Chrysler attracted plenty of attention with the unveiling of the new 2005 Crossfire Roadster at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, and its subsequent availability at dealerships in the spring of 2005.
The new model has a low stance and highly sculpted styling. It boasts a 3.2 litre, 90º V8, SOHC 18-valve engine, which comes either with a 5-speed automatic gearbox or with 6-speed manual transmission. The engine produces 215 bhp at 5,700 rpm, with peak torque of 229 at a very low 3,000 rpm.
Opening the roof on the roadster is simplicity itself: simply releasing and pulling on the centrally mounted handle at the top of the windshield will suffice. Turning the handle then releases the fabric roof and causes the side glass to lower. At the touch of button on the centre console, the solid tonneau cover lifts and the roof folds automatically into the compartment before it closes again.
Sculpted style
According to Trevor Creed,
Chrysler Group’s Senior Vice President, Design, “Our new 2005
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster captures the spirit of the Crossfire coupe. We use sport bars and tonneau cover fairings to give Crossfire Roadster even more of an aerodynamic appearance.”
The Crossfire Roadster also features a retractable spoiler to the rear of the car, which is automatically activated when speeds of over 60 mph are attained. This retractable spoiler also houses the centre high-mounted stop lamp (or CHMSL). The “boat tail” styling of the car’s rear is complemented by the flowing seam lines on the convertible hood. The feeling of dynamism is heightened further by sport bars behind the twin seats, both of which are painted in a satin silver finish.
Boasting an extended hood and its sculpted rear end, the Crossfire Roadster has a unique, individual side profile, with wide, strong shoulders housing the 19-inch rear wheels, complemented by 18-inch wheels to the front. The extra inch accorded to the rear wheels endows the Crossfire with a side view reminiscent of a predator, poised and ready to pounce.
Inside the Crossfire
The twin cockpit layout of Crossfire Roadster’s interior is in perfect harmony with its sculpted exterior. The same spine shape is featured in the instrument panel, gear shifter and centre console and, from the driver’s point of view, this central spine theme extends from the instrument panel, via the windscreen, and out onto the bonnet.
The Crossfire’s seats feature leather trim and both headrests are emblazoned with the famous
Chrysler winged motif. In a subtle, yet unique touch, the ignition can be found not on the steering column, but residing on the instrument panel.
The finishing touches to the interior are provided by white-on-black gauges, featuring satin silver and black bezel outlines. The centre console also continues the metallic theme, and accents in the same satin silver can be found throughout the cockpit, including the instrument cluster, steering wheel and door panels.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Paul James for www.sport-cars.org
April 1, 2008, 11:08 am
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