2005-2006 Chrysler Crossfire
SRT-6

Pros :
- Catwalk-worthy exterior.
- More than enough power.
- Sports-car handling.
- Upscale interior.
- Excellent braking prowess.

Cons :
- Rear wing looks out of place.
- No manual gearbox available.
- Bone-jarring ride quality.
- Blind spots all round.
- An expensive Chrysler with old Mercedes technology.

Interior :

---

---

Press Coverage :
The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 joins Chrysler Group's SRT lineup following the 500-horsepower (372 kW) Dodge Viper SRT-10 - the ultimate American sports car; the award-winning 230-horsepower (172 kW) Dodge SRT-4, the most powerful car available for less than $21,000 and a favorite among America's sport compact "tuner" crowd; and the world's fastest production pickup truck, the Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT-10.
Built in Osnabrück, Germany, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 arrived in Chrysler showrooms in summer 2004.
The heart of every SRT vehicle is its engine. The Crossfire SRT-6 is no exception. A hand-built 3.2-liter supercharged V-6 engine boasting 330-horsepower (246 kW) and 310 lb.-ft. of torque (420 N·m) powers the ultimate Chrysler Crossfire. Featuring a helical supercharger and a water-to-air intercooler, the 18-valve V-6 engine delivers 90 percent of peak torque across a broad range of the power band - from 2,300 to 6,200 rpm. In addition to the 330-horsepower (246 kW) engine, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features an upgraded five-speed automatic transmission (with AutoStick®) to handle the extra power - and specifically the low-end torque - as well as a deeper, performance-tuned exhaust note.
To wear the SRT badge, benchmark performance must be present in every aspect of the vehicle. Tested on the autobahn, on high-speed ovals, race tracks, and the world's finest and most demanding roads, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 provides what performance enthusiasts demand, thanks in large part to its unique ride and handling characteristics. To delight enthusiasts and deliver ultimate Chrysler performance, SRT engineers sought to deliver a stiffer, sportier performance ride with reduced understeer versus the original Crossfire.
They began by significantly increasing the spring rates, and SRT-6 Coupe and Roadster models are tuned differently, to their own unique characteristics. The Coupe's spring rates are 451 lb./in. in the front and 480 lb./in. in the rear, while the Roadster's are 434 lb./in. in the front and 491 lb./in. in the rear, compared to 303 lb./in. front and 337 lb./in. rear on the original Crossfire Coupe and Roadster models. The suspension is further enhanced with performance-tuned damping and an aggressive compound on Crossfire's Michelin Pilot Sport ultra-high performance 225/40 ZR18 (front) and 255/35 ZR19 (rear) tires. An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) tuned specifically for more spirited driving throughout the car's dynamic range further contributes to Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6's ultimate two-seater performance ride and handling.
The SRT signature performance test is 0-100-0 mph, reinforcing that performance is more than acceleration. That's why SRT vehicles will always be among the world's best in braking capabilities. To give the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 remarkably short braking distances and fade-free performance, SRT engineers utilized internally ventilated disc brakes at all four corners (330 x 32 mm front; 300 x 22 mm rear), with dual-piston calipers front (44/44 mm) and rear (42/42 mm).
Subtle and functional was the mantra as designers looked at the palette - the original Chrysler Crossfire. The result: race inspired exterior appointments that deliver enhanced performance while distinguishing the SRT-6 from its predecessor. The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features a fixed rear spoiler that immediately suggests speed and power, and results in reduced lift and enhanced aerodynamic balance at high speeds. An elegantly integrated front fascia "chin" spoiler also reduces lift and enhances vehicle balance, while providing greater cooling air flow. Unique, lighter 15-spoke performance-themed SRT aluminum alloy wheels (18-in. front and 19-in. rear) add to Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6's exterior performance characteristics. The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 is available in four colors for 2005: Aero Blue, Graphite Metallic, Sapphire Silver Blue Metallic and Black.
Exclusive premium performance-themed appointments are found throughout the interior of the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6. A 200-mph (320 km/h) instrument cluster immediately points to the car's performance characteristics. The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features race-inspired seats, designed to provide increased support for everyday driving, as well as spirited on-track driving performance. Trimmed in Nappa Pearl Leather, the seats feature enhanced grip, thanks to Alcantara suede inserts and bolsters. "SRT-6" is embroidered on the headrests. Subtle gray stitching on the seats and steering wheel round out the interior appointments unique to the new 2005 Crossfire SRT-6.
DaimlerChrysler Media

The square jaw gets a bit squarer with a revised front-bumper fascia. Replacing the base car's motorized rear spoiler is a fixed wing that wraps around the fastback and is etched with the same boat-deck dimples as the hood. It clutters the tail and raises a question: If the base Crossfire's deploying spoiler provides enough stability for its 151-mph top speed, why does the SRT need a gaudy whale fluke to go 154?
The cockpit gets by with minimal changes, including a 200-mph speedo and Alcantara pseudo-suede trim on the buckets that is embroidered with an SRT-6 logo. Hence, a few complaints about the Crossfire cabin remain, including over-the-shoulder blind spots, a tight cabin for six-footers, no steering-wheel rake adjustment, and a dinky eight-cubic-foot trunk with nothing to tie down the goods.
More thrust doesn't equate to more noise, either. The decibel measurements at idle and wide-open-throttle, 46 and 78, respectively, are not low by luxury-car standards, but they are virtually identical to those of the base Crossfire. A supercharger that is felt but not heard runs on sophisticated engineering.
Clamped into full ABS, the four discs supply a stop from 70 mph in 157 feet, a few feet shorter than the base Crossfire. Better yet, the brake-pedal swing is packed with adjustability, and it fades little, even with torturous use.
We love cars that handle, but so much suspension resistance on such a short wheelbase means trouble. The SRT-6 hops its way up sectioned concrete freeways like a malfunctioning lowrider. It crashes heavily on railroad grades and fraying pavement. It shivers over the minutest cuts and crevices, the stout tire sidewalls transmitting all their energy through the stiff springs and into the rigid body. What works on track day makes life miserable every other day.
Car and Driver

Inside the Chrysler Crossfire is the familiar Mercedes adjustable wheel and pedal arrangement with a low seating position similar to the SLK roadster's. It's tight inside for a six-footer, yet the driver's seat slides back far enough for an NBA hopeful. We found the seats outstanding, firm, comfortable and supportive. The instruments look classic and are easy to read. Just as in a Mercedes, we were constantly hitting the cruise control lever when we wanted to signal a turn; Mercedes owners adapt to this. Switches for the power windows are on the center console, less convenient than having them on the doors; they feature auto-down but not auto-up.
The Crossfire cockpit is tight and coddling like a sports car's. It's reminiscent of the SLK, yet has curiously tiny sun visors. Bins and cubbies are more prolific than you'll find in the Mercedes SLK or even the top-dollar SL two-seaters.
The Roadster has a high-quality top with a glass back light (rear windscreen) with a defroster. The top goes down in 22 seconds. To drop the top, simply pull down the handle on the windshield header, turn the handle, which releases the convertible fabric top and lowers the power windows, and lift the front of the top about eight inches. Then press the button on the center console and the hard tonneau opens up, the soft fabric top folds in, and the hard tonneau closes again.
Rearward visibility from both the coupe and Roadster is limited to a narrow slit in the rearview mirror, but the outside mirrors are generously sized.
The coupe offers 7.6 cubic feet of cargo space; it's deep and can swallow a fair amount of stuff, but the opening is relatively small and precludes big boxes. The roadster offers 6.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, less with the top down; accessing the roadster's trunk is very easy, however, compared with some of the more awkward convertibles such as the PT Cruiser or Beetle. No key is needed to open the trunk when the Crossfire is unlocked, which is convenient.
New Car Test Drive

---

---

History:
2004-2005 Chrysler Crossfire
3,199 cc / 215 hp / 229 lb-ft / 3060 lbs / 0-60 mph 6.8 sec.