LateNight and PolarFox's Chrysler Crossfire Analysis ...

[LateNightCable]

" Even those with bad taste, know good taste when they see it. " - LateNightCable

Hello all,

It's time for another edition to the Analysis Series, by your friendly long lost uncles LateNight and PolarFox. I hope we're not the only ones reading these, because they are both entertaining and informative.

This time around, we feature the Chrysler Crossfire. At the time of writing, the Crossfire is about ready to enter it's second year of production. But it's a very noteworthy design to analyze, since it's the first Chrysler vehicle to fully display the shift in philosophy since the marriage of Chrysler, and Daimler of Germany. It's the first love child you could say. It's also the first Chrysler to borrow heavily from it's German parent's parts bin, including such things as the engine and entire platform.

Let's see how this concept car for the streets turned out. - LateNightCable

-------------------------

* Front

The Crossfire made a remarkable transition from concept to production, with most changes being very subtle and done to meet regulations. A big reason for this is because the platform it's based upon, the Mercedes SLK, is a natural fit, being a short two seater coupe by nature. So the styling didn't have to be streched around a platform that was foreign to that, so to speak.

The biggest styling change made for production was to the front. It is far less dramatic or destinctive than that of the showcar original, but it is still proportionate to the car, and makes good use of available space. Chrysler chose horizontal headlamps, rather than the vertical ones of the showcar, because they learned a competitor was considering useing the same theme. Which I think is a silly reason to change the styling. I would say, just beat them to the punch. Either way, the front works, even if it does look more appropriate for a more conservative car. The headlamp shape remind me of the ones on the upcoming BMW 6-Series, although they look considerably better on this car. The lower fascia with it's front splitter is strong and sharp, reaching out to the corners of the Cross. Bringing the front close to the ground. The foglamps, with their corner placement also do their part to lower the car visually, and accentuate the width.

Indented strakes along the hood add a lot of charictor, and lengthen the nose, I'm glad they made production. The metalic finish of the windshield frame is a nice bit of retro flash, and the side mirrors look very natural to the design.

Overall, the front exudes the image that it should. That of a sporty and stable little coupe, ready for the road.

* Profile

The Crossfire is intended to reflect Chrysler's penchant for Art Deco-ish design cues. But being part German, it also possess a strong European flare. An aspect of it's identity that it obviously revels in, which this photo of the Cross parked in front of the Kempinski Hotel in Munich clearly shows.

From the side, the Cross is a tubby car, but the roof is low, as an asthetic, it's not bad. The short overhangs keep the car looking tight and solid. The large diameter of the factory wheels also help to maintain this quality. The body is pleasantly chisled. The deep horizontal wedge below the door, and in particular, the upper body one which catches the shadows leading to the front wheel arch lengthen the car, and look great. The flanks are clean, but contain just the right tweak hear and there. As I have seen the car in person, I can vouch that the effect looks really good up close too. The straked air vent is a thoughtful touch, and throws some interest into the large expanse between the front wheel and door. The lip of each wheel arch is flattend, helping to integrate the body around the wheels. The windshield is slightly higher than the concept car's, but it takes nothing form the sleek, low roofline. This car is a great example of how a tub shaped car with decent interior room can be made to look sleek and fast as well.

* Rear

The Crossfire is very destinctive especially from the rear, where the roof flows down like a waterfall to the bumper. Aside from the bumper being raised, the rear window section being widend, and the window losing the center crease of the concept, the rear is very faithful to the showcar's. The fenders jut form either side providing an athletic, broad shouldered effect. The center above the licence plate is nicely detailed, as is the area below the bumper. With it's cut out space, and very showcar like center exhaust, it definitely looks sporty form the rear. I also find the way the sloping roof slightly overlaps the rear window to be a good touch.

In closing, I find the Chrysler Crossfire to be a wonderfully executed design peice, especially for a production car. It shows that in the right hands, relatively affordable cars can be brought to market containing most, if not all of the charictor, and originality of a concept car. The key ingrediant, is a strong theme, which the Crossfire has. Good job !

Now, lets see what PolarFox has to say about the nuts and bolts of this EuroAmerican ...

[Anzeige eBay]

Hallo LateNightCable,

 

kennst du schon LateNight and PolarFox's Chrysler Crossfire Analysis ... (Anzeige)? Dort ist vieles zu finden.

 

US Cars Ersatzteile (Anzeige) | US Cars Zubehör (Anzeige)

[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.

[crudgingtong]

just saw a crossfire

[LateNightCable]

Good for you. What did you think of it?

[thepolarfoxqx]

i've seen quite a few outside the chrysler dealer off 494, they don't seem to be selling many cause the same ones are always there. They are smaller in real life than the look.

Inexplicably, when motor trend tested crossfire up head to head against SLK320, which is heavier and on the same platform, the SLK was 1/2 a seccond faster to 60. They even have identical gearing. It makes no sense.

[crudgingtong]

i think they r very similar 2 the mercedes slr

[thepolarfoxqx]

similar in what regaurd? Appearance?

It is fact that it is based on the SLK320 chasis.

[wanderer]

I just went shopping yesterday and on the

way there I saw a crossfire, its was then

that I realized its a pretty ugly car,

from the front it looks ok, but from

the back its a totally different story.

[imported_qramos]

It must have taken you days to write that. I had never really thaught much about the crossfire, but one thing that has always stood out in my mind regarding it, is that it looks great from the side and front, but it looks like a humpback with its bulging rear trunklid. Besides the trunklid, it is a neat car. Definately can see the Euro influence. It kindof reminds me of a Mclaren SLR from the side with those straked air vents. The center rear exhaust is a nice touch. Over all the styling is very coherant. It is full of features usually found in more expensive european cars; like the speed actuated rear spoiler. Again, for a production car it is quite unique. My only real gripe about it is the performace I've read about. Its looks seem betrayed by its performance. I stock Honda civic si could give it a run for its money, no fancy spoiler though.

[skyline_r34v]

Nah, Gramos. I've typed one longer than that and it took a maximum of 30-40 minutes including findin the pix that i was comparing and talking bout.

Newayz, the same crossfire has been sittin in the mall for the past 2-3 months now and hasn't changed. I think it's not selling worth of poop and at $33,000 at the lowest price i wouldn't doubt it. It's the same thing as the SLK320 but of Chrysler. There's PLENTY of cars that would spank it with alot less money ex. 350Z track, Evo VIII, WRX STi and even the Neon SRT-4.

That is strange fox but fast-autos.net records the crossfire 0-60 in 6.4 seconds and 1/4 in 14.7@ 96mph.

Even so, at $33,000 and tested times in 1/4 in low 15's it's a little 2 expensive. BUT for all those that r jus dyin to get the crossfire but want more speed there's the Crossfire SRT-6 (did they steal that from dodge?). It is Supercharged (typical among MB )with 330 horses and 310lb/ft of torque weighin 3,240lbs but at the price of $45,000 u could purchase a base model M3 and be faster, better handling, more reliable, better resale value and is NA. BUT! the crossfire could have potential for more power since it's already FI'd.

General Information

Price: $45,695

Miles Per Gallon: 17/25 mpg

Curb Weight: 3240 lbs

Layout: Front-Engine/RWD

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Engine

Type: Supercharged V6

Displacement: 3199 cc

Horsepower: 330 bhp @ 6100 rpm

Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 3500-4800 rpm

Redline: 6400 rpm

Performance

0-60 mph: 5.0 sec

0-100 mph: 12.4 sec

Quarter Mile: 13.5 sec @ 107 mph

Skidpad: .90g

Top Speed: 158 mph

[Anzeige eBay]

Hallo LateNightCable,

 

schau doch mal hier zum Thema Zubehör für US Cars (Anzeige)? Eventuell gibt es dort etwas Passendes.

[imported_qramos]

Now that is more like what I expected from it. The black SRT-6 looks real nice too. Chrysler really did an excellent job of styling the crossfire. That fixed wing in the back totally changes the character of the car; it doesn't look like a humpback anymore. With a smaller blower pulley, better brakes, a bit of suspension work and a more free-flowing exhaust, I could see myself driving one of those. 8)

[LateNightCable]

Who must have taken days to write what?

I think the SRT/6 is kind of the wrong route. It makes the car far too closely related to it's Mercedes parent. I understand that Chrysler style " Eurocool " is part of it's appeal, but what they really need under that hood is a 5.7 Hemi, instead of hand me downs. With 10 more hp., 80 lb.ft. more torque, and all the inherent American V8 vitality, this would launch the Crossfire into the " really special " catagory rather than simply spiced up.

And they can't say that they're already producing as many Hemi engines' as they can for the 300C and Magnum wagon, because they aren't. A Hemi for the Crossfire is a shoe in. It sholud at least be considered.

[thepolarfoxqx]

You and your hemi. The hemi would fit actually, but is signifigantly heavier. Moreoever, this is a german built car, it would cost money to fuse a big american engine from a different set of standards into their already pretty much set up car. The beauty of the crossfire is they could develop it for next to nothing. I think they are bluffing when they say it is 330hp, i'd bet it still pushes the full 349, but they re-calibrated it for less low end. Look at the quarter mile time. From sixty on that thing flies.

PS: Anyone else think we should copy this post over to the mercedes thread too?

lol

[LateNightCable]

They developed the Crossfire from a prexisting car, so the cost of dropping in a V8 in would be negligable, they wouldn't be losing anything. But just let them go ahead and be cheap and spineless.

[thepolarfoxqx]

well, the point for them was they knew they'd never sell a lot of crossfires, never make that much money, it was a car to boost brand image. That was financially practical because the crossfire was effectively free to develop. They moved forward to a V8 powered SLK, so the crossfire is somewhat unique now, and the SRT is a potent challenger to corvette, something you'd never imagine from chrysler. Would a hemi crossfire be spiritually more correct and a cooler car, sure, but it won't happen. Too much money. They'd be mixing chrysler and mercedes parts. The mercedes transmission communicates with the mercedes engine ECU, you'd have to totally reprogram it to talk to a chrysler ECU, change the forward crossmembers, custom motor mounts to bolt a chrysler motor to a mercedes bay, you'd have an engine made in the US, shipped to germany, assembled, shipped back here, development and production costs are too much. Remember now that the north american cars division of DC lost over 900 million dollars last year, anything expensive that won't sell drastically more cars isn't going to happen, and nothing is going to make the crossfire a huge seller, it's just what market segment it's in.

[LateNightCable]

A Hemi Crossfire would never happen probably, ( unless a creative tuner took it on ) but image cars are allowed to be mild money losers, at least for awhile. I wasn't picturing that the Hemi would be connected to the Mercedes gearbox, but rather the one that is in the 300C, both being 5-speed autos anyway. Which leads to another funny thing about the Crossfire. The SRT gets a 5-speed auto, while the standard car gets a 6-speed manual. It's rational in a way, but how peculiar.

Business gets in the way of inspired manifestation, that is one reason why the car business interests me less and less all the time.

[thepolarfoxqx]

well, again, look at the mercedes parts bin, the slk320 got a 6spd manual, but the SLK32 was only a 5spd auto. I guess they just don't have a 6spd manual sitting around to take that kind of heat, so they just bolt up a 5spd auto from one of the V8 cars and call it good, plus, AMG has a theme going with all their automatic transmission cars.