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2004 Chrysler Crossfire
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| Promise Keeper |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:26:16 |
| Rating |
 137 ( -19 -13.86% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
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Description:
2004 Chrysler Crossfire
Promise Keeper
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle:
2004 Chrysler Crossfire
MSRP:
$33,620
As tested:
$35,570
Showroom appeal:
Sinewy styling, Benz breeding in a new sport coupe
Plus:
Stunning shape, good road manners, taut construction
Minus:
Curvy tail means major league blind spots, little league storage
The Competition:
Nissan Z, Mazda RX8, Audi TT, Infiniti G35, Ford Thunderbird
The suspension in question is fully independent: double wishbone up front, five link in back, coil springs and gas shocks at all four corners.
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Back when Daimler and Chrysler first tied the knot, we had high hopes: cross-pollination between Chrysler’s car-guy designs and Mercedes bullet-proof engineering. Then, reality replaced fantasy. The combination of corporate cultures apparently was more like a collision; less a “merger of equals” than a hostile takeover. Now, the dust having settled, we’re starting to see the kinds of products emerge that we always thought we might: Pacifica, and now Crossfire.
Most discussions of Crossfire start with the undeniably seductive body. Seen side on, Crossfire’s slingshot profile is dramatic: low stance, strakes on front fenders, short overhangs wrapped tightly around tall tires. The mug shot is aggressive, with wide eyed headlights flanking a broad, banded grille and deco-like creases lining the hood. The back end is worth the price of admission: a beautiful, neo-boat tail look, curves and compound angles rolling into one sensual shape.
Of course, Chrysler fans have been down this road before, lured by a supple style that went from show car to showroom. But, Prowler’s fatal flaw was that its sexy design wrote checks that the mundane mechanicals couldn’t cash. Crossfire differs first because the basic package delivers the goods as a GT tourer, and finally because the potential is obviously (and realistically) here for the car to grow further into its sinewy skin. The reason for this optimism is due in large measure to the Daimler connection. Crossfire’s chassis is based on the current generation SLK. Other M-B siblings make chassis contributions as well, with suspension owing much to C, E and SLK class cars, and brakes borrowed from SLK, too. The suspension in question is fully independent: double wishbone up front, five link in back, coil springs and gas shocks at all four corners. And hanging out on those corners are some massive meats: Michelin Pilots; 225/40 ZR18’s in front, 255/35 ZR 19’s in back. All of the above and a very stiff body shell and chassis contribute to a road feel that is solid and supple. Crossfire drives like a stiffer version of the SLK, which, oddly enough, it is. While the SLK feels firm for a car that can raise its roof, the fixed head coupe Chrysler is that and then some – tight and unfazed by rough pavement. Crossfire hunkers down easily on twisty roads. Handling is even handed and predictable, with mild understeer at the limits.
Ride comfort is consistent with its mission as premium GT tourer, and stopping power (four wheel disc, ABS) is first rate. Electronic stability control and all speed traction control are along for the ride, to keep life in the rear wheel drive Crossfire from getting too eventful, when you don’t want it to.
The powertrain pairing consists of a 3.2 liter, SOHC V-6, coupled to a six speed manual or (optional) five speed automatic. Crossfire – at least in this iteration – is not a tire burner. However, the Mercedes motor is smooth and even throughout. By the numbers, the V-6 motor generates 215 hp (@5,700 rpm) and 229 lb. ft. of torque (@3,000 rpm). The torque rolls out early enough for graceful take-offs, and horsepower sticks around long enough in the rpm range for comfortable highway cruising. Performance is in the mid six second range for 0-60 and the high 14’s for the ¼ mile: in the pack with the coupe competition, not at the leading edge. A brushed metal cigar stub of a shift knob serves as the driver’s link to the transmission – an automatic, in the case of my test car. Too bad, that, as some of us prefer to stir our sport coupes with a stick. Nonetheless, the automatic’s five speed’s gear spread matches up well with the power band of the engine, and shifts solidly.
Chrysler Crossfire symbolizes what this merger is all about. It’s a great example of what we call disciplined pizzazz, or the ability to bring a got-to-have-it vehicle to market profitably by working together, combining strengths and effectively leveraging resources.
Overall, the 3.2 matches well with the platform as is, and, given the strength and athleticism of the chassis, the potential exists to push the car into the super coupe range with some creative motor tinkering down the road. An AMG-like approach to this car could be (and undoubtedly will be) a future Crossfire highlight.
The interior is of a twin cockpit design, and Chrysler mixes textures to good effect. It is a snug cabin, and the sum of the parts work well together. Some of those parts are recognizable as Mercedes issue. M-B switchgear includes cruise/wipers/directional stalks (too close together, just like any Mercedes) and seat controls. Crossfire seats two in wraparound buckets. Side bolsters hold you nicely in place during spirited driving. I’m 6’1” and found no problem with leg room, though big guys may have a problem with cabin width. The wheel is not a willing accomplice in customizing your fit, as it telescopes but does not tilt. White on black gauges are ringed in chrome trim and an easy read.
Crossfire’s superior posterior comes at a certain cost. The hatch holds a luggage challenged 7.6 cubic feet of cargo and the big c-pillars make for big blind spots, book-ending a not-too-big rear window. Beyond this, a speed sensitive rear spoiler deploys any time you venture north of 57 mph, sawing off another piece of your rear view. The bottom line is that for a car like Crossfire, looks outweigh looking. If you are sold on what you see, you take the tradeoff on what you can’t.
We have seen bodies this wild before, though the process of translation from concept to production often neutered them. That is the beauty of Crossfire. It maintained its jaw-dropping shape and combines it with solid, GT touring drivability. And for those who need more speed, it has a chassis full of potential and lots of possibilities in the parts bin. When they handicap racehorses, current form and breeding are two factors that are weighed heavily. Based on that and the early workouts, you’ve got to like Crossfire’s odds.
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---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2003 |
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