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| Road Test: Chrysler Crossfire (2003-) |
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Sporty two-seaters are popular in the USA, but they're mostly German or Japanese models. So Chrysler has come up with a contender of its own: the rear-wheel drive Crossfire, powered by a 215 bhp V6 engine. Its distinctive styling - all grooves, strakes and edges - signals Chrysler's new image strategy, and it demonstrates much-improved quality over Chryslers of old, as well as that all-American styling. Its look is the work of Andrew Dyson, a British designer who has previously worked with Volkswagen. The Touareg 4x4 was his design, another example of a car intended to help redefine its brand. The world's first glance of the Crossfire idea came with Dyson's concept car in 2001; to move from concept to production in just two years is an impressive achievement.
But the Crossfire isn't quite what it seems. Using - no, relying upon - the resources of DaimlerChrysler partner Mercedes-Benz, the Crossfire is based on the platform and mechanicals of the first-generation Mercedes SLK, recently replaced by an all-new model. It's also built in Germany, by Karmann, and has in total 39 percent Mercedes content: its only American components are some badges and part of the stereo system.
That V6 engine is a 3.2-litre, 18-valve Mercedes unit, matched to a six-speed manual or a five-speed 'AutoStick' automatic transmission. The Crossfire's pricing is intended to level with Audi's 225bhp TT, trading the German car's four-wheel drive for a more exciting engine. Although it also comes very well equipped as standard, in price terms, in coupe form the Chrysler appears to offer less outright value than the Nissan 350Z and, particularly, the Mazda RX-8. As a convertible, it's not cheap either - and its roof is a relatively old-tech folding canvas affair, rather than the clever new retracting metal roofs of so many rivals - but it does seem like a more appealing all-round package.
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Introduction Sporty two-seat coupes are popular in the US, but they're mostly Germa... |
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