First Drive: 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
Chrysler's new flagship sets the tone for the rest of the line
Photography by the author, The Manufacturer, Ron Sessions
Hammering down the autobahn in the hill country south of Munich at more than 240 clicks (about 150 mph), the '04 Crossfire prototype felt cool, calm, and collected. Aside from the chest-pounding V-10 Dodge Viper, nothing else in the Chrysler Group's passenger-car quiver can muster such moxie, let alone dynamic composure, in the left lane with the Porsches and BMWs.
The Crossfire is a significant development. It's the Chrysler brand's new flagship, which, along with the Pacifica crossover, sets the tone for the rest of the line. The two-seater is also the first example of major parts sharing between the Chrysler Group and Mercedes-Benz, a process that will intensify with the full-size Dodge and Chrysler LX cars in 20041/2.
Based on Mercedes-Benz SLK320 mechanicals dating way back to 1997, the Crossfire sheetmetal takes on a provocative boattail theme, not seen since the ill-fated '65-'67 American Motors Marlin. Distinctive front fender louvers, huge wheels (18 inches front/19 rear), a pop-up rear spoiler, and a snarky center-exit dual-exhaust cop an attitude. Inside, a metallic-look theme dominates the center stack and console. A diminutive 7.6-cubic-foot trunk nestles under the pinched rear window between huge rear fenders. With the tall cowl and beltline, thick rear roof pillars, and fastback rear glass, the cabin is enveloping.
The Crossfire drives just like what it is--an SLK320 with a fixed roof. Structure is German-car solid, the SOHC V-6 torquey (but not particularly rev-happy), and the suspension, steering, and brakes are capable of dealing with whatever terminal velocity the 215-horse mill can churn out. Standard stability control, ABS with brake assist, and all-speed traction control instill confidence.
The question is, beyond giving Chrysler quality product to sell, does the market need a restyled seven-year-old car? Mercedes buyers likely won't cross-shop Chryslers, and there's no MoPar content (like a Hemi engine) in Crossfire to draw Chrysler buffs.
One thing that might work is price, and the Crossfire's estimated $36,000 sticker is about nine grand less than an equivalent Mercedes SLK. Still, there are a lot of newer two-seaters such as the Nissan 350Z, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, and BMW Z4 competing for the enthusiast's dollar.