CARLSBAD, CA — The former Chrysler Corp.'s Dodge and Plymouth brands carried the performance-car banner in the 1960s and 1970s, leaving the Chrysler badge positioned for the premium buyer.
Until now, the company has more or less faithfully ascribed to this business model — meaning a true performance car for the Chrysler brand was taboo.
The introduction of the '04 Chrysler Crossfire, which goes on sale in the U.S. in July and later in select international markets later, breaks out Chrysler from its traditional brand-positioning box to send the marque down a new, untested road.
Crossfire's story began in early 2001, when it made its public debut as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In just 24 months, the Crossfire went from concept to reality, thanks in large part to Chrysler's German counterpart, Mercedes-Benz, which donated myriad components for the Crossfire and helped speed development.
Chrysler engineers leveraged powertrain, suspension and interior components from Mercedes' well-regarded SLK roadster. Besides the SLK, there's also technology from the Mercedes C-Class sprinkled throughout.
The Crossfire reinforces the bold styling mark set by its concept-car progenitor: Apart from some detail, the production car is nearly indistinguishable from the concept.
The most prominent exterior design feature is the car's profile character line, which twists from a negative to a positive formation as it moves across the Crossfire's bodyside to its boattail-inspired rear.
Chrysler designers re-fused to capitulate to demands for a simpler character line, which would reduce the complexity of stamping the side panels. Another unique styling cue is the center spine that runs the length of the car.
The overall stance benefits from the use of two wheel sizes: 19-in. alloys at the rear and 18-in. up front for a more aggressive stance.
Inside is where the benefits of the Chrysler-Mercedes marriage are visible. The interior switchgear and gauges are pure Mercedes SLK; Crossfire's sport seats also share their structure with Mercedes.
Crossfire's 2-tone, twin-cockpit interior incorporates the distinctive exterior spine through its instrument panel and center console. The interior is one of the best done by a domestic manufacturer in recent memory, and the new livery should dispel any worries the outside world has about DC's ability to execute world-class interiors for Chrysler Group vehicles.
Crossfire's most powerful impression comes when you fire up the only available engine: A Mercedes-sourced 3.2L SOHC V-6 that develops 215 hp and 229 lb.-ft. (310 Nm) of torque. That's more than enough grunt to move the 3,000-lb. (1,361-kg) Crossfire briskly from a standstill.
Crossfire's V-6 can be mated to either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission, which includes Chrysler's trademark AutoStick manual control operation. The 6-speed manual is geared perfectly for Crossfire, enabling the car to show its broad performance range.
Crossfire's upper and lower “A” arm independent front suspension, combined with the rear's 5-link independent layout, provides the perfect balance of performance and handling mixed with the comfort needed to traverse the interstate.
Tossing the Crossfire through the twists and turns of mountainous California roads was no problem, and the car provides a comfortable ride while mingling with commuters on the 405. Steering is crisp and on-center feel is precise.
There's no doubt the Crossfire will bring new customers to the Chrysler brand. It's likely some Crossfire customers may even be pirated from Mercedes — which in itself is a feat that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
