Its long ribbed bonnet, hunkered down roofline and sweeping rear pillars, leading to the distinctive boat tail and the massive, sculptured rear wings make it a real head-turner, as does the unique body side crossover line, which gives rise to its name.
The Crossfire’s seven-spoke cast aluminium wheels are staggering in size, like those of a race car. They are slightly larger on the rear, giving it enhanced handling and road holding.
Deeply sculpted, simulated air-extractor louvres behind the front wheel arches hint at a powerful engine, also like that of a race car. Indeed extensive wind tunnel time has ensured that the Crossfire is aerodynamically balanced at all speeds. Its striking boat tail rear features a spoiler, which deploys automatically when the car reaches 60mph, although the spoiler can be deployed manually at lower speeds using a switch on the centre console.
Such innovative beauty is not confined to the exterior. Underneath the sculptured body lies a powerful 3.2-litre V6 engine, which is capable of propelling the Crossfire from 0-62mph in a grin-inducing 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph.
Its all aluminium, SOHC, 18-valve engine weighs-up to 30kg less than competitor engines of a similar size and produces 215bbp and 229lb fit of torque. Light, responsive, smooth-revving and ultra-reliable, the 90-degree power unit delivers sparkling performance.
The combination of engine power, balanced weight distribution suspension design and generous tyre sizes enables the Crossfire to deliver sensational performance on straight or winding roads.
Both traction control and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) are standard fit. Operative at all speeds, traction control senses rear-wheel spin and intervenes to improve traction by individually breaking the spinning wheel or by reducing engine power.
Do you like a good choice of well prepared and presented items. The Crossfire’s engine has also been designed to enhance fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions. With combined fuel economy figures of 28 mpg (automatic) and 27.2 mpg (manual), the Crossfire achieves a comfortable 348-mile range from its 60-litre fuel tank.
Safety is also paramount. Frontal crash protection is provided by a series on interrelated impact resistant features, beginning with the steel beam bumper system which channels loads into the chassis’ side rails, where most of the energy is absorbed. The extremely stiff passenger cabin is designed to transmit loads with minimal deformation and the doors will operate even after a severe impact. Side protection is enhanced by the fitting of high-strength steel beams within the doors.
State-of-the-art, four wheel, four channel anti-lock (ABS) is a standard fitment on the Crossfire. When activated by heavy braking on a slippery surface, it applies and releases the brakes at a rate of 30 times per second, preventing wheel lock-up and allowing the driver to retain steering control. Brake Assist System (BAS) – an electronic braking system developed by Mercedes-Benz – is also fitted as standard. It recognises when the driver is braking in an emergency and within fractions of a second applies maximum braking pressure via a special brake booster, reducing stopping distances by 45 per cent.
A stylish and sophisticated interior complements the Crossfire’s exterior, with the centre spine also reflected on the inside console and instrument panel. From the driver’s seat the spine shape continues from the instrument panel through the windscreen and along the bonnet.
On each side of the spine, the Crossfire follows a twin-cockpit theme, with the curved passenger airbag panel mimicking the instrumental cluster on the other side, and the satin silver finish centre console and the transmission tunnel clearly demarking the two cabin sides. The bright satin finish is also used to highlight steering wheel spokes, door-sill plates, door-pull handles, speaker grille rings and instrument surrounds.
The seats are trimmed in two-tone leather and the headrests are embossed with the distinctive Chrysler winged badge.
Style and luxury are definitely the name of the game, with standard features including dual-zone air conditioning, six-speaker CD player, remote keyless entry and power adjustable heated seats.
The twin-cockpit theme also means that the cabin has been tailored to accommodate two occupants in great comfort. Generous head, shoulder and legroom ensure the widest range of occupants will enjoy travelling in the Crossfire’s cabin. The driver’s seat has eight-way power adjustment – horizontal, vertical, cushion tilt and backrest angle. The passenger seat has four-way adjustment.
To isolate the cabin from both mechanical noise and road-induced vibrations, both front and rear suspensions use mounting bushings specially tuned to dampen out vibrations.
The Crossfire is available with both a six-speed manual transmission for £27,280 or five-speed automatic transmission for £28,520. As with all Chrysler and Jeep vehicles, it comes with a three-year/60,000 mile peace of mind warranty package, supplied with European roadside assistance, and a seven-year unlimited mileage anti-corrosion guarantee.
Hatfields of Doncaster on 01302 343333
Hatfields of Sheffield on 0114 262 1234.
Published Summer 2004. All information correct at time of print
Since the arrival of the breathtaking new Chrysler Crossfire at Hatfields of Doncaster and Sheffield, the stylish two-seater has attracted the attention of sports car fans from far and wide.
