CROSSDRESSER
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sat, Sep 11, 2004
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
CROSSDRESSER
As a roadster aficionado, I was eager to review the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
Roadster, and was thoroughly delighted to have an entire week to do so.
The Crossfire meets all of my expectations, and the many gazes, smiles and
comments it generates, as well as its commendable performance, confirm the merit
of its accolades.
Both the interior and exterior styling are superb, striking the right cross
between retro and modern, luxury and sporty. It invokes images of fun and
freedom, and it does so with poise and panache. The Crossfire is one of
those few cars that you enjoy just taking time to stare at. It crosses
other lines as well. It blends in as well at the California Yacht Club in
Marina Del Rey, but this Chrysler is not too pretentious to take to a Target
store.
The Crossfire's wonderful styling is complimented by its commendable
performance. My initial drive in the Crossfire confirmed my suspicion that
it was worthy of the trip around Palos Verdes Estate, a course I reserve for
testing my favorite cars - i.e., those that are seriously performance-oriented
or have no roof.
While cruising around Palos Verdes, it became apparent that the Crossfire is
immensely fun to drive. But it is more than just fun. While it does not
have the power of a muscle car, nor the handling of some high-end roadster, nor
the luxury of a European turnpike cruiser, it does have an excellent mix of all
of these qualities. It certainly allows for spirited driving. And with the
top down, it's a blast to drive. It has more than sufficient
acceleration, has excellent handling, is comfortable, has numerous amenities,
and is handsome. Other features such as an automatic spoiler, automatic roof,
electronic stability control, huge tires, and leather seats just enhance the
experience.
The Chrysler (Mercedes) Crossfire strikes an excellent balance between price,
styling and performance. It is a testament to the synergy between
Mercedes' quality engineering and Chrysler's flair for avant guard styling
and kick ass performance. The Crossfire is worth serious consideration to
anyone thinking about purchasing a high-style roadster.
For more information on Chrysler products, go to www.chrysler.com.
SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle:
2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Price, as tested:
$34,085 Engine type:
V6 3.2 liters
Max Horsepower: 215 hp at 5700 rpm Torque:
229 ft-lbs. at 3000 rpm Transmission:
Six-speed overdrive manual transmission Drive configuration:
Rear-wheel drive
Exterior
Length: 159.8 in.
Width: 69.5 in.
Height: 51.8 in.
Wheel Base: 94.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 4.9 in.
Turning Circle: 32.2 ft.
Curb Weight: 3140 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 37.3 in.
Front Hip Room: 53.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 52.7 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.7 in.
Luggage Capacity: 6.52 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 7 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 2
Fuel Data
Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 17 mpg / 25 mpg 
