2005 Chrysler Crossfire
by Lori Lovely Jul 7, 2004
Auto
After slogging around the Westside in a heavy slug of a delivery van for weeks, I looked forward to sliding into the low-slung leather comfort of a two-seater sports car for a super-charged tear around town, courtesy of Champion Chrysler. Thrilled to be joy riding on a brilliant summer afternoon instead of dodging traffic on a gloomy weekday morning, I targeted the much-hyped Crossfire for an afternoon of research. I learned that this “all-American” sports car isn’t really either, and I learned that hype is synonymous with propaganda. The 2005 black Crossfire Limited graciously loaned by Champion looks sporty and handsome, but I had to immediately deduct points because it’s a coupe (not a roadster — the ultimate in summer fun and, in this make, the better choice) and because it’s an automatic. The coupe arguably outshines the roadster in sleekness and aerodynamics, but combining a sports car with an automatic transmission is nothing short of lunacy, and with the Crossfire’s slow-responding five-speed automatic, practically a tragedy. If you’re too lazy to shift gears in a high-performance car, you’re missing out on a lot of performance, and I gotta say, you’re just a poseur in a pretty car. Built in the Karmann factory in Germany, where the Mercedes SLK and CLK are built, the “American sports car” shares much with its German cousins, including the V6 engine, multilink suspension and steering. Look closely and you’ll notice that in addition to relying on German engineering, the Crossfire looks to the Fatherland for design inspiration. Without a direct predecessor to rely on, the Crossfire borrows its retro styling cues from several renowned European sources, including Bugatti. But while the subtly bubbled roof and arched lines of the sharply curved fastback look like Porsche-911-slash-Bugatti-Veyron-meets-concept-car, the front end is all Chrysler, with its quad headlamps and oversized grille. The strake lines on the hood and the non-functional vents behind the front wheels have drawn criticism from experienced car connoisseurs. The cockpit fits comfortably, unless you tend to shop at the big and tall store and require extra leg room. Interior details are clean, sophisticated and minimal, with classically styled, easy-to-read instruments. If you’re accustomed to driving Mercedes, you’ll feel right at home with the familiar wheel and pedal arrangement and SLK seating position — and you’ll be more adept at dodging the poorly placed cruise control lever when you’re fumbling for the turn signal. Coupe or roadster, the rear window is miniscule; don’t rely on seeing anything without physically turning to look. Cargo space is surprisingly generous (7.6 cubic feet), and access doesn’t require a key if the car is unlocked. Modifying an SLK floorplan with extra tie bars and frame gussets ensures a stiff chassis that — along with monster tires that intimidate the chassis — allows the car to corner almost as flat as a sports car. However, it reaches the limits of its cornering ability sooner than a Nissan 350Z or BMW Z4, because Chrysler tuned it for more relaxed cruising versus all-out sports car driving. The handling is significantly sporty, yet distinct from a true sports car. More like its Mercedes ancestors, it provides a comfortable ride and precise steering. Despite its firm suspension, the Crossfire is softer and more supple than a hard-core sports car and never overpowers itself. Chrysler claims the Crossfire has more torque than the Z4, Porsche Boxster and Audi TT. Nevertheless, it lacks the loud, free-revving sportiness of its competitors (and real sports cars) — as well as the power of the 350Z and Infiniti G35. It accelerates with pleasing amounts of pick up and power and quick throttle response, yet it pales in acceleration comparisons with its competitors. Upon hitting speeds of 60 mph, the rear spoiler pops up, further diminishing the backward view while not noticeably adding to the noise level inside. One thing the Crossfire does like a sports car is stop, thanks to responsive brakes with large rotors, oversize tires and a comprehensive stability and traction control system that makes upsetting the car practically impossible. While it doesn’t provide the performance and handling of a true sports car, the Crossfire is a well-mannered, driveable car that accelerates with fury, corners nearly flat and remains in control at all times. Its nostalgic Euro-shape and sleek, athletic curves reek of look-at-me desirability and classy individuality. If it’s sports car performance you’re after, opt for the SRT-6, a supercharged version that, for an extra 10 grand, promises dramatically increased performance up to 330 horsepower. Either way, the sleek little Chrysler coupe (or roadster) beats a well-worn delivery van for summer styling when you’re looking to lay down a little rubber and put some miles between work and weekend.
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