2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster<br>Quick Spin

Ever since Chrysler introduced the Crossfire coupe, sports car lovers and the automotive press have been waiting for the other shoe to drop. After all, most two-seaters are convertibles, and the Mercedes-Benz platform on which the Crossfire rolls is derived from a convertible (the old-style SLK). So, even as the curvy coupe's styling raised eyebrows, the question remained: How long 'til tops can be dropped? The answer has arrived in Chrysler showrooms. In the $35,000+ range where the new soft-top 2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster trades, there's plenty of quality competition. But, arguably the biggest risk that the Crossfire roadster faces comes not from without, but within. The process of chopping the top threatened the Crossfire coupe's superior posterior - a rounded rear view thought by many to be among the best in the business. To its credit, Chrysler made a priority of preserving the Crossfire's beautiful boat tail. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Design

Preservation of the Chrysler Crossfire's beautiful boat-tail design was critical during the gestation of the roadster, but the rest of this stylish sports car's lines made the transition to the new drop-top model without jeopardy. The Crossfire roadster's front view mirrors the coupe: six grooves surround a center "spine" running down the middle of the hood. Keyhole headlamps flank a wide chrome grille, capped by the Chrysler winged badge. The profile is a sloping slingshot: 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inch rear alloys lend a natural rake, enhanced by rising, beveled bodylines. Chrome side strakes flow back from the front wheel wells, while in the dropped top rests beneath a hard tonneau with dual fairings and arching sport bars. From there, it's a smooth drop down the boat tail, past the wing that automatically deploys at speed. Fenders sweep down alongside, flaring to wrap around the beefy rear tread. In all, the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster displays a compact, sinewy shape, at its best from side and rear angles. We test-drove the car in Laguna Beach, California, and even in car-jaded SoCal, the new Crossfire roadster was definitely sidewalk whiplash material. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Interior

Inside, the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster boasts a simple, twin cockpit design that mirrors the coupe and echoes the old Mercedes SLK. The body's high beltline means that occupants sit low. Textured surfaces on the steering wheel and dash top, and two-tone decor on the uplevel Limited models, add interest to an interior that is otherwise subtle - bordering on subdued. The driver's view through the four-spoke steering wheel takes in white-on-black gauges with silver trim rings. The center stack curves down and into the console, housing a straightforward collection of rheostats, toggles and buttons. The power eight-way driver's seat fits most people comfortably, provides trip-rated comfort and supports well during spirited driving. Dings against the ergonomics include a steering wheel that telescopes but does not tilt, placement of stalks for turn signals and cruise control that are too close together (reach for one, hit both), and the single cupholder that sits far enough back to make access awkward.

The Chrysler Crossfire roadster's storage capacity is a tale of two trunks. Top up, the small opening swallows 6.5 cubic feet of cargo. When the top is lowered, it disappears below the bodyline, reducing cargo capacity to a smidge more than 3.6 cubic feet. That's less than a Mazda Miata or a MINI Cooper convertible and not golf-bag friendly, but Chrysler took a proactive step to maximize options. Included with Crossfire Limited models is a three-piece set of fitted luggage. Stuff your stuff in the rollaway and the two soft duffels, and you'll know that they fit in the trunk whether the top is up or down. This gives you weekend-getaway capacity if you pack lightly, though you better steer clear of the outlet malls. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Convertible

Chrysler took considerable pains to pick the right convertible top, rejecting nearly 20 designs before settling on the final product. The cloth lid is lined and well finished, and the rounded profile blends well with the body style, looking less like an afterthought than many ragtops. Going from top up to top down takes 22 seconds (twice as long, oddly enough, as the PT Cruiser convertible). Once down, the lid is stowed beneath a hard tonneau. Wind noise and buffeting never become excessive, even at speed. Rear visibility when the top is up suffers the same fate as most convertibles; the big C-pillars create big blind spots. In this regard, the Crossfire roadster is no different than the coupe, and the same logic applies. If you like what you see, you overlook what you can't. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Performance

The 2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster is offered with one engine mated to either of two transmissions, not counting the high-powered Crossfire SRT-6 model. Under the grooved hood is a 3.2-liter V6 engine connected to a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic. The Crossfire's Mercedes-sourced V6 weighs in with 215 hp at 5,700 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, resulting in GT-class quickness. Zero to sixty acceleration times are estimated at about seven seconds, give or take a tick, and while terminal speed is not advertised, Chrysler says that the Crossfire roadster has been tested at 150 mph. This year, the Crossfire's onboard ESP (Electronic Stability Control Program) and traction control systems have been recalibrated to be more enthusiast-friendly and unobtrusive. The 3.2-liter V6 matched to the six-speed manual results in a silky driveline. The shifter's throws are not particularly short, but have a positive feel. Positive, too, is the gearing, which meshes well with the V6's wide power band. Slip the clutch and release a smooth flow of torque at the low end, and there's plenty of pedal response at speed. With six cylinders and six gears to work with, the engine feels and sounds relaxed at highway speeds. The rear wing deploys automatically at 60 mph, and can also be raised manually. Suspension is fully independent; double wishbones in front combined with a five-link rear. Steering is nicely balanced with a progressive boost despite the use of antiquated recirculating-ball rather than modern rack-and-pinion steering, and the Crossfire roadster feels well planted when cornering. Part of the credit for this handling prowess goes to the tire choice. The Continental SportContact tires are notable for both their stickiness and ride comfort. That comfortable ride quality compares favorably with Crossfire's competition and, while it's hard to measure on California's mostly placid pavement, there seems to be less cowl shake, rattle and roll in the Crossfire roadster than there is in most convertibles. On the whole, performance cuts a nice balance. The 2005 Chrysler Crossfire is neither a flat-out, full-bore sports car nor a floaty, boaty cruiser. Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004

Wrap-up and Specs

Chrysler has done several things well with the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster. The company built a car with enough performance to keep up with its zoomy shape, didn't lose that zoomy shape when the car lost its rakish hardtop, and got it to market quickly. With the PT Cruiser and now the Crossfire in addition to everybody's favorite rental car, the Sebring, Chrysler seems to be cornering the American convertible market. The 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is quick, smooth and has fine road manners. And, as with the Crossfire coupe, it's easy on the eyes. SPECIFICATIONS: Test Vehicle: 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Engine Size and Type: 3.2-liter V6 Engine Horsepower: 215 at 5,700 rpm Engine Torque: 229 at 3,000 rpm EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 00/00 Curb Weight: 0,000 lbs. Competitors: Audi TT, BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette convertible, Ford Thunderbird, Honda S2000, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxster Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004