The Chrysler Crossfire is a two-seat sports coupe that combines expressive American design and personality with technology, performance and proportions ideally suited for European roads.
The physical appearance of the Chrysler Crossfire has attracted car fans world-wide, but it is much more than just a pretty face. The goal was also to produce a genuine driver's car, the ultimate expression of the Chrysler brand essence, and a true reflection of the brand's expressive, confident and romantic core values.
"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 £24,995, 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 Chrysler Crossfire coupe, the SRT-6, with a supercharged 330 bhp engine, was launched in the UK in April 2005 priced from £34,490.
Chrysler Crossfire, which was designed and developed by Chrysler Group's USA-based Advanced Vehicle Engineering team, is built in Germany in collaboration with Karmann, one of the world's leading full-service suppliers to the motor industry.
DESIGN, STYLING & AERODYNAMICS
Chrysler has a reputation for developing daring concept cars and putting them on the road. The Chrysler Crossfire is broadly similar to the showcar of the same name, first exhibited at the North American International Auto Show in January 2001 and later at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2002.
Press and public reaction to the car was so positive that just a few weeks after its Detroit debut, a team of DaimlerChrysler engineers was assembled and tasked with bringing the car to production in just two years.
The design team made sure that the spirit and dominant aesthetic features of the original - the long ribbed bonnet, hunkered-down roofline and sweeping rear pillars, leading to the distinctive boat tail and the massive, sculptured rear wings were all retained.
More subtle detailing - like the central spine running from front bumper, via grille, bonnet, roofline, tailgate, into the rear bumper - is a primary vehicle signature. The large wheels and wide tyres of the concept still dominate the profile, while the deep body and shallow glasshouse give the car a distinctive presence on the road - even when parked.
The radiator grille expresses the 'new face of Chrysler' with a chrome Chrysler winged brandmark forming the leading edge of the bonnet. Vertical ribs in the grille align with those in the bonnet. The headlamp modules are sculpted with four lights that appear to float against the satin silver finish of the nacelles.
Deeply sculpted, simulated air-extractor louvers behind the front wheel arches hint at a powerful engine and have race car references. Horizontal louver ribs in satin silver have a jewel-like quality and create an area which will become one of many visual icons for the car.
The doors have 'frameless' glass to maximise the open-air feeling when motoring with the windows down. Tinted glass is standard in all windows, and the fixed quarter windows and tailgate glass are bonded in place, with a perimeter blackout area concealing the adhesive seam.
External ornaments on Chrysler Crossfire are deliberately limited to Chrysler winged brandmarks on the bonnet and tailgate, low-profile letters spelling CROSSFIRE across the tailgate, and satin silver finish to the windscreen frame, side louver ribs, and horizontal bars in the grille and door handles.
Extensive wind tunnel time has ensured that Chrysler Crossfire is aerodynamically balanced at all speeds. Particular attention was paid to the shapes of the front and rear fascias, the underbody trim panels attached to the rear floor, the diffuser on each side of the twin exhausts and the extendable spoiler mounted in the tailgate below the rear window.
Powered by an electric motor, the rear spoiler deploys automatically when car speed rises above 60 mph. Deployment takes less than five seconds and the spoiler generates 356 Newtons of downforce to the rear of Chrysler Crossfire at 80 mph. The spoiler automatically retracts as speeds dip below 40 mph and can be deployed manually at lower speeds using a switch on the centre console. Raised edges to the sides and trailing edge of the spoiler enhance its performance and it works in conjunction with the lower venturi created by the diffusers around the dual exhausts.
The door mirror housings were developed to reduce side-window soiling and minimum wind noise and drag. Dual electric, heated door mirrors are standard - the mirror housings fold back manually for protection in car washes and when parked on crowded city streets.
STRUCTURAL STIFFNESS FOR GREAT HANDLING AND SAFETY
The foundation for creating a car with responsive sports coupe handling combined with a supple ride is a stiff bodyshell. Crossfire's all-steel shell boasts exceptionally torsional rigidity (20,140 Nm/deg) and has been specially reinforced to bear the loads and forces generated by the unusually large alloy wheels and tyres. The fixed-roof coupe styling, sweeping rear pillars and tall bulkhead separating the passenger compartment from the luggage area play key roles in the overall structural stiffness of the shell and in its resistance to side impacts.
POWER & PERFORMANCE
The 3.2-litre V-6 engine powering Chrysler Crossfire is manufactured at DaimlerChrysler's V-engine plant in Untertuerkheim, Germany . It is fitted with Chrysler Group's own design of air-intake and exhaust systems - to best fit the available space as well as give the car its own unique intake/exhaust soundtrack.
This all-aluminium, SOHC, 18-valve engine produces 215 bhp and 229 lb ft of torque. Light, responsive, smooth-revving and ultra-reliable, the 90-degree power unit promises to deliver sparkling performance in the 1,665kg Crossfire.
For effortless performance, the V-6 is designed to deliver high torque across a broad band of engine speeds. While maximum torque is generated at just 3,000 rpm, over 90 percent of maximum torque is available from 2,600-to-5,300 rpm, and 98 percent is available from 3,000-to-4,500 rpm.
The combination of engine power, balanced weight distribution, suspension design and generous tyre sizes enables Chrysler Crossfire to deliver sensational performance on straight or winding roads. Acceleration from 0-to-62 mph takes just 6.5 seconds. Chrysler Crossfire has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.
Crossfire's wheels and tyres are staggered in size, like those of a race car, 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 'footprints' or contact patches to generate immense grip and very high cornering forces - over 1.0 G lateral force on a dry surface.
Ultra-low profile Michelin Pilot Sport radial performance tyres are standard fit on Chrysler Crossfire and to deal with a flat, Crossfire is equipped with a TIREFIT service kit - a can of pressurised tyre sealant and an electric compressor to re-inflate the tyre.
Traction control and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP®) are fitted to all cars. Operative at all speeds, traction control senses rear-wheel spin and intervenes to stop the spin by individually braking the spinning wheel or by 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.
INTERIOR COMFORT & REFINEMENT
The overall feel of Chrysler Crossfire's interior combines the simple functionality of a sports coupe, with the traditional elegance and refinement of a Chrysler, while echoing many of the design cues of the coupe's exterior. Undoubtedly, Crossfire's design and execution takes Chrysler interiors to a new level, in terms of appearance and quality, and in the precision-feel of the major and minor switchgear.
A central spine runs through the headliner, the top of the dashboard, the centre console and even the gearshift knob. Each side of the spine, Chrysler Crossfire follows a twin-cockpit theme, with the curved passenger air-bag panel mimicking the instrument cluster on the other side and the large satin silver finish centre console and transmission tunnel clearly demarking the two cabin sides. The bright satin finish also highlights steering wheel spokes, door sill plates, door pull handles, speaker grille rings, and instrument surrounds.
Chrysler Crossfire buyers have a choice of two interior colour schemes - depending on their selection of exterior paint finish. The three interior colour schemes are dark slate throughout the cabin, or dark slate contrasted with medium slate or dark slate with cedar red.
The twin-cockpit theme means that the cabin has been tailored to accommodate two occupants in great comfort. Generous head, shoulder, and leg room ensure that the widest range of occupants will enjoy travelling in Crossfire's cabin. The driver and passenger seats have eight-way power adjustment - horizontal (by up to 194mm), vertical (by 43mm), cushion tilt, and backrest angle. Both seats are heated and leather-trimmed and have Chrysler wing brandmarks embossed in the head restraints.
The 380 mm diameter, leather-trimmed steering wheel is adjustable for reach over a 46 mm range, and with the height-adjustable driver's seat enables occupants to find the perfect driving position. Facing the driver, the three circular dial instrument panel houses four analogue gauges - speedometer, rev-counter, fuel level, and water temperature.
The satin silver finished centre console is a major feature of the cabin. It houses twin air-vents, heating and ventilation controls, the Infinity™ Modulus audio system, six-minor switches, and hazard warning control, electric exterior mirror adjuster and twin electric window switches. Crossfire's standard audio system features an RDS radio and single-disc CD player with a six-channel 240-Watt amplifier and four door-mounted and two rear bulkhead-mounted speakers. Sat-nav is also an optional extra.
In addition to the generous 215 litre boot, which has an optional luggage cover, interior storage facilities include a lockable, 4.8-litre dashboard glove-box, full-length net map pockets in each door, two 350 x 180 mm net pockets behind each seat on the cabin's rear bulkhead and a 4.6-litre storage compartment beneath a hinged cover on the central transmission tunnel. A parcel net on the passenger side of the tunnel provides extra storage for miscellaneous items and a detachable storage pouch (400 x 220 mm) can be mounted on the rear bulkhead between the net pockets.
The exceptional body shell stiffness of Chrysler Crossfire gives it a solid feeling and contributes to the car's high levels of interior refinement. The 3.2-litre V-6 engine achieves smoothness and vibration levels as low as a good in-line six-cylinder engine - theoretically the engine with the best possible balance.
Engine noise is subdued by certain characteristics built into the V-6 and by its installation in Chrysler Crossfire. Internal rotating and oscillating masses were minimised, a counter-rotating balance shaft eliminates rocking, and dual-ignition reduces combustion noise while delivering unprecedented smoothness.
The engine is supported by two hydraulic front mounts and one rubber rear mount - the trio providing both noise insulation and suspension damping. The Chrysler branded decorative engine cover also incorporates sound insulating material to muffle noise.
To isolate the cabin from both mechanical noise and road induced vibrations, both front and rear suspensions use mounting bushings specially tuned to dampen out vibrations, while maintaining the optimum geometry for precise handling and road holding.
The front suspension is mounted on the body shell, while the differential and five-link rear suspension is mounted in a sub-frame cradle that attaches to the body shell through rubber dampers at four points. The top mounts of the coil-springs, shock-absorbers, and anti-roll bars are attached directly to the body in rubber bushings.
Though undoubtedly wide, the special tyres selected by Chrysler for Crossfire have relatively soft side walls that respond progressively to road irritations and together with the long wheel travel, play a part delivering in the sports coupe's pleasingly pliant and comfortable ride.
SAFETY & SECURITY
While passive safety (accident avoidance) is a high priority with an agile sports coupe like Chrysler Crossfire, it has a full compliment of active safety equipment, which works in conjunction with the controlled deformation of the body structure to optimise occupant protection in "real-world" accidents.
Frontal crash protection is provided by a series of interrelated impact resistant features beginning with the steel beam bumper system which channels loads into the chassis' side rails where most of the energy is absorbed. Remaining loads are transferred to the floor structure, doors and roof. The extremely stiff passenger cabin is designed to transmit loads with minimal deformation and the doors will operate even after a severe impact.
The 60-litre trapezoid-shaped steel fuel tank is mounted above the rear suspension and behind the rear bulkhead for maximum protection from accident damage. Rear impact forces are directed by the bumper into the chassis side members and then into the main floor structure.
Side protection is enhanced by the fitting of a high-strength steel beam within each door, which transfers impact loads to the A and B pillars. Additional reinforcements are fitted to the upper edge of the door and along the lower belt line. The transverse stability of the passenger cabin is ensured by a massive cross member between the B pillars, and three further cross members under the windscreen, the dashboard and the seats.
The front and rear bumper systems provide protection for lamps and other safety-related equipment in impacts up to 5 mph. Energy-absorbing foam-backed structural steel beams are covered by a body-colour polypropylene moulding. The beams bolt to the bodyshell for easy replacement in the event of damage.
Accident avoidance technology fitted as standard to Crossfire includes the very latest developments in ABS (anti-lock braking), BAS (Brake Assist System) and ESP® (Electronic Stability Programme) to help keep the car on the road and following the driver's intended course, even in the severest of weather conditions.
Sometimes a collision may not be avoided and that's when Chrysler Crossfire's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) assesses the severity of an impact to determine the appropriate responses. Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load-limiters are fitted, together with front and side air-bags (mounted in each door) for driver and passenger, a knee bolster for the driver and special deformable padding in the headlining, covering all areas of possible head impact.
A remote key-less entry system controls the standard central locking which secures the doors, tailgate and fuel-filler flap. Automatic Central Locking can be selected; this activates the system when vehicle's speed reaches 10 mph. To aid exit and rescue following a collision, the doors unlock automatically a short time after a major deceleration is detected.
Chrysler Crossfire is equipped with a Thatcham category 1 security system, including 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.
An anti-theft alarm system sounds a siren (for 30 seconds) and flashes the headlights (for five minutes) if an unauthorised attempt is made to open the doors, bonnet or tailgate, or to raise the car for towing. The tow-alarm may be de-activated to enable towing with the vehicle while locked.
The physical appearance of the Chrysler Crossfire has attracted car fans world-wide, but it is much more than just a pretty face. The goal was also to produce a genuine driver's car, the ultimate expression of the Chrysler brand essence, and a true reflection of the brand's expressive, confident and romantic core values.
"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 £24,995, 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 Chrysler Crossfire coupe, the SRT-6, with a supercharged 330 bhp engine, was launched in the UK in April 2005 priced from £34,490.
Chrysler Crossfire, which was designed and developed by Chrysler Group's USA-based Advanced Vehicle Engineering team, is built in Germany in collaboration with Karmann, one of the world's leading full-service suppliers to the motor industry.
DESIGN, STYLING & AERODYNAMICS
Chrysler has a reputation for developing daring concept cars and putting them on the road. The Chrysler Crossfire is broadly similar to the showcar of the same name, first exhibited at the North American International Auto Show in January 2001 and later at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2002.
Press and public reaction to the car was so positive that just a few weeks after its Detroit debut, a team of DaimlerChrysler engineers was assembled and tasked with bringing the car to production in just two years.
The design team made sure that the spirit and dominant aesthetic features of the original - the long ribbed bonnet, hunkered-down roofline and sweeping rear pillars, leading to the distinctive boat tail and the massive, sculptured rear wings were all retained.
More subtle detailing - like the central spine running from front bumper, via grille, bonnet, roofline, tailgate, into the rear bumper - is a primary vehicle signature. The large wheels and wide tyres of the concept still dominate the profile, while the deep body and shallow glasshouse give the car a distinctive presence on the road - even when parked.
The radiator grille expresses the 'new face of Chrysler' with a chrome Chrysler winged brandmark forming the leading edge of the bonnet. Vertical ribs in the grille align with those in the bonnet. The headlamp modules are sculpted with four lights that appear to float against the satin silver finish of the nacelles.
Deeply sculpted, simulated air-extractor louvers behind the front wheel arches hint at a powerful engine and have race car references. Horizontal louver ribs in satin silver have a jewel-like quality and create an area which will become one of many visual icons for the car.
The doors have 'frameless' glass to maximise the open-air feeling when motoring with the windows down. Tinted glass is standard in all windows, and the fixed quarter windows and tailgate glass are bonded in place, with a perimeter blackout area concealing the adhesive seam.
External ornaments on Chrysler Crossfire are deliberately limited to Chrysler winged brandmarks on the bonnet and tailgate, low-profile letters spelling CROSSFIRE across the tailgate, and satin silver finish to the windscreen frame, side louver ribs, and horizontal bars in the grille and door handles.
Extensive wind tunnel time has ensured that Chrysler Crossfire is aerodynamically balanced at all speeds. Particular attention was paid to the shapes of the front and rear fascias, the underbody trim panels attached to the rear floor, the diffuser on each side of the twin exhausts and the extendable spoiler mounted in the tailgate below the rear window.
Powered by an electric motor, the rear spoiler deploys automatically when car speed rises above 60 mph. Deployment takes less than five seconds and the spoiler generates 356 Newtons of downforce to the rear of Chrysler Crossfire at 80 mph. The spoiler automatically retracts as speeds dip below 40 mph and can be deployed manually at lower speeds using a switch on the centre console. Raised edges to the sides and trailing edge of the spoiler enhance its performance and it works in conjunction with the lower venturi created by the diffusers around the dual exhausts.
The door mirror housings were developed to reduce side-window soiling and minimum wind noise and drag. Dual electric, heated door mirrors are standard - the mirror housings fold back manually for protection in car washes and when parked on crowded city streets.
STRUCTURAL STIFFNESS FOR GREAT HANDLING AND SAFETY
The foundation for creating a car with responsive sports coupe handling combined with a supple ride is a stiff bodyshell. Crossfire's all-steel shell boasts exceptionally torsional rigidity (20,140 Nm/deg) and has been specially reinforced to bear the loads and forces generated by the unusually large alloy wheels and tyres. The fixed-roof coupe styling, sweeping rear pillars and tall bulkhead separating the passenger compartment from the luggage area play key roles in the overall structural stiffness of the shell and in its resistance to side impacts.
POWER & PERFORMANCE
The 3.2-litre V-6 engine powering Chrysler Crossfire is manufactured at DaimlerChrysler's V-engine plant in Untertuerkheim, Germany . It is fitted with Chrysler Group's own design of air-intake and exhaust systems - to best fit the available space as well as give the car its own unique intake/exhaust soundtrack.
This all-aluminium, SOHC, 18-valve engine produces 215 bhp and 229 lb ft of torque. Light, responsive, smooth-revving and ultra-reliable, the 90-degree power unit promises to deliver sparkling performance in the 1,665kg Crossfire.
For effortless performance, the V-6 is designed to deliver high torque across a broad band of engine speeds. While maximum torque is generated at just 3,000 rpm, over 90 percent of maximum torque is available from 2,600-to-5,300 rpm, and 98 percent is available from 3,000-to-4,500 rpm.
The combination of engine power, balanced weight distribution, suspension design and generous tyre sizes enables Chrysler Crossfire to deliver sensational performance on straight or winding roads. Acceleration from 0-to-62 mph takes just 6.5 seconds. Chrysler Crossfire has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.
Crossfire's wheels and tyres are staggered in size, like those of a race car, 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 'footprints' or contact patches to generate immense grip and very high cornering forces - over 1.0 G lateral force on a dry surface.
Ultra-low profile Michelin Pilot Sport radial performance tyres are standard fit on Chrysler Crossfire and to deal with a flat, Crossfire is equipped with a TIREFIT service kit - a can of pressurised tyre sealant and an electric compressor to re-inflate the tyre.
Traction control and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP®) are fitted to all cars. Operative at all speeds, traction control senses rear-wheel spin and intervenes to stop the spin by individually braking the spinning wheel or by 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.
INTERIOR COMFORT & REFINEMENT
The overall feel of Chrysler Crossfire's interior combines the simple functionality of a sports coupe, with the traditional elegance and refinement of a Chrysler, while echoing many of the design cues of the coupe's exterior. Undoubtedly, Crossfire's design and execution takes Chrysler interiors to a new level, in terms of appearance and quality, and in the precision-feel of the major and minor switchgear.
A central spine runs through the headliner, the top of the dashboard, the centre console and even the gearshift knob. Each side of the spine, Chrysler Crossfire follows a twin-cockpit theme, with the curved passenger air-bag panel mimicking the instrument cluster on the other side and the large satin silver finish centre console and transmission tunnel clearly demarking the two cabin sides. The bright satin finish also highlights steering wheel spokes, door sill plates, door pull handles, speaker grille rings, and instrument surrounds.
Chrysler Crossfire buyers have a choice of two interior colour schemes - depending on their selection of exterior paint finish. The three interior colour schemes are dark slate throughout the cabin, or dark slate contrasted with medium slate or dark slate with cedar red.
The twin-cockpit theme means that the cabin has been tailored to accommodate two occupants in great comfort. Generous head, shoulder, and leg room ensure that the widest range of occupants will enjoy travelling in Crossfire's cabin. The driver and passenger seats have eight-way power adjustment - horizontal (by up to 194mm), vertical (by 43mm), cushion tilt, and backrest angle. Both seats are heated and leather-trimmed and have Chrysler wing brandmarks embossed in the head restraints.
The 380 mm diameter, leather-trimmed steering wheel is adjustable for reach over a 46 mm range, and with the height-adjustable driver's seat enables occupants to find the perfect driving position. Facing the driver, the three circular dial instrument panel houses four analogue gauges - speedometer, rev-counter, fuel level, and water temperature.
The satin silver finished centre console is a major feature of the cabin. It houses twin air-vents, heating and ventilation controls, the Infinity™ Modulus audio system, six-minor switches, and hazard warning control, electric exterior mirror adjuster and twin electric window switches. Crossfire's standard audio system features an RDS radio and single-disc CD player with a six-channel 240-Watt amplifier and four door-mounted and two rear bulkhead-mounted speakers. Sat-nav is also an optional extra.
In addition to the generous 215 litre boot, which has an optional luggage cover, interior storage facilities include a lockable, 4.8-litre dashboard glove-box, full-length net map pockets in each door, two 350 x 180 mm net pockets behind each seat on the cabin's rear bulkhead and a 4.6-litre storage compartment beneath a hinged cover on the central transmission tunnel. A parcel net on the passenger side of the tunnel provides extra storage for miscellaneous items and a detachable storage pouch (400 x 220 mm) can be mounted on the rear bulkhead between the net pockets.
The exceptional body shell stiffness of Chrysler Crossfire gives it a solid feeling and contributes to the car's high levels of interior refinement. The 3.2-litre V-6 engine achieves smoothness and vibration levels as low as a good in-line six-cylinder engine - theoretically the engine with the best possible balance.
Engine noise is subdued by certain characteristics built into the V-6 and by its installation in Chrysler Crossfire. Internal rotating and oscillating masses were minimised, a counter-rotating balance shaft eliminates rocking, and dual-ignition reduces combustion noise while delivering unprecedented smoothness.
The engine is supported by two hydraulic front mounts and one rubber rear mount - the trio providing both noise insulation and suspension damping. The Chrysler branded decorative engine cover also incorporates sound insulating material to muffle noise.
To isolate the cabin from both mechanical noise and road induced vibrations, both front and rear suspensions use mounting bushings specially tuned to dampen out vibrations, while maintaining the optimum geometry for precise handling and road holding.
The front suspension is mounted on the body shell, while the differential and five-link rear suspension is mounted in a sub-frame cradle that attaches to the body shell through rubber dampers at four points. The top mounts of the coil-springs, shock-absorbers, and anti-roll bars are attached directly to the body in rubber bushings.
Though undoubtedly wide, the special tyres selected by Chrysler for Crossfire have relatively soft side walls that respond progressively to road irritations and together with the long wheel travel, play a part delivering in the sports coupe's pleasingly pliant and comfortable ride.
SAFETY & SECURITY
While passive safety (accident avoidance) is a high priority with an agile sports coupe like Chrysler Crossfire, it has a full compliment of active safety equipment, which works in conjunction with the controlled deformation of the body structure to optimise occupant protection in "real-world" accidents.
Frontal crash protection is provided by a series of interrelated impact resistant features beginning with the steel beam bumper system which channels loads into the chassis' side rails where most of the energy is absorbed. Remaining loads are transferred to the floor structure, doors and roof. The extremely stiff passenger cabin is designed to transmit loads with minimal deformation and the doors will operate even after a severe impact.
The 60-litre trapezoid-shaped steel fuel tank is mounted above the rear suspension and behind the rear bulkhead for maximum protection from accident damage. Rear impact forces are directed by the bumper into the chassis side members and then into the main floor structure.
Side protection is enhanced by the fitting of a high-strength steel beam within each door, which transfers impact loads to the A and B pillars. Additional reinforcements are fitted to the upper edge of the door and along the lower belt line. The transverse stability of the passenger cabin is ensured by a massive cross member between the B pillars, and three further cross members under the windscreen, the dashboard and the seats.
The front and rear bumper systems provide protection for lamps and other safety-related equipment in impacts up to 5 mph. Energy-absorbing foam-backed structural steel beams are covered by a body-colour polypropylene moulding. The beams bolt to the bodyshell for easy replacement in the event of damage.
Accident avoidance technology fitted as standard to Crossfire includes the very latest developments in ABS (anti-lock braking), BAS (Brake Assist System) and ESP® (Electronic Stability Programme) to help keep the car on the road and following the driver's intended course, even in the severest of weather conditions.
Sometimes a collision may not be avoided and that's when Chrysler Crossfire's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) assesses the severity of an impact to determine the appropriate responses. Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load-limiters are fitted, together with front and side air-bags (mounted in each door) for driver and passenger, a knee bolster for the driver and special deformable padding in the headlining, covering all areas of possible head impact.
A remote key-less entry system controls the standard central locking which secures the doors, tailgate and fuel-filler flap. Automatic Central Locking can be selected; this activates the system when vehicle's speed reaches 10 mph. To aid exit and rescue following a collision, the doors unlock automatically a short time after a major deceleration is detected.
Chrysler Crossfire is equipped with a Thatcham category 1 security system, including 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.
An anti-theft alarm system sounds a siren (for 30 seconds) and flashes the headlights (for five minutes) if an unauthorised attempt is made to open the doors, bonnet or tailgate, or to raise the car for towing. The tow-alarm may be de-activated to enable towing with the vehicle while locked.