Less than a year after launching the Chrysler Crossfire coupe, Chrysler Group brought the Crossfire Roadster to world markets. First unveiled at January's 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the eagerly awaited Chrysler Crossfire Roadster arrived in UK dealer showrooms in June 2004.
"The Chrysler Crossfire offers technology, handling and performance wrapped in a dramatic and refined package," says Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group in the UK. "Being able to offer all of this from just £25,995, with ESP, cruise control, leather and air conditioning all as standard, has struck a real chord with drivers in the UK."
A performance version of the Crossfire Roadster, the SRT-6, with a supercharged 330 bhp engine, was launched in the UK in April 2005 priced from £35,490
WORLD-CLASS HANDLING AND DESIGN
To retain the world-class ride and handling of the coupe, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster bodyshell has been engineered for its new role as a convertible to ensure the maximum retention of torsional rigidity and structural integrity. With this additional strengthening the Crossfire Roadster weighs just 36 kg (80 lbs.) more than the coupe.
The ultimate measure of a roadster's engineering is how noisy the vehicle is with the top up, and the Crossfire Roadster is remarkably quiet at speed. This vehicle has been designed to be a high-speed roadster, and the result is a stunning convertible that is tight, solid and well engineered … and one which also looks great with the top raised.
For open-air motoring, the top goes down in 22 seconds. The driver simply has to pull down the centre-mounted handle on the windscreen header and turn the handle - which releases the convertible fabric top and lowers the side windows.
Press the button on the centre console, and the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster's fully automatic powered roof system then takes control, opening the hard tonneau cover, folding away the fabric top, and closing the tonneau cover. When the top is down, no trace of the fabric top remains, and the car has a super-clean, attractive elegance. The Crossfire Roadster's glass rear window is electrically heated.
Peter Lambert added: "The UK has one of the biggest, and most hotly contested convertible segments in the world. The Crossfire Roadster, with its great looks and performance, will present a formidable challenge to its competitors.
"This stunning, head-turning convertible is one of a host of new Chrysler arrivals in the UK this year and represents the latest phase of the Chrysler brand's product offensive in Europe."
In the UK, Chrysler Crossfire Roadster customers will benefit from a peace-of-mind package which includes a comprehensive warranty and European roadside assistance package for three years/60,000 plus seven years' unlimited mileage anti-corrosion guarantee.
EXTERIOR: SCULPTED DESIGN
The Crossfire Roadster's rear view is instantly recognisable with its tapered, 'boat tail' appearance that emphasises the sports car's 19-inch rear wheels.
Similar to the coupe, a retractable spoiler is designed into the rear of the vehicle and activates when the car reaches 62 mph (100 km/h). The spoiler generates downforce on the rear of the car, increasing rear tyre grip on the road surface and enhancing vehicle stability, while a centre high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) runs the width of the spoiler. Seam lines on the fabric top flow with and complement Roadster's rear 'boat tail' lines.
To achieve even more of an aerodynamic appearance, satin silver painted sport bars appear just behind the driver and passenger seats. Two race-inspired fairings integrated into the top of the tonneau cover complete the dynamic appearance of the sports car.
"The new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a drop-top that will drop jaws this summer," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design. "Even with the integration of a fabric top, our designers met the challenge of maintaining Crossfire's distinctive lines and dynamic proportions.
"Sometimes when you cut off the roof of a car to create a convertible, the end result isn't what you expect. In the case of Crossfire Roadster, that's not true. It is just as handsome, if not more dashing, than the coupe," added Creed.
PROVEN PERFORMANCE
While the new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster has a sculpted appearance and a unique on-road presence, it is technically similar to its coupe sibling.
Under the elegantly ribbed bonnet lies a 3.2-litre 90-degree V-6, generating 160 kW (215 bhp) of power and 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque. This all-aluminium, SOHC, 18-valve engine weighs just 140 kg (309 lbs.). It is light, responsive, smooth revving and ultra-reliable. For effortless performance, the V-6 is designed to deliver over 90 per cent of maximum torque from 2600 to 5300 rpm, and 98 per cent from 3000 to 4500 rpm.
Like the coupe, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a genuine 150 mph+ (240 km/h) sports car, with acceleration from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 6.5 seconds.
Braking performance is also solid, with the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster going from 60 to 0 mph in 38 metres (125 feet).
The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster features fully independent suspension at the front and rear and powerful large-diameter disc brakes (300 mm / 11.8 in. front and 278 mm / 10.9 in. rear) with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). Standard equipment includes Brake Assist, an All-speed Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
Performance Features
3.2-litre, 18-valve, SOHC V-6 engine
160 kW (215 bhp), 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque
Six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed electronically controlled adaptive automatic transmission with AutoStick
Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential
Independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers
Independent five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers
Speed-sensitive rear spoiler deployable at 62 mph (100 km/h)
Dual centre-mounted exhaust outlets
Front 18-inch P225/40 ZR tyres. Rear 19-inch P255/35 ZR tyres
Seven-spoke aluminium alloy wheels
TRANSMISSION AND REAR AXLE
The standard transmission for Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a six-speed manual gearbox for quiet, relaxed, fuel-efficient high-speed cruising. The gear lever is spring loaded to place 'neutral' in the 3/4 plane, and the clutch is hydraulically operated.
Roadster customers can choose the optional five-speed automatic transmission which features a driver-adaptive shift logic, full automatic or AutoStick manual gear selection, a lock-up torque converter and selectable summer and winter modes.
With the selector lever in 'Drive', AutoStick allows the driver to manually select the next higher or lower ratio by tapping the lever to the right (+) to change up, or left (-) to change down. The shift range [ P, R, N, D ] or gear range [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] currently in use is displayed in the instrument cluster. A rocker switch also enables the driver to select winter mode, for starts in 2nd gear and upshifts at lower vehicle speeds.
Drive is carried to the rear axle by a two-piece propshaft with four constant-velocity universal joints (CVJs) to minimise vibrations. Articulated half-shafts deliver power from the final drive unit to each rear wheel - again with CVJs to minimise vibrations. Drive goes to the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster's rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission that also offers an AutoStick® manual select mode.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Building on the major attributes of a stiff bodyshell and evenly balanced weight distribution, Chrysler Crossfire's suspension and steering are calibrated to achieve high levels of grip, with user-friendly handling characteristics, while also giving the driver excellent feedback and allowing precise car control.
Crossfire's fully independent front suspension uses double wishbones mounted on the bodyshell, with coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and a 25 mm (1.0-in.) anti-roll bar. Total wheel travel is 155 mm (6.1 in.) - unusually high for a sports car - which contributes to the car's superior ride quality.
The rear suspension and final drive unit are mounted on a subframe that isolates the bodyshell from road surface imperfections. The five-link suspension features coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and an 18 mm (0.71-in.) anti-roll bar. Anti-squat and anti-dive geometry is employed, and rear wheel travel is a generous 180 mm (7.1 in.).
The powered recirculating ball steering has a ratio of 16.7:1, and the system requires 3.1 turns of the steering wheel lock-to-lock. A hydraulic damper eliminates undesirable yaw motions and enhances straight-ahead steering feel for Crossfire drivers on the motorway.
WHEELS AND TYRES
Seven-spoke, satin silver paint-finished aluminium alloy wheels with high-performance, Continental Sport Contact 2 W-rated tyres are standard fit on Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. In keeping with Crossfire's stylish appearance, the five-bolt mountings of each wheel are hidden behind a snap-in centre cap sporting a Chrysler brandmark seal, and any wheel balance weights are 'invisibly' attached to the rim behind the spokes.
Crossfire Roadster's wheels and tyres are staggered in size, like those of a racecar; narrower at the front for crisp steering and wider at the rear to transmit more power to the road surface. Their large diameter (wheels are 18 inch front, 19 inch rear) and generous tyre width (225 mm front and 255 mm rear) give the car four giant contact patches or 'footprints' to generate firm grip and very high cornering forces - approaching 1.0 g peak cornering forces with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) turned off.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
While primary safety (accident avoidance) is a high priority with an agile sports car like Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, it has a full compliment of secondary safety equipment, which works in conjunction with the controlled deformation of the body structure to optimise occupant protection.
Accident avoidance technology fitted as standard to Crossfire includes the latest developments in ABS, Brake Assist, All-speed Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). All-speed TCS senses rear-wheel spin and intervenes to restore grip by individually braking the spinning wheel or reducing engine power.
ESP compares the driver's intended course, via steering angle and braking sensors, to the car's actual course (through lateral acceleration, yaw and four individual wheel speed sensors) and applies a single wheel brake to a front or rear wheel, or reduces engine power, to restore the car to its original path.
Sometimes a collision cannot be avoided, and that is when Crossfire's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) assesses the severity of an impact to determine the appropriate responses. Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters are fitted, together with front and side air bags (mounted in each door) for driver and passenger.
Brakes and Brake Assist
As appropriate for a car with Chrysler Crossfire's level of performance, the power-assisted braking system features large-diameter ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, backed up by the highly sophisticated electronic wizardry of an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Brake Assist.
State-of-the-art, four-wheel, four-channel ABS is standard fit on Crossfire. When activated by heavy braking on a slippery surface, it applies and releases the brakes at a rate of 30 times per second, preventing wheel lock-up while allowing the driver to retain steering control.
Brake Assist senses when a driver is braking in an emergency and immediately applies maximum available power boost. Brake Assist overcomes the human tendency not to brake hard enough, soon enough.
Security
A remote keyless entry system controls the standard central locking which secures the doors, boot, centre console and fuel filler door. Automatic Central Locking can also be selected. This activates the door locks when the vehicle's speed reaches approximately 9 mph (15 km/h). To aid exit and rescue following a collision, the doors unlock automatically a short time after a major deceleration is detected.
Crossfire is equipped with a Sentry Key immobiliser controlled by a coded electronic transponder in each key fob supplied with the car. Whenever the key is removed from the ignition, it disables the engine computer, preventing unauthorised driving of the vehicle, because the engine will not start. The Roadster includes an intrusion alarm for added security.
An anti-theft Thatcham Category 1 alarm system sounds a siren (for 30 seconds) and flashes the headlamps (for three minutes) if an unauthorised attempt is made to open the doors, bonnet or boot, or to raise the car for towing.
"The Chrysler Crossfire offers technology, handling and performance wrapped in a dramatic and refined package," says Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group in the UK. "Being able to offer all of this from just £25,995, with ESP, cruise control, leather and air conditioning all as standard, has struck a real chord with drivers in the UK."
A performance version of the Crossfire Roadster, the SRT-6, with a supercharged 330 bhp engine, was launched in the UK in April 2005 priced from £35,490
WORLD-CLASS HANDLING AND DESIGN
To retain the world-class ride and handling of the coupe, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster bodyshell has been engineered for its new role as a convertible to ensure the maximum retention of torsional rigidity and structural integrity. With this additional strengthening the Crossfire Roadster weighs just 36 kg (80 lbs.) more than the coupe.
The ultimate measure of a roadster's engineering is how noisy the vehicle is with the top up, and the Crossfire Roadster is remarkably quiet at speed. This vehicle has been designed to be a high-speed roadster, and the result is a stunning convertible that is tight, solid and well engineered … and one which also looks great with the top raised.
For open-air motoring, the top goes down in 22 seconds. The driver simply has to pull down the centre-mounted handle on the windscreen header and turn the handle - which releases the convertible fabric top and lowers the side windows.
Press the button on the centre console, and the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster's fully automatic powered roof system then takes control, opening the hard tonneau cover, folding away the fabric top, and closing the tonneau cover. When the top is down, no trace of the fabric top remains, and the car has a super-clean, attractive elegance. The Crossfire Roadster's glass rear window is electrically heated.
Peter Lambert added: "The UK has one of the biggest, and most hotly contested convertible segments in the world. The Crossfire Roadster, with its great looks and performance, will present a formidable challenge to its competitors.
"This stunning, head-turning convertible is one of a host of new Chrysler arrivals in the UK this year and represents the latest phase of the Chrysler brand's product offensive in Europe."
In the UK, Chrysler Crossfire Roadster customers will benefit from a peace-of-mind package which includes a comprehensive warranty and European roadside assistance package for three years/60,000 plus seven years' unlimited mileage anti-corrosion guarantee.
EXTERIOR: SCULPTED DESIGN
The Crossfire Roadster's rear view is instantly recognisable with its tapered, 'boat tail' appearance that emphasises the sports car's 19-inch rear wheels.
Similar to the coupe, a retractable spoiler is designed into the rear of the vehicle and activates when the car reaches 62 mph (100 km/h). The spoiler generates downforce on the rear of the car, increasing rear tyre grip on the road surface and enhancing vehicle stability, while a centre high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) runs the width of the spoiler. Seam lines on the fabric top flow with and complement Roadster's rear 'boat tail' lines.
To achieve even more of an aerodynamic appearance, satin silver painted sport bars appear just behind the driver and passenger seats. Two race-inspired fairings integrated into the top of the tonneau cover complete the dynamic appearance of the sports car.
"The new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a drop-top that will drop jaws this summer," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design. "Even with the integration of a fabric top, our designers met the challenge of maintaining Crossfire's distinctive lines and dynamic proportions.
"Sometimes when you cut off the roof of a car to create a convertible, the end result isn't what you expect. In the case of Crossfire Roadster, that's not true. It is just as handsome, if not more dashing, than the coupe," added Creed.
PROVEN PERFORMANCE
While the new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster has a sculpted appearance and a unique on-road presence, it is technically similar to its coupe sibling.
Under the elegantly ribbed bonnet lies a 3.2-litre 90-degree V-6, generating 160 kW (215 bhp) of power and 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque. This all-aluminium, SOHC, 18-valve engine weighs just 140 kg (309 lbs.). It is light, responsive, smooth revving and ultra-reliable. For effortless performance, the V-6 is designed to deliver over 90 per cent of maximum torque from 2600 to 5300 rpm, and 98 per cent from 3000 to 4500 rpm.
Like the coupe, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a genuine 150 mph+ (240 km/h) sports car, with acceleration from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 6.5 seconds.
Braking performance is also solid, with the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster going from 60 to 0 mph in 38 metres (125 feet).
The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster features fully independent suspension at the front and rear and powerful large-diameter disc brakes (300 mm / 11.8 in. front and 278 mm / 10.9 in. rear) with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). Standard equipment includes Brake Assist, an All-speed Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
Performance Features
3.2-litre, 18-valve, SOHC V-6 engine
160 kW (215 bhp), 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque
Six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed electronically controlled adaptive automatic transmission with AutoStick
Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential
Independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers
Independent five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers
Speed-sensitive rear spoiler deployable at 62 mph (100 km/h)
Dual centre-mounted exhaust outlets
Front 18-inch P225/40 ZR tyres. Rear 19-inch P255/35 ZR tyres
Seven-spoke aluminium alloy wheels
TRANSMISSION AND REAR AXLE
The standard transmission for Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a six-speed manual gearbox for quiet, relaxed, fuel-efficient high-speed cruising. The gear lever is spring loaded to place 'neutral' in the 3/4 plane, and the clutch is hydraulically operated.
Roadster customers can choose the optional five-speed automatic transmission which features a driver-adaptive shift logic, full automatic or AutoStick manual gear selection, a lock-up torque converter and selectable summer and winter modes.
With the selector lever in 'Drive', AutoStick allows the driver to manually select the next higher or lower ratio by tapping the lever to the right (+) to change up, or left (-) to change down. The shift range [ P, R, N, D ] or gear range [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] currently in use is displayed in the instrument cluster. A rocker switch also enables the driver to select winter mode, for starts in 2nd gear and upshifts at lower vehicle speeds.
Drive is carried to the rear axle by a two-piece propshaft with four constant-velocity universal joints (CVJs) to minimise vibrations. Articulated half-shafts deliver power from the final drive unit to each rear wheel - again with CVJs to minimise vibrations. Drive goes to the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster's rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission that also offers an AutoStick® manual select mode.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Building on the major attributes of a stiff bodyshell and evenly balanced weight distribution, Chrysler Crossfire's suspension and steering are calibrated to achieve high levels of grip, with user-friendly handling characteristics, while also giving the driver excellent feedback and allowing precise car control.
Crossfire's fully independent front suspension uses double wishbones mounted on the bodyshell, with coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and a 25 mm (1.0-in.) anti-roll bar. Total wheel travel is 155 mm (6.1 in.) - unusually high for a sports car - which contributes to the car's superior ride quality.
The rear suspension and final drive unit are mounted on a subframe that isolates the bodyshell from road surface imperfections. The five-link suspension features coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and an 18 mm (0.71-in.) anti-roll bar. Anti-squat and anti-dive geometry is employed, and rear wheel travel is a generous 180 mm (7.1 in.).
The powered recirculating ball steering has a ratio of 16.7:1, and the system requires 3.1 turns of the steering wheel lock-to-lock. A hydraulic damper eliminates undesirable yaw motions and enhances straight-ahead steering feel for Crossfire drivers on the motorway.
WHEELS AND TYRES
Seven-spoke, satin silver paint-finished aluminium alloy wheels with high-performance, Continental Sport Contact 2 W-rated tyres are standard fit on Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. In keeping with Crossfire's stylish appearance, the five-bolt mountings of each wheel are hidden behind a snap-in centre cap sporting a Chrysler brandmark seal, and any wheel balance weights are 'invisibly' attached to the rim behind the spokes.
Crossfire Roadster's wheels and tyres are staggered in size, like those of a racecar; narrower at the front for crisp steering and wider at the rear to transmit more power to the road surface. Their large diameter (wheels are 18 inch front, 19 inch rear) and generous tyre width (225 mm front and 255 mm rear) give the car four giant contact patches or 'footprints' to generate firm grip and very high cornering forces - approaching 1.0 g peak cornering forces with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) turned off.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
While primary safety (accident avoidance) is a high priority with an agile sports car like Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, it has a full compliment of secondary safety equipment, which works in conjunction with the controlled deformation of the body structure to optimise occupant protection.
Accident avoidance technology fitted as standard to Crossfire includes the latest developments in ABS, Brake Assist, All-speed Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). All-speed TCS senses rear-wheel spin and intervenes to restore grip by individually braking the spinning wheel or reducing engine power.
ESP compares the driver's intended course, via steering angle and braking sensors, to the car's actual course (through lateral acceleration, yaw and four individual wheel speed sensors) and applies a single wheel brake to a front or rear wheel, or reduces engine power, to restore the car to its original path.
Sometimes a collision cannot be avoided, and that is when Crossfire's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) assesses the severity of an impact to determine the appropriate responses. Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters are fitted, together with front and side air bags (mounted in each door) for driver and passenger.
Brakes and Brake Assist
As appropriate for a car with Chrysler Crossfire's level of performance, the power-assisted braking system features large-diameter ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, backed up by the highly sophisticated electronic wizardry of an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Brake Assist.
State-of-the-art, four-wheel, four-channel ABS is standard fit on Crossfire. When activated by heavy braking on a slippery surface, it applies and releases the brakes at a rate of 30 times per second, preventing wheel lock-up while allowing the driver to retain steering control.
Brake Assist senses when a driver is braking in an emergency and immediately applies maximum available power boost. Brake Assist overcomes the human tendency not to brake hard enough, soon enough.
Security
A remote keyless entry system controls the standard central locking which secures the doors, boot, centre console and fuel filler door. Automatic Central Locking can also be selected. This activates the door locks when the vehicle's speed reaches approximately 9 mph (15 km/h). To aid exit and rescue following a collision, the doors unlock automatically a short time after a major deceleration is detected.
Crossfire is equipped with a Sentry Key immobiliser controlled by a coded electronic transponder in each key fob supplied with the car. Whenever the key is removed from the ignition, it disables the engine computer, preventing unauthorised driving of the vehicle, because the engine will not start. The Roadster includes an intrusion alarm for added security.
An anti-theft Thatcham Category 1 alarm system sounds a siren (for 30 seconds) and flashes the headlamps (for three minutes) if an unauthorised attempt is made to open the doors, bonnet or boot, or to raise the car for towing.