What is it?
2004 Chrysler Crossfire
What's special about it?
Normally, concept cars don't amount to anything and are just an interesting exercise in design, engineering and "what if" scenarios. But Chrysler treats its concept cars differently; it has one of the best records of all automakers when it comes to developing its concept cars into vehicles that consumers can actually buy.
The Crossfire concept first debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. Based on the enthusiastic response of the motoring press and the general public, eight months later Chrysler announced that a production car would be built. At the 2002 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, the near-finalized production version was shown.
The car's distinctive shape remains, with very short overhangs, muscular fenders and a tapered rear. It will be the first all-new domestic rear-drive sport coupe to be offered in quite a long time. DaimlerChrysler likes to say that it has American style with German precision. Indeed, the Crossfire represents the first new vehicle to come out of the "merger" between the two companies.
Though it has Chrysler badges, the Crossfire will actually be built in Germany. It has an overall length of 159.8 inches and a width of 68.9 inches. The wheelbase measures 94.5 inches. For comparison, a Ford Mustang GT is 183.2 inches long and 73.1 inches wide, with a 101.3-inch wheelbase.
Unlike the Mustang, the Crossfire will not come with a V8. Instead, its powertrain consists of a Mercedes-sourced 3.2-liter V6 and a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Power output is said to be 215-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. Though the production car will not have the concept car's all-aluminum structure and carbon-fiber body, a curb weight of 3,000 pounds is expected.
Four-wheel ABS will slow down the huge wheels and tires. The front 18-inch wheels feature 225/40VR18 tires, while the rear 19-inch wheels are shod with 255/35VR19s. A stability control system will be available, as will traction control. The front suspension consists of independent double wishbones with coil springs, and the rear is an independent five-link suspension with coil springs.
The Crossfire will go on sale in mid-2003 as a 2004 model. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Why should you care?
General Motors is pulling out of the rear-drive sport coupe game after 2002. Now here comes Chrysler with an all-new coupe that has gone from concept to production status in less than a year. Surprised?
Though the car will no doubt be a success due to its magnanimous styling, we have two reservations: price and performance. As the car will be built using a significant percentage of Mercedes-quality components, we're guessing it will be considerably more expensive than a Mustang. And with only 215 hp, it won't be as fast as a V8-powered Mustang. Something to consider, especially as the Nissan 350Z arrives sooner and boasts more sporting credentials. — Brent Romans
2004 Chrysler Crossfire
What's special about it?
Normally, concept cars don't amount to anything and are just an interesting exercise in design, engineering and "what if" scenarios. But Chrysler treats its concept cars differently; it has one of the best records of all automakers when it comes to developing its concept cars into vehicles that consumers can actually buy.
The Crossfire concept first debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. Based on the enthusiastic response of the motoring press and the general public, eight months later Chrysler announced that a production car would be built. At the 2002 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, the near-finalized production version was shown.
The car's distinctive shape remains, with very short overhangs, muscular fenders and a tapered rear. It will be the first all-new domestic rear-drive sport coupe to be offered in quite a long time. DaimlerChrysler likes to say that it has American style with German precision. Indeed, the Crossfire represents the first new vehicle to come out of the "merger" between the two companies.
Though it has Chrysler badges, the Crossfire will actually be built in Germany. It has an overall length of 159.8 inches and a width of 68.9 inches. The wheelbase measures 94.5 inches. For comparison, a Ford Mustang GT is 183.2 inches long and 73.1 inches wide, with a 101.3-inch wheelbase.
Unlike the Mustang, the Crossfire will not come with a V8. Instead, its powertrain consists of a Mercedes-sourced 3.2-liter V6 and a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Power output is said to be 215-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. Though the production car will not have the concept car's all-aluminum structure and carbon-fiber body, a curb weight of 3,000 pounds is expected.
Four-wheel ABS will slow down the huge wheels and tires. The front 18-inch wheels feature 225/40VR18 tires, while the rear 19-inch wheels are shod with 255/35VR19s. A stability control system will be available, as will traction control. The front suspension consists of independent double wishbones with coil springs, and the rear is an independent five-link suspension with coil springs.
The Crossfire will go on sale in mid-2003 as a 2004 model. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Why should you care?
General Motors is pulling out of the rear-drive sport coupe game after 2002. Now here comes Chrysler with an all-new coupe that has gone from concept to production status in less than a year. Surprised?
Though the car will no doubt be a success due to its magnanimous styling, we have two reservations: price and performance. As the car will be built using a significant percentage of Mercedes-quality components, we're guessing it will be considerably more expensive than a Mustang. And with only 215 hp, it won't be as fast as a V8-powered Mustang. Something to consider, especially as the Nissan 350Z arrives sooner and boasts more sporting credentials. — Brent Romans
Add A Comment »