Chrysler Crossfire 2005 Review

Attracting a $16,000 premium over the normally aspirated model, the new SRT-6 boasts a hand-built supercharged 3.2-litre V6, which produces 246kW of power and 420Nm of torque. The AMG-built engine (the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz) was previously in the Mercedes-Benz C32.

The SRT-6 features a helical supercharger and delivers 90 per cent of peak torque from 2300rpm to 6200rpm. The upgraded tiptronic-style, five-speed auto provides a great drive but lack of a manual option is lamented.

Gear changes are smooth and swift, but on some occasions, in traffic for example, the gearbox was left hunting. Along with extra performance, SRT cars were created to boost the image of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. The US has 10 SRT cars including a Dodge Charger SRT-8, Dodge Viper SRT-10, Chrysler 300C SRT-8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8. The ideology behind the SRT badging focuses on five main cues: powertrain, ride and handling, braking, exterior, and the interior appointments.

The SRT-6 costs $85,990 for the Coupe and $91,990 for the Roadster.

The SRT-6 has stiffer suspension for a sportier ride and reduced understeer. The spring rates have been significantly increased and the suspension uses performance-tuned damping and a gripping compound on Crossfire's high-performance Z-rated tyres. The electronic stability program (ESP) is less intrusive than the base Crossfire.

Power is at a premium – put your foot down and you are up to 100km/h in a little more than five seconds. But, with the ESP system off in the dry, minimal acceleration causes the car to kick sideways despite the huge 19-inch alloys on the rear.

The SRT-6 has internally ventilated disc brakes on all four corners with dual-piston calipers on the front and rear, which Chrysler claims equates to a braking distance of just 35m from 100km/h to zero.

This car looks like a high-powered performance machine. The most noticeable feature is the fixed rear spoiler, which replaces the pop-up, pint-sized one on the base model.

The more aggressively styled front spoiler reduces lift and enhances vehicle balance, while providing greater cooling airflow.

The SRT-6 sits on 18-inch alloys on the front and 19-inch on the rear.

It is available in four colours: sapphire silver, graphite, black and aero blue.

The race seats are a little hard but are supportive thanks to the suede inserts and bolsters, and feature the SRT-6 logo on the headrests. Other than grey stitching on the seats and steering wheel and a new 320km/h instrument cluster, the interior is the same as the base model. However the lack of a full-sized spare wheel is a disappointment.

The fabric top on the Roadster test car is partially electric. To release the roof the occupant must pull down a lever before the electronic system will engage. While it may be the middle of winter our unseasonably warm weather meant the top could be dropped without the outer extremities turning blue. The heated seats were nice and cosy, but with the windows up and the roof down it is still necessary to don a hat to stop the hair flying in the driver's face.

The sound system incorporates a 240-watt digital amplifier (six speakers including dual subwoofers) and pumps pretty hard.