2007 Chrysler Crossfire

Sold by Daimler Chrysler’s Chrysler marque, the Crossfire is a rear-wheel drive sports car built for Daimler Chrysler by Karmann in Germany and shares over half of its components, including most of its interior, drivetrain and chassis, with the previous-generation (R 170) Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. It is available as a coupe and as a roadster.

The name Crossfire comes as a reference to the distinctive character lines that run from front to rear through the body sides. They create a surface that is upward facing as it passes over the rear fender, but they cross mid-way through the door to form a downward facing surface as they reach the front fender. Since this is the first car to be built after Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz and it shares elements from both houses, the name is a reference to their collaboration.

A new set of standard safety features for the 2007 Chrysler Crossfire includes a front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS), a multi-stage driver front airbag, which is designed to deploy at different levels depending on the severity of impact and a passenger seatbelt pretensioners and constant force retractors, as well as knee airbag for both driver and passengers.

Design

Distinctive lines and dynamic proportions are featured by the Chrysler Crossfire, as it is low-slung with sculpted appearance. The sportscar’s 19-inch rear wheels are emphasized by its tapered, “boat tail” appearance, which is instantly recognizable in the Crossfire’s rear view. A retractable spotter designed into the rear of both Coupe and Roadster versions activates when the car reaches 60 mph.

Just behind the driver and passenger seats, satin painted sport bars appear, to achieve a more dynamic look of the Crossfire Roadster. Its rakish appearance is completed by the two race-inspired fairings integrated into the top of the tonneau cover.

The Chrysler Crossfire’s dynamic view is given by a long hood and fast back. While the front wheels measure 18 inches, the car’s broad shoulders envelop 19-inch rear wheels, which give the side profile a poised stance.

The reputation of the name “Chrysler” is given by its character line that crosses to a negative formation as it travels from the front through the rear fender. From the bottom of the front fascia, a central spine runs through the grille, hood and into the rear deck and fascia. This center spine shape appears to continue from the instrument panel through the windshield and onto the hood, inspiring similar design cues in other Chrysler brand vehicles.

The seats of the Crossfire Limited are trimmed in leather, with Chrysler’s signature winged badge embossed into both head restraints. Opposite to the steering column on the instrument panel, the ignition switch is located, while the car’s precise, white-on-black gauges feature black bezels and satin silver trim rings. The metallic finish of the center console flows from the top of the instrument panel through the center of the car to achieve a twin cockpit look. Throughout the interior, satin silver accents are featured, including the doors, steering wheel and instrument cluster.

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Engineering

The 2007 Chrysler Crossfire is available with a new standard safety equipment, which include a front passenger seat OCS, a multi-stage driver airbag designed to deploy at different levels, depending on the severity of impact and a passenger front airbag. Also included are driver and passenger seatbelt pretensioner and constant force retractors and airbags for both driver and passenger.

Dynamically measured, the Chrysler Crossfire Coupe has a body structure that is twice as stiff as a Porsche Boxster and as stiff as a Porsche 911. With this technical achievement, the Crossfire Coupe demonstrates sedan-like ride comfort, without sacrificing the handling characteristics that true sports cars require.

In parallel with the Coupe, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster was developed from its inception to enhance the Roadster’s structural rigidity. The drivers will enjoy a tight, solid and quiet ride with the exceptional body stiffness of 29.2 Hz ensured by the Roadster’s proven engineering. More torque (229 lb-ft) is offered by the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster compared to the 192 lb-ft of the Porsche Boxster and the 214 lb-ft of the BMW Z4.

The 215 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm are delivered for both Coupe and Roadster drivers by a 3.2 liter, 90-degree, 18-valve, single-overhead-cam V6 engine.

A standard ESP, designed to help drivers maintain control during maneuvers and low traction conditions is included in the Chrysler Crossfire. It senses when the car is starting to spin or plow and attempts to correct the vehicle’s course by automatically controlling the throttle and applying the brakes at individual wheels.

On all Chrysler Crossfire models, all-speed traction control is also standard. It senses drive-wheel slip and individually brakes the slipping wheel and/or reduces excess engine power until control is regained. Thus the Crossfire’s mobility is improved and the wheel slip is prevented when accelerating on slippery surfaces.

The standard four-wheel, ABS with Brake Assist of the Crossfire Coupe and Roadster keep the vehicle straight and retain steering capability when braking on slippery surfaces, by preventing wheel lockup.

Comparison

Between Chrysler Crossfire and BMW Z4, the Z4 is more expensive and it produces more horsepower (255 hp – 215 hp). Crossfire has a larger engine, a better Highway and City Mileage and Premium Wheels are standard.

With the Nissan 350Z, Crossfire is more expensive, has a better City Mileage and the Cruise Control is standard. The 350Z features a larger engine (3.5L – 3.2L) and produces more horsepower (300 hp – 215 hp).