Chrysler Crossfire Specifications" (PDF). Chrysler media. pp. 10–13. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  3. ^ Rosenholtz, Jared (4 July 2018). "The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Is A Supercharged Bargain". CarBuzz. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  4. ^ Bell, Matt (18 April 2018). "New Age Classic - Chrysler Crossfire". Classics World. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  5. ^ Patton, Phil (27 May 2007). "From a Bad Marriage, Pretty Babies". The New York Times. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  6. ^ a b Joe, Lorio (April 2009). "Chrysler Crossfire – Road Test & Review". Automobile. Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  7. ^ Odell, John (28 May 2003). "Chrysler Crossfire: Los Angeles Times's view". cars.com. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  8. ^ a b Wyss, Wallace A. (April 2003). "Chrysler Crossfire - Car News". Car and Driver. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  9. ^ "Preview: '04 Chrysler Crossfire". The Car Connection. 7 January 2002. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  10. ^ Connelly, Mary (2 June 2003). "Crossfire purely an 'image car'". Automotive News. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  11. ^ Williams, Paul (10 August 2011). "Car Review: 2004 Chrysler Crossfire Limited". Driving. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  12. ^ a b Neil, Dan (1 October 2003). "Caught up in the Crossfire". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  13. ^ Cranswick, Marc (2011). The Cars of American Motors: An Illustrated History. McFarland. p. 74. ISBN 978-0-7864-4672-8. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  14. ^ Lienert, Paul (26 March 2003). "Crossfire's looks sizzle, performance sputters". The Detroit News.
  15. ^ Rothwell, Rob (2 May 2004). "2004 Chrysler Crossfire Coupe Road Test". auto123.com. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  16. ^ Sessions, Ron (May 2003). "First Drive: 2004 Chrysler Crossfire". Motor Trend. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  17. ^ "2004 Chrysler Crossfire marketing video". Retro Video Archive. Retrieved 27 November 2022 – via YouTube.
  18. ^ "2004 Chrysler Crossfire". 6 November 2012.
  19. ^ a b Edmonson, Gail; Kerwin, Kathleen (29 September 2003). "DaimlerChrysler: Stalled". BusinessWeek. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  20. ^ Pund, Daniel (1 May 2003). "2004 Chrysler Crossfire". Car and Driver. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  21. ^ Stewart, Ben (June 2003). "Automotive: Reports From Around The World". Popular Mechanics. Vol. 180, no. 6. p. 50. Retrieved 27 November 2022 – via Google Books.
  22. ^ "Chrysler Group COO Wolfgang Bernhard drives first, all-new 2004 Chrysler Crossfire off the production line" (Press release). 3 February 2003.
  23. ^ "USA: Chrysler's Crossfire 'halo' car has doubtful future". just-auto. 30 September 2005. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  24. ^ "Overstock.com Announces New Marketing Partnership With Chrysler Group". Overstock.com (Press release). Archived from the original on 10 February 2009. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  25. ^ Durbin, Dee-Ann (1 November 2007). "Chrysler to cut up to 12,000 jobs". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 3 November 2007. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  26. ^ "Officially recognized production numbers by CICCI". 23 November 2013. Archived from the original on 21 June 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  27. ^ Waterman, Stuart (14 March 2006). "Chrysler caught in own Crossfire?". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  28. ^ Figures for 2006/2007: Automobil Revue, catalogue edition 2008, p. 47.
  29. ^ a b "2004 Chrysler Crossfire (from DaimlerChrysler Press Release)". Serious Wheels. Archived from the original on 27 August 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  30. ^ DeLorenzo, Matt (October 2009). "2004 Chrysler Crossfire – Road Test — Where style is substance". Road & Track. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  31. ^ Robinson, Aaron (March 2005). "2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 – Comparison Tests". Car & Driver. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  32. ^ New Cars and Trucks Buyer's Guide. Edmunds. 2006. p. 217. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  33. ^ "2004 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2 DR | NHTSA". www.nhtsa.gov. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  34. ^ "2007 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE | NHTSA". www.nhtsa.gov. Retrieved 23 May 2024.

References

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