The Chrysler Crossfire is an automobile sold by DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler marque. The car is built for DaimlerChrysler by Karmann in Germany and shares over half of its components, including most of its interior, drivetrain, and under-body with the previous-generation (R170) Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.

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.

Crossfires are rear-wheel drive, 2-seat sports cars. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, and a 5-speed automatic is optional. Base Crossfires, originally sold beginning in the 2004 model year, are equipped with a 3.2 L, 3-valve, SOHC V6 engine which produces 215 hp and 229 ft.lbf of torque.

Ironically, 2004 was the last year for the SLK from which the Crossfire is built. Since the 2005 model year, the SLK has been built on a platform with Vision SLR -style looks. The Crossfire remains the only car based on the older chassis.

For the 2005 model year, Chrysler has unveiled both a Crossfire Roadster as well as the SRT-6, supercharged high-performance model.

SRT-6

The SRT-6 will be available as both a coupé and a convertible with 330 hp (246 kW) and 310 ft.lbf (420 Nm) of torque. Upgrades in the SRT-6 not found in the regular Crossfire include suspension, brakes, and cosmetics.

References

• "2004 Crossfire SRT-6 Packs Punch", an article in the "News" section on page 30 of the May, 2004 issue of Motor Trend