Chrysler Crossfire Reviews

Now for something completely different; a German Mercedes sportscar with an American body, a low price tag and styling that looks like nothing else on the road.

Chrysler Crossfire's shape is like nothing else on the market. Just look at that huge grille, the strakes on the long bonnet, the vents on the front guards and the stubby cabin. Then let your eyes run back to the down-curving rear. Simply stunning and real head-turners even years after the Crossfire first hit the road.The Crossfire is very well priced on the used-car market as it didn’t sell all that well when new or as a used car. That situation may change as some of the radical styling features have since come into vogue on recent model cars. No promises, though... Chrysler Crossfire's is interesting in using larger wheels at the rear than the front. The resultant chassis balance is impressive and under hard driving the car remains safe and neutral. This is a genuine sports machine that is a delight to hammer hard over twisty roads, with plenty of grip and nicely predictable handling. Yet it remains surprisingly comfortable for a car with sports suspension.Most of the Crossfire's out-of-sight components are shared with an older Mercedes SLK roadster. At the launch of the Crossfire in November 2003, Chrysler told us, “everything you can see and touch is unique to the Crossfire.” However, some of the minor controls looked rather familiar to us. Crossfire costs considerably less than the equivalent Mercs. The similarity in under-the-skin parts was due to American Chrysler and German Mercedes being in partnership at one time. They have since divorced and these days Chrysler is controlled by Fiat.There’s yet another German connection in the Chrysler Crossfire. It was built in Germany by Karmann. The Crossfire has full leather trim, power seats with heating, an Infinity Modulus stereo system, dual-zone air-conditioning and cruise control as well as a quite a few other comfort features - this is far from being a stripped down sports special.Seating is strictly for two and there’s a reasonable amount of cabin stowage and a good sized boot, but the stylish rear end of the Crossfire means the opening of the rear hatch is very skinny. The Crossfire coupe was joined by a roadster convertible in August 2004. Its cabin is on the tight side for anyone much over average height and the seat backrests are very limited in the angle to which they can be reclined. But the styling works beautifully and many feel it’s even more visually striking than the coupe.Chrysler Crossfire comes with a 3.2-litre V6 that drives the rear wheels. Basically, it’s a Mercedes-Benz unit and is seen on a number of models from the German marque and has proven powerful and reliable over the years.A high-performance model, the Crossfire SRT-6 was introduced in June 2005 and sold in both coupe and roadster convertible format. The 3.2-litre, supercharged V6 engine providing an extra 53 per cent more power and 30 per cent added torque over that of the standard versions, at 246 kW and 420 Nm respectively. The torque boost is available all the way from 2300 rpm through to 6200 rpm, providing nearly instant acceleration from almost any speed. Then whine from the blower adds to the driving pleasure.To match the extra grunt, the SRT-6’s all-wheel independent suspension has increased spring rates and performance-tuned dampers. The internally-vented brake discs also are larger. Aerodynamics have also been given an upgrade, with a deeper front spoiler and a fixed rear wing to reduce lift at high speed. The SRT-6’s ride is rather firm so may not appeal to those looking for a cruiser rather than a bruiser.Most Crossfires sold in Australia have a five-speed automatic transmission, but our preference is the slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox. Despite its more sporting nature, the SRT-6 versions of the Crossfire do not have the option of a manual-shift transmission. Standard fare is the five-speed automatic.Chrysler is well established in Australia. As mentioned, these days it’s under the control of Fiat and that company is putting a lot of effort into marketing all its cars in this country. There are Chrysler dealers in many areas, though, naturally, there’s a concentration in major cities. Some Mercedes dealers still have expertise in Chrysler, perhaps talk to them and ask if they still carry spare parts for the Crossfire.These are relatively complex cars and really should only be repaired by professionals, though the simple, non-safety items can be worked on by good amateur mechanics. Insurance charges are quite high, which hardly comes as a surprise, and we notice a fair bit of difference between companies. So it’s worthwhile shopping around. Be sure to go into all the details so the comparison is a fair one.Chrysler Crossfire was discontinued in Australia early in 2009 and hasn’t been replaced at this stage. WHAT TO LOOK FORCrossfire is certainly a car that demands a professional inspection before you hand over your hard earned.Signs of hard driving aren’t that common in sports models these days, as many are only used as attractive cruisers. Beware of one with any signs of competition use, such as a rollcage, extra instruments or race seats.Check for crash damage by sighting along panels for signs of a rippled finish. Also look for colours that don’t quite match and for tiny specks of overspray on non-painted surfaces.Check the floor of a convertible for signs of dampness and/or rust.Other than that, the car is well built and seldom has routine problems. Do the usual checks on engine starting and smoothness and make sure the gearbox or auto work correctly.CAR BUYING TIPEven if you’re looking to buy an exciting sportscar, do everything you can to let your head rule your heart during the buying process. 

The brief flirtation between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler resulted in a number of interesting cars, the Crossfire sports car being one of them. Given the inevitable cross-pollination that went on between 'Benz and its American brand it was only a matter of time before a Chrysler version of the SL/K sports car emerged.The result was a sports car that performed and handled well by European standards, but with a brash look that could only come from America. If the SL/K was designed to blast along the autobahns of its homeland the Crossfire, it seemed, was created for the boulevards of California.The Crossfire Coupe that landed here in 2003 wasn't intended to compete with its German cousin even though it took its mechanical underpinnings from the SL/K. The Chrysler sportie was several thousand dollars cheaper than the equivalent 'Benz model, which put it into an entirely different price category and had it competing with cars like the Audi TT and Alfa GTV rather than the SL/K. Even so it was still a 'Benz at heart with some 40 per cent of the Crossfire's parts, including the chassis, engine and transmission, coming from the SL/K.While the mechanical package was familiar Mercedes-Benz fare the Crossfire's looks were not. Unlike the SL/K, which was designed to be a convertible coupe with a folding steel roof, the Crossfire was created to be either a fixed-roof coupe or a roadster.The Coupe arrived first and while its proportions were similar to the SL/K's its severely truncated and very rounded rump instantly set the Crossfire apart from its corporate cousin. The front of the Crossfire Coupe was easy to like, it was pleasantly styled and pleasing to the eye, but the rounded rear was a visual challenge. You either liked it or loathed it; there was no middle ground.When it arrived in 2004 the Roadster was a much nicer looking car with much less dramatic lines, the rear was much more pleasing to the eye, and it had a more conventional roofline. By the time it was strengthened to compensate for the absence of the steel roof, the Roadster was only 36 kg heavier than the Coupe, so it didn't lose much in the transformation. The resulting body was quite rigid, and there was little scuttle shake, which is the scourge of many a soft-top.While not fully automated the Roadster's roof was easy to use, you simply unclipped it from the windscreen header and eased it back a few centimeters when the powered mechanism took over and lowered it the rest of the way. Inside it was snug with sporty seats that were a little hard, but still supportive.There was just one engine available at the launch, that being a single overhead camshaft 3.2-litre V6 that boasted 160 kW at 5700 revs and 310 Nm at 3000 revs. Later, in 2005, a supercharged version of the V6 was added. That delivered a whopping punch of 246 kW at 6100 revs and 420 Nm from 3500 to 4800 revs.There was a choice of five-speed sequential shift auto or six-speed manual gearbox on the normally aspirated V6 models, but buyers of the supercharged engine could only have the auto. Like most sports cars the Crossfire was rear-wheel drive.Oddly the Crossfire used different sized wheels back to front, with 18-inch alloys at the front and 19-inch at the rear. There was no spare provided, so you had to rely on a sealant and compressor in the event of a flat. Underneath, it boasted independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs, and a five-link rear set-up.There are no serious issues that Crossfire buyers have to be concerned about, it is generally reliable and 'Benz mechanical bits and pieces seem robust. Look for a service record to confirm a regular maintenance routine has been followed with regular oil changes. It's also worth checking for signs a car has been given a thrashing by an uncaring owner.With very competent underpinnings in the form of the Mercedes-Benz chassis and suspension, plus standard ABS antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and stability control the Crossfire has the best weapons currently available to maintain control in an emergency situation. Add to that front and side airbags and there's also a good level of protection once the metal begins the crumple.Chrysler claimed the V6 Crossfire would return an average of 10.6 L/ 100 km, the supercharged V6 10.9 L/100 km, but the real life consumption depends very much on the driver's right foot. When tested by Carsguide the supercharged Crossfire averaged 14.2 L. 100 km.Two years ago when Greg Thomas decided he didn't need the back half of his Ford Fairlanes he bought Chrysler Crossfire. He still wanted some punch and to make visual statement, and he says the Crossfire delivers very well on both fronts. It really jumps out of the blocks and has brilliant pick-up from 110-120 km/h that blasts the car forward if needed, and has endless grip thanks to its large tyres. He loves the snug driving position with everything in reach, the seat comfort and support, and the feel of the car. On the downside he says replacing the tyres is expensive, the wipers only have two speeds, the heating system dials and the CD player. Having said that though he adds that the heating system delivers within about 200 metres of driving and the power of the sound system is numbing. He rates the Crossfire at 90/100.Distinctive muscular looksA real headturnerRobust Mercedes mechanicalsSpirited performanceGenerally reliableNo spare.More a cruiser than a hard-edged sports car, but is still great fun to drive.

Holden has its HSV, Ford their FPV, Mercedes-Benz their AMG.Now American car company Chrysler is introducing us to SRT. We are the first country outside North America to get them.SRT stands for "Street and Racing Technology", not street racing technology. In these days of anti-hoon legislation that "and" makes an important distinction.The first SRT-branded vehicles to hit our shores are the Crossfire Coupe and Roadster SRT-6.As if the standard Crossfire wasn't sporty enough, this model receives the benefit of Chrysler's extensive motorsports, Dodge Viper development and Mopar Performance Parts expertise. That's the "racing" part of SRT.That means a hand-built 3.2-litre, supercharged V6 engine with 246kW of power, up a whopping 86kW on the "base" model, and 420Nm of torque, up 110Nm.There is much more to this German-built autobahn buster, such as race-tuned suspension, a bigger fixed rear wing, SRT badging and trim details and sportier seats, all for an extra $16,000.The standard Crossfire was a competitive package at $69,990 for the Coupe and $75,990 for the Roadster against the Mazda RX-8 ($54,465-$63,030) and Nissan 350Z ($59,990-$73,790).But at $85,990 for the Coupe and $91,990 for the Roadster the SRT-6 is a cheap and attractive option for those seeking a real exotic gran turismo road machine, like the 206kW Porsche Boxster S at $139,500 or the 170kW BMW Z4 ($86,000-$88,600). Especially since it is basically the AMG engine, chassis and more from the previous-generation Benz SLK roadster. And remember, the previous model SLK 32 AMG with this engine cost $154,000.Some may say it looks even better than the SLK in its American-designed skin. I'm not a keen fan of American automobile design — too detailed and flashy. Yet it was love at first sight with most of the Crossfire . . . it took a while for the "creased" bonnet to grow on me.Now I appreciate its distinctive look. Those crease marks up the bonnet and down the side are the sorts of lines cartoonists draw to make cars look like they are going fast. Not that it needs crease marks to look quick. Try 0 to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.But all that go without whoa would be simply antisocial, so SRT uprated the brakes to 330mm/300mm ventilated discs with dual calipers front and back.Likewise stomp without handling is useless, so this one gets super-stiff suspension to match the supercharged firepower beneath the bonnet.The suspension set-up was tested on the autobahn, race tracks and high-speed ovals (that's supposedly the "street" part of SRT), but it obviously wasn't tested in the back streets around my place where the speed bumps grow like mushrooms.So taut are the suspenders that you can take the speed bumps at a reasonable clip without scraping the low front dam because there is simply no give in the springs.That translates to a bone-jarring ride through the ultra-firm seats. And in the Roadster I drove it also translates to a lot of shake and rattle without the roll.The Roadster actually has "softer" spring rates than the Coupe SRT, so that must be a real fillings rattler.That harsh ride is rewarded on smooth surfaces where speed and adhesion go hand in hand with the electronic stability program to save you from instantaneous trauma when you touch the loud pedal and tweak the wheel.All round, a great muscle machine in an attractive package.My only complaints are no sound system controls on the steering wheel and volume on the left of the stereo, plus flimsy plastic switches and knobs that are typical of all Chryslers.

The Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 coupe offers sensational acceleration and handling and will keep more fancied runners in the high performance segment honest.Here is a car with enough kick in the tail to sprint from 0-100kmh in five seconds but that's only part of the story. Being supercharged means no waiting for boost to kick in as with a turbo engine. The Crossy SRT6 delivers truckloads of torque right off idle and it's there through the entire engine rev range. Push the throttle and away she goes, push harder and it goes harder. Instant grunt – there's nothing quite like it.The engine is based on the regular Crossfire with necessary reinforcements to cope with being force fed. It runs as smooth as silk and hardly makes any noise unless the taps are opened.Fuel economy is better than a V8, significantly better if you drive steadily.Power goes through a strengthened five speed automatic transmission with a number of electronic modulations to keep everything in control including Electronic Stability Program (ESP).There's a sequential shift mode if you want to play manuals.Suspension upgrades include stiffer springs and firmer damping to cope with the extra loads a 53 per cent jump in power bring.The brakes are similarly upgraded.Inside has a sporty flavour and extensive luxury features right down to heated seats. The exterior changes from the regular Crossy with a large fixed rear wing and different wheels among other detail changes.The SRT6 is in against a slew of tidy sports coupes, all of which it will see off in terms of acceleration, mid-range response and quite possibly handling.And at $85,990, it undercuts them on price by thousands of dollars, tens of thousands in some cases. 

Drawing alongside as we cruised down the motorway, he wound down his window to find out exactly what kind of car it was that we were driving?Of course he could see that it was a Chrysler Crossfire, the soft-topped roadster to be exact – but that's all he knew."It's the SRT," I shouted back, struggling to be heard above the roar of two high perform- ance engines."What's that mean?" he asked."246kW," I shouted back."Oh . . ."The SRT (Street and Racing Technology) is the supercharged, high performance of the car. Chrysler's equivalent of HSV.It's good for 250km/h and will tear from standstill to 100km/h in an amazing 5 seconds flat.That's very quick.It's faster than any HSV and, in fact, faster than a Porsche Boxster S which at $132,500 is considerably more expensive and doesn't perform anywhere near as well.The Porsche at 206kW is good for 5.5 seconds but is not speed limited to 250km/h the way the Chrysler is.The Coupe is a bit slower again.Did I mention the Crossfire Roadster SRT costs $91,990 ($85,990 for the coupe)?SRT is the mob that brought us the scintillating Dodge Viper a couple of years back.It was created to boost the performance image of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles and it has done a pretty good job of doing that.To go with the Crossfire, there will be SRT versions of the Grand Cherokee and soon to be released Chrysler 300C.The supercharged SRT engine produces 53 per cent more power than a standard Crossfire.The cars are built in Germany and the hand- built 3.2-litre Benz engine is paired with a five- speed sequential auto.There's no manual and after driving the car, we can say truthfully there's no real need for one either.With 420Nm of torque to play with, the quick changing auto does a superb job of getting the car mobile, with a nudge sideways for quick change downs.If the original car didn't turn heads (we've never been able to work out why), this one is certainly going to make performance hungry Aussies sit up and take notice.Of course there's a stiffer ride and less understeer to go with all this extra power, plus some huge 19 inch rubber and a neck-snapping set of dual piston brakes front and rear.Keeping it all glued to the road is electronic stability control.All we can say is thank God someone is producing cars with character.Car watchers be warned, however, there's not much to distinguish the car from the standard one, apart from a small SRT badge and large fixed rear spoiler. 

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.

While the rest of the mob is looking pretty much the same, the American car manufacturer has followed a different path, with a stable of "retro" design models.The latest car to emerge from the behind this barn door is the Chrysler Crossfire roadster, a soft-topped, two seat rear-wheel drive sports car.Based on the Benz SLK (both companies are owned by DaimlerChrysler), it's a fabulous looking thing, with classic sports car lines – long bonnet, short upraised rump and twin centre mounted exhausts framed by massive 19 inch rear wheels and 235/55 rubber.It's enough to take your breath away and because there is nothing else even remotely like the Crossfire on the road it draws attention wherever it goes.If you want to be noticed, then count on it in the Crossfire.For some reason the coupe version of the Crossfire has not been selling as well as expected.But it's hard to imagine the gorgeous roadster befalling the same fate, not when it looks this good, has a 3.2-litre Benz engine, sits on Benz running gear – and is available for much less than an SLK.The heart of the matter is a 3.2-litre V6 that delivers 160kW of power and 310Nm of torque at 3000rpm.It has been superceded by a larger 3.5-litre power plant in Benz world, but it remains very capable of catapulting the car from 0-100km/h in a rapid 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 242km/h.Standard transmission is a five-speed tipshift unit but a six-speed manual is available at no extra cost.Our test vehicle was the auto finished in metallic silver.We found the car a little doey in full auto mode, slow to respond even when kicking down but this was easily rectified by nudging the stick left or right to change gear manually.Some drivers may even find the slow response of the auto more to their liking as it does not pin you to the back of the seat when all you want to do is go a little faster.The black fabric roof is relative easy to operate, but it must first be released by a lever, so cannot be considered one-touch.We would have liked to have seen at least another layer of fabric in the roof to better insulate the cabin from road noise.There is still some cabin turbulence even with a wind deflector fitted and tall occupants can expect some wind buffeting.Handling is excellent with high levels of grip and a decent set of stoppers to match the car's performance.Like the coupe the roadster features a speed- sensitive rear spoiler which deploys automatically when the vehicle reaches 100km/h.The roadster comes fully-equipped with four airbags, heated and power operated leather seats seats, climate controlled air, power windows, cruise control, ABS brakes, traction control and electronic stability control (ESP).Missing is a comprehensive trip computer but the 240-watt six speed sound system which features dual subwoofers is one of the better units that we have tested.Fuel economy is rated at 10.1L/100km for the auto with premium unleaded, but we got about 500km from the 60-litre tank or about 12.0L/100km.Boot space with the roof down is tiny with a reinflation kit provided instead of a spare tyre.Surprisingly, there is not a cupholder to be found.Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is priced from $75,990.

In an era in which $1 billion can be spent developing a new model without doing anything really fancy, that can be quite a saving.The so-called partnership of equals between Germany's Mercedes-Benz and America's Chrysler was designed to give each car giant access to far greater markets – and major cost savings through component sharing. Chrysler's fall from grace, which coincided with the amalgamation, has left DaimlerChrysler struggling to find the financial benefits.But there are signs the venture could be heading for a dividend following a troubled playing-in period.Chrysler has rummaged through Merc's parts bin to come up with a sports car for the US market. The Crossfire uses the underpinnings from the former-model Mercedes SLK, including the 3.2-litre V6 engine and gearboxes, suspension, steering, seats, switches and other componentry such as stability and traction control.Mercedes has upgraded the SLK with a stunning new body, metal-folding roof and many improvements, so why should it mind its "other side" fossicking in its heap of old spares?From Chrysler's perspective, it gets a fun-todrive, performance sports with rear-wheel drive to pitch at enthusiast drivers, at a fraction of the going rate.And remember, general knowledge that the moving parts are by Merc will not do the Chrysler sports any harm at all. The Crossfire coupe has exceeded sales expectations in its first year. Now, with the Roadster version¿s arrival for summer, Chrysler Australia can look forward to quite a return.Taking a purist viewpoint, it is difficult not to get a bit irritated by a Chrysler body sitting on a Mercedes platform. In many respects, it is something of a "copy model". It certainly feels like something from the Mercedes stable, mainly because the mechanicals and chassis are exactly that. Heck, even the switchgear is handme-down material. The Yankee-doodle design is a bit hard on the eye – particularly if you want elegance and not flash. But the need to achieve cost-down measures – and they are the current bywords likely to be around for a while – sponsors strange bed fellows. And if that means bastardising pure engineering, then realists will have to live with it.In any event, one has to accept that the Crossfire coupe and Roadster have been styled for the US market which, generally speaking, requires more of an in-your-face design than other markets.Chrysler stylists have gone for a semi-retro profile which is acceptable in its concept, if not in its execution. The long bonnet and hunchback rear come together for plenty of movement.But one wonders whether all the ribbing and creases in the metal body are really necessary. The large Chrysler grille and tailored headlights are far from subtle but the brand obviously wanted to project an aggressive attitude – and that has been achieved.Crossfire¿s cabin is a bit of a problem area – short-suited on room with a shiny silverpainted centre console which calls for heavyduty sunnies. The seats are by Mercedes and that means firm and supportive. And all the switches and stalks are familiar to those who have driven recent-model Mercs. From a dynamic viewpoint, it is difficult to fault the Crossfire – again, because it is not a true Chrysler but a Mercedes in drag. And so the car has tremendous ride and handling integrity and the 3.2-litre V6 performs strongly in all speed ranges.The 160kW motor can be mated to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with sequential manual mode Chrysler calls Autostick. In manual guise, Crossfire can pull from zero to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 240km/h.And those are good numbers for a sports car in this price range.The car rides on superseded SLK suspension: independent double wishbones at the front and five-link set-up at the rear. Mercedes has the knack of striking a compromise between ride and handling – particularly with its sports models. Body movement is contained well during acceleration, braking and cornering, while road shocks are rapidly soaked up without appearing to confuse the car¿s chassis.A rear spoiler rises from the rear section when the car reaches 100km/h, theoretically to increase the downforce ¿ but one wonders exactly how much benefit really is derived from its deployment.The car comes with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, plus stability and traction control.All that combines for predictable, safe handling even when a corner is attacked at imprudent speed. Safety equipment includes driver and passenger front airbags and door mounted thorax side airbags.The car rides on 18in wheel/tyre combinations at the front and 19in assemblies at the rear. This causes an obvious spare tyre problem and Chrysler addresses this by providing tyre repair sealant and air compressor. While this might get you home – unless, of course, there is a tear in the tyre in which case one has big problems – running a tyre full of repair fluid is not a good idea. And that means a puncture means tyre replacement – which is far from cheap.Unlike the SLK, which has a fold-down metal roof, the Crossfire runs a fabric fold-down. The driver has to pull down and turn a centremounted handle before ¿buzzing¿ down the roof in about 22 seconds. When the roof is stowed, do not even think about putting much in the boot.Finally, the price.The two-door Roadster comes to market at $75,990, which is $6000 dearer than the coupe. That compares well with sports cars of similar firepower. In sum, not a car this writer would kill to own, but nevertheless a competent car which underscores the mass benefits of platform sharing.

Make no mistake, the topless Crossfire is as eye-catching as anything with four wheels and a bucketful of fun to drive.A short stint with the car was welcome but by the end of the week there were few tears being shed when it was time to take the Crossfire home.From the outset, the Roadster – and to a slightly lesser degree its coupe stablemate – was designed to draw attention to Chrysler.To do that, the American brand's new masters, DaimlerChrysler, turned the designers loose in the leftovers bin at Mercedes. Conservatively, 40-odd per cent of the Crossfire is made from bits Mercedes was not using any more, predominantly from the previous-generation SLK.Switchgear, seats, trim and automatic gear-shifter – renamed Autostick for the Crossfire – are instant clues to where the car is coming from.Less obvious but more central to the Crossfire's character is the Mercedes rear-wheel-drive platform with double-wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear, recirculating ball steering and a 160kW/310Nm 3.2-litre V6. All this technology, most of which has been superseded, for $75,990 -- and for that Chrysler will throw in a semi-automatic folding cloth roof. While that is substantially below the price tag for a new SLK Roadster or BMW Z4, it still gives a small start to Nissan's 350Z drop-top and almost $30,000 to Mazda's turbo MX-5.The most obvious compromise the designers have had to make to utilise the Mercedes donor parts, yet give the Crossfire its eye-catching and unique style, is in space.There is precious little room in the cabin with limited adjustment available via the reach-only steering wheel and electric height/tilt/slide driver's seat.If you want the roof down – and why else would you buy a convertible? – don't expect to be loading up the boot. The roof will do that for you. An annoying aspect of the test car was the solid perspex wind diffuser strapped between the individual roll hoops behind the seats.At night the reflection from the perspex shield is so bad that looking in the rear-vision mirror shows only what is in front of the car.Yes, it can be removed and stored but it shouldn't have to be.On the plus side, the Roadster's performance and manners are well ahead of what might be expected from the sum of its parts. In a relatively light body – just over 1400kg – the Merc 3.2 is a happy little unit.In manual or auto the engine winds out freely accompanied by a very pleasant crackling exhaust note.Ride is good, particularly given the low-profile tyres, and the chassis works to a level that would satisfy most owners.Body roll is not an issue and while the steering is generally adequate, there is a vagueness at the upper end of performance.Standard equipment is good – as could be expected for the price tag – with dual front and side airbags, ABS with brake assist, a stability program and switchable traction control.There are heated electric leather seats, power windows, cruise control and dual-zone climate control.The trim is well done with a polished metal-look dash treatment going some way to compensate for the white leather interior of the manual test vehicle.Is that enough to be able to live with it? Personally, no, but there are plenty of a more extroverted nature who would forgive its shortcomings for the guaranteed attention – at least in the short term.