[thepolarfoxqx]

Crossifre represents something quite new, a chrysler branded (and designed) vehicle manufactured by Daimler. The body of Chrysler Crossfire is crafted by reknowned coachbuilder Karmann, who is well associated with Daimler. The basics of the chasis used on crossfire come from the Mercedes SLK convertible and C-Class sedan.

Engine:
<img src=http://www.velocityphotos.com/images/stk/2004/cr2004crossfire04.jpg>

The one available engine is Daimler's 3.2L 90 Degree V6 using a SOHC 18valve layout, with 2 intake and one exhaust valve per cylender, and 2 spark plugs. This engine also features variable intake and exhaust timing, which is infinately variable, and is very passive in its opperation. In terms of performance, this engine provides forceful thrust, offering a modest 215 hp at 5,700 rpms, but a broad and flat torque curve, coming on low and staying strong, which peaks at 229lb/feet at 3,000 rpms. The engine also breathes through a variable intake, which is largely responsible for the low end thrust. The engine redlines at a lowish 6,200rpms, and possesses a smooth and manageable demeanor through it all, though not as refined as one of BMW's inline-sixes, or Nissan's VQ series of V6s, the mercedes powerplant is definately one of Crossfire's strong suits, interestingly enough, the crossfire wears nearly the same plastic engine cover as mercedes models sporting the same engine, though it is missing the three pointed star. The engine is also of all aluminum construction, which aids in keeping weight down, the reasoning for using the Mercedes V6 over one of Daimler Chrysler's north american units was ease of production, which of course, takes place in europe.

Chasis and Driveline:
<img src=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0305_frst_cross_7l.jpg>
Not suprisingly, the driveline remains very similar to that of the SLK320, the car features a front mid-ship, rear wheel drive layout. The engine sits fully rearward of the front axle, which aids in weight distrobution. Power is directed to the rear wheels via Meredes' fantastic "conventional" 5spd "touch-shift" automatic with a manual actuation function. The unit features well spaced gears, crisp shifting, and a history of solid reliability. It's "touch-shift" function has also been highly commended as well. In a sporting car such as crossfire, a manual would be well liked, but the 6spd unit mercedes has in it's parts bin has gotten considderable critizism lately, so perhaps we aren't missing much with their first rate auto-box. Furthermore, a dynamic stability system (which is simply mercedes' ESP system rebadged for chrysler) can get a driver out of trouble. Mercedes places the disclaimer "while ESP can aid you in maintaining control, nothing can repeal the laws of physics, so use good judgement in driving", and while it may not repeal the laws of physics, it does come close, as ESP is widely regaurded as the most advanced stability control system available. Some find ESP to be tuned conservatively, not allowing the car to reach its absolute limits, but i doubt the average Crossfire driver will ever notice.

The suspension employed is most directly related to the one used in the sporty mercedes SLK series. The front is a sophisticated double-wishbone layout, which results in firm front grip, and smooth transitional handling from the front suspension, as well as generally very favorable turn in behavoir. The rear suspension is Mercedes' famous 5-Link multilink setup, which provides both a supremely silken ride without loosing any of the cars sportinly firm response.

Crossfire also rides on a deceptively short wheelbase, only 94.9" long, which makes it supremely manouverable in tight spaces, and a dream to park with only a 32.9' turning circle. Trunk space however is severely limited, at less than 8 cubic feet, take what you can get. A last interesting feature is a power retracting spoiler that automatically raises and lowers itself at 50mph, and while it is more for looks that anything else, it is a nice touch.


Performance:

The crossfire concept we originally saw had a supercharged 2.7L 24V V6, good for 270hp, and a list price in the 20s made us all salibate at the possiblity of such a performance vehicle for such a price, from chrysler of all places. What we got, while not a huge dissapointment, was less horsepower for more money. The Crossfire, is quick, though not fast, sporting a 0-60 of 6.5 secconds, a quarter mile time of 15.4 secconds, and a top speed electronically limited to, you guessed it, 155mph. Crossfire has long legs, and is very stable and solid at triple digit speeds, that is little consolation to the 85% of it's customers expected in north america, who will have only rare occasion to see this aspect of the crossfire. List price starts at $34,995, and expectation is that it won't go for a dime under that.