You either love the Chrysler Crossfire’s styling or you hate it, but you can’t fail to be impressed by it. First shown as a concept car at the January 2001 Detroit Motor Show, the Crossfire is an interesting amalgam of modern technology and retro-futuristic styling, if that makes any sense at all.
The Crossfire is the first real fruit of the Daimler-Chrysler union, based as it is upon the Mercedes-Benz SLK. Built in Germany, the new coupe utilises an entire SLK Mercedes drivetrain and suspension, gift wrapped in Chrysler’s own body shell.
The Crossfire as sold in this country is available with one engine only — the 3,2 litre 18 valve Mercedes V6 — that produces 160 kW at 5 700 rpm and 310 Nm of torque at 3 000. Getting behind the wheel (an awkward process for those of above average size) and turning the key produces a very healthy burble from the twin tailpipes. The interior of the car is disappointing when you consider the R415 000 price tag attached to the Chrysler — an el-cheapo looking plastic centre console stands out like a nipple in a wet T-shirt competition, and some of the plasticky switches are very out of place here. Spec levels are good though, with aircon, electric windows, an alarm/immobiliser, heated door mirrors, a CD / radio, central locking, front and side airbags for both occupants, ABS and ESP traction control.
The test car was the six-speed manual version of the Crossfire, which by all accounts is hugely more rewarding to drive than the auto version. Slip the lever into first and use some fancy footwork on the pedals to get the car off the line at a brisk pace, and you’re rewarded with a lovely howl from the engine and a healthy kick up the bum, with 100 km/hr coming up in under seven seconds and a top speed of around 250 km/hr.
I tried deactivating the traction control to initiate some wheelspin off the line, but met with little success. I’m still not sure whether the 160 kW engine output was insufficient to make the massive 234/45-ZR19 rubber break loose, or whether the traction control had failed to switch off. The boy racer image is enhanced by the little boot spoiler that pops up as your speed passes the 90 km/hr mark. I have my doubts as to whether the wing actually does any real good, although the factory claims that it generates downforce of up to 356 Newtons at 129 km/hr. An internal switch allows the driver to raise or lower the wing at will, irrespective of road speed should he so wish.
Handling was very good and the ride firm, if not as hard as that of the Chrysler’s obvious rival, the Nissan 350Z. In fact the Chrysler feels rather like a sanitised version of the Japanese coupe — it’s softer, smoother and slightly less performance focused. It’s also a little slower and about 10% more expensive — R415 000 for the Yank versus R385 00 for the Jap. I found it interesting that my wife preferred the Chrysler, while I would opt for the more aggressive Nissan if I was looking for a tin-top two seater.
The Chrysler Crossfire is a fine motor car that provides loads of driving satisfaction and makes every trip an adventure. It’s not particularly practical and would benefit from a little more power, but those who want the image are unlikely to be disappointed by the driving experience.