Chrysler Viper Reviews

"Has it got a V8?" asks one enthusiast outside an auto shop one Saturday morning. "No, it's a 3.2-litre V6 – not much more power than a Commodore V6 really but it feels strong and goes quick enough." "This is one of those American things, isn't it? So how does it handle?" asks a man who has done a U-turn on his bicycle to pore over the coupe. "Yes, it's what you might call an American interpretation of a Mercedes SLK sports car. It does handle very well. The cornering grip is pretty high, thanks to those large tyres of course." The Crossfire design in early photographs was an eye-catcher: not so much for its purity but that it was different, bold and purposeful. But in the flesh, it's a smaller car than some imagined. It's a two-seater hard-top coupe. Despite its long bonnet, the stubby rear end has it at just 4058mm long. An Astra 1.8 three-door is 4110mm. Leg room is still fine inside and the hatchback rear opens to a handy box-like boot. But there's no spare wheel, not even a space saver – just a can of tyre sealant and an air compressor. The wheels and tyres are massive for this size car: Michelin 225/40 on 18in rims on the front and 255/35 on 19in rims at the rear. If anything, it feels over-tyred sometimes but you can't deny that cornering grip. The Crossfire is the offspring from the marriage of Mercedes-Benz and America's Chrysler. The car is Mercedes SLK-based and picks up the Benz 3.2-litre V6, a willing engine that is smooth and gives good torque at and from 3000rpm and has a serious note when revved out. Transmission is six-speed manual or, as tested, the five-speed sequential automatic, using the Mercedes configuration of bumping the shift to the right for up shifts and to the left for down shifts. The car performs a nice trick: Above 90km/h, a small rear spoiler deploys. It subsides when the speed returns to below 60km/h. Several times, it caught the sun, a distraction when reflecting in the rear-view mirror. Equipment includes CD with 240W sound system, power-adjustable, heated leather seats, dual-zone airconditioning, front and side airbags, ABS plus ESP.

For the first time since the death of the Valiant, Chrysler plans to go head-to-head with Ford and Holden in Australia.The Chrysler 300c will arrive here towards the end of next year, with a price around the $60,000 mark.And it will be aimed straight at our homegrown luxury stars, the Ford Fairlane and Holden Statesman.It will join the Crossfire coupe and convertible in Australia, and could finally provide the much-needed breakthrough for the American brand.The 300c is bold and beautiful. It is also an American car in the truest sense, with a big engine, a big body and traditional rear-wheel drive.Even more important, the 300c will be gunning for a global role as Chrysler's new flagship model."The introduction of the Chrysler 300c marks an important chapter in the evolving history of our brand internationally and is one of the most important episodes of our continuing product offensive," Chrysler executive director international sales and marketing Thomas Hausche says.Chrysler has gone back to its roots to push the brand forward.The 300c is a modern interpretation of the company's historic letter-series models that began with the renowned C-300 in 1955.This contemporary styling, including an in-your-face grille, will put the 300c in a class of its own and provide a point of difference against the Statesman, Fairlane and other contenders in the $60,000 price range.The 300c also heralds the return of Chrysler's legendary 5.7-litre HEMI V8 – which got its name from its hemispherical combustion chambers – after almost 50 years.As fitted to the 300c, the latest HEMI development is the first modern volume-production powerplant produced in North America with cylinder deactivation.Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System turns off the fuel supply to four cylinders when V8 power is not needed, boosting efficiency and resulting in fuel consumption as low as 12-litres/100km.Even so, the 300c – which also comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine – is no slouch, sprinting to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds and reaching an electronically regulated top speed of 250km/h. Not bad for a car that weighs 1840kg.On the roadThe 300c is a long way down the road from a 1980s Australian-made Chrysler Valiant.From the moment you sit in the 300c you are greeted with luxuries. An eight-way powered seat combined with electronically adjustable pedals adds new meaning to finding a comfortable driving position.The seat is also heated, together with the passenger's side, and there are walnut accents on the steering wheel (which has power tilt and telescoping with a memory).The centre console is sized for a suitcase and the Boston Acoustic stereo pumps out the tunes.The cabin space is similar to its likely rivals, though the Statesman has an additional 38mm of rear legroom. The Statesman and Fairlane both have bigger boots.Once you get going, the 300c is basically a big cruiser. It's a luxury long-wheelbase limousine that, though measuring a freckle under 5m, manoeuvres surprisingly easily.Acceleration is responsive and the 300c, helped in part by the 18-inch wheels and tyres, feels like it is nailed to the road at high speeds.The five-speed automatic gearbox (on the V8) is a step ahead of the 300c's competition and greatly improves drive comfort, even when not utilising the Autostick driver-operated manual control.The MDS was not noticeable, despite attempts to try to catch it out.The smooth, luxurious ride compromises the handling – as you would expect from a luxury sedan – and some body roll was encountered when cornering hard.And, just as you'd expect with a Hemi under the hood, the 300c allows you to enjoy the traditional thump of a big V8.

We're talking about big, cruisy American cars with thumping great V8s and truckloads of power – Yank tanks as they used to be known.Australia recently delivered the Monaro to the US and the Americans are getting ready to return the favour, with a big V8-powered Chrysler that will go head to head with Ford and Holden.It has been more than 20 years since Chrysler has gone one on one with the big two in Australia, not since the last Valiant rolled off the production line – but the Chrysler 300C is not like any American car that we have seen before.As with other vehicles to come out of the Chrysler stable in the last couple of years, the 300C boasts dramatic styling with simple technology to dramatically improve fuel consumption from the big 5.7-litre Hemi V8.In short. the rear-wheel drive 300C is a car that is going to knock your socks off with its big, bold, muscular front grille, high waisted "hot rod" sides, narrow band of windows and chunky 18inch wheels.If it all sounds good so far, the only downside is that we are going to have to wait 12 months or so before the car finds its way down under.The 300C draws its name and heritage from the 300 series "letter cars" that Chrysler began producing in the 50s.With 300 brake horsepower the big, low-slung coupes were able to reach an unprecedented 150mph and were the fastest thing to hit stock car racing at the time.The new car while it is a four-door sedan draws many styling cues from the original cars that ceased production in 1965.We were fortunate to be among a select few journalists to preview and drive the car recently in France.The big Hemi V8 (another name from the past) puts out 250kW of power and 525Nm of torque and is capable of catalpulting the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds, despite the fact it measures just 1mm shy of 5 metres and weighs close to 2 tonnes.The clever thing is that the engine uses what Chrysler describes as a Multi-Displacement System to shutdown four of the eight cylinders when maximum power is not required, dramatically reducing fuel consumption.Final certification has not been given yet but Chrysler executives believe the car should achieve a figure of just under 12.0L/100km which means you can have your V8 cake and eat it too.The transition from eight to four cylinders is virtually seamless, taking just 40 milli-seconds.It transforms the engine from a V8 to a V4 configuration by shutting down two cylinders on each side.The big V8 is teamed with a five-speed sequential auto that neither Australian manufacturer currently offers.Chrysler says it is too early to discuss pricing, but adds it will be "attractively" priced to compete with Fairlane and Statesman.A 3.5-litre 186kW V6 model will also be offered while an all-wheel drive Touring wagon is still under consideration.The 300C is an imposing car especially from the front with a strong street presence that turns heads wherever it goes.Based on style alone it could give Ford and Holden a real shakeup, provided of course the price is right.It is also likely to draw buyers from larger European saloons that are looking for something different.On the road the 300C feels large but agile, with a burst of power that quickly dispatches slower vehicles.Handling is not quite sporty but certainly no soggy biscuit.The twin exhaust system delivers a recognisable V8 note under hard acceleration.At other times it is almost inaudible, with impressively low levels of interior noise.Top speed of the car is limited to 250km/h.The interior is finished in "real" California walnut, with the usual luxury appointments including satellite navigation and a 380 watt Boston Acoustics sound system.The driver's seat has eight way adjustment, with a steering wheel that has height and reach adjustment as well as foot pedals that adjust. 

The Chrysler Crossfire incorporates typically extravagant styling demanded by American buyers with mechanicals from Mercedes-Benz.And that just about sums up the collision of cultures which is Crossfire.Buyers who like sleek, svelte European styling will not get caught in this crossfire.However, those who want a niche model which is different will consider the new car.But all that said, Crossfire is not without merit. Any car which shares the same 3.2-litre V6 engine, sequential automatic and suspension as Merc's sensational SLK has lots in its favour. And full credit to Chrysler for being different in its styling approach.The two-seat sports car was developed in the US but is built in Germany by specialist car builder Karmann.And that guarantees Crossfire is turned out with sky-high build quality.From a dynamic viewpoint, the presence of Mercedes mechanicals and chassis assures the car goes quickly and handles impeccably.The car goes from zero to 100km in a quick 6.5 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 242km/h. Crossfire is available with either six-speed manual or five-speed adaptive automatic – both priced at $69,990.The test car ran Merc's auto box, which means sequential gear changes are made with a nudge to the left and right, rather than the more conventional front and rear employed by other brands.Having experienced – and enjoyed – the Mercedes configuration in so many of its cars, Crossfire's east-west auto shift operation held no mysteries.Similarly, the punch from Merc's 160kW 3.2-litre engine has been savoured many times in the past, and feels and sounds like it is working in a machine bearing a silver star.The all-aluminium 18-valve unit is highly responsive and with an all-up weight of under 1400kg to haul around, the good power-to-weight ratio results in highly responsive acceleration.With a Mercedes-worked suspension keeping the body nicely in check, it is not surprising Crossfire handles extremely well.The car comes with electronic stability program (ESP), the dynamic stability system which has proved so successful on a number of European performance cars. The system takes road safety to a new level, cutting in and out without input from the driver when cornering forces threaten to generate understeer or oversteer.Coupled with anti-lock brakes and brake assist system, ESP ensures Crossfire never gets crossed up.Cornering grip is also enhanced by evenly balanced weight distribution and independent front and rear suspension.The chassis has sufficient travel to provide superior ride quality while geometry is designed to control body movement during spirited cornering. If the car were to be judged on dynamics alone, marks would be very high indeed.But while sports coupe buyers place great emphasis on pure driving pleasure, looks do play a significant part in any evaluation.Crossfire's profile is sound enough – powerful shoulders, heavy wedge side profile, long bonnet and sweeping beltline all combine for winning looks.The rear end is nicely rounded around the C-pillar for an unusual – but not unattractive – boot line which is an extension of the roof radius. Chrysler's new face is appealing and the air vents rearward of the front wheels work well.But there are just too many bends in the metalwork for the total package for work for this writer.The rib work pressed longitudinally along the bonnet is altogether far too busy.In the cabin, the centre console is painted in bright silver, which is more like an arcade game.And the less said the better about the seats, which provide little in the way of support.While the car has to be considered a genuine performance vehicle, the rear spoiler which deploys automatically when the car's speed rises above 90km/h has to be considered as bit excessive.A car has to be travelling well in excess of 90km/h before wings and things begin to impact on downforce.So while a certain section of buyers may be impressed by toys on their cars, this writer prefers cars to be pure in design and spirit – and definitely gimmick-free zones.Chrysler has been a bit of a drain and a strain on Mercedes-Benz since the amalgamation of the two car giants.But DC claims the American arm of the world's fourth largest car maker has a host of new products in the pipeline.It really is hard to be negative about a car like Crossfire, which is designed to appeal only to a niche market – roughly 200 a year in Australia.But it comes down to what works for the Americans does not necessarily make friends and influence buyers in Australia.Remember Pontiac demanded changes to our Monaro beyond branding changes, which illustrates the differing tastes. So far, Chrysler has sold 85 examples of Crossfire but it will be interesting to see how the monthly demand levels out following the fulfilment of the initial demand.In sum, great mechanicals, questionable styling.

Of the cars that have been through our garage, the Crossfire has attracted the most attention – edging out Holden's panel van and Smart's funky roadster."Does it go as good as it looks?" and "How much?" were common phrases exchanged in raised voices at intersections.I felt like making a sign, it would have been easier.Others were seen to stop in car parks to have a good look, pressing their noses up against the glass before standing back to take in the car's styling.So it has incredible street cred but does it have the performance and handling to match?If the Crossfire could talk, it would say "I wish I was a V8".Not that the 3.2-litre V6 doesn't drive those rear wheels – it does – but for a car with such appeal on the outside and a bonnet big enough to get a V8 underneath it, the bigger engine would be a nice option.Bigger exhausts would do the car justice as the pea shooters surrounded by the nice big chrome tipped pipes create a muffled noise, not the throaty sound you would expect from a sports car.The manual is the better box to choose. The clutch is a little heavy and the box a bit sloppy but the ability to rev the engine is a plus not enjoyed in the automatic, even with the tiptronic-style shifter.The six-speed box makes the most of the 160kW (at 5700rpm) and the 310Nm (at 3000rpm).The Crossfire tested had a track debut at Oran Park. No, not as a race car – it was used in the second stage of the Jim Murcott Advanced Driving Course.The Crossfire stops well but under heavy braking above 80km/h the test car pulled to the left and had a shudder through the wheel.In the understeer/oversteer tests at the track the Crossfire proved how stable it was. Despite traction control being off it was difficult to make it move off-line.Vision is a problem. The back window is narrow and rear quarter vision is poor.The Crossfire is built on the Mercedes Benz SLK platform and the Benz influence is felt throughout the interior. The leather even has the same smell.The low roof, high door sills and dark matt finish make for a cosy interior but there is still a reasonable amount of room.The glovebox is surprisingly large and the centre console bin hides the phone, wallet and keys away. Finally, a sports car with a decent boot. It is large enough to fit a trolley-load of shopping (without any riding shotgun) and an average suitcase.The chrome finish on the centre dash area is striking. The leather seats are hard but comfortable.The cup holder is clumsy to use, is in the wrong position and there is only one.There was noticeable creaking from around the door trims when the car flexed under stress and over rough roads.The Crossfire is nicely priced at $69,990 for both auto and manual, and competes directly in money terms with Nissan's 350Z.But, as far as street cred goes, there is no competition.Want to be noticed but can't quite afford a Ferrari or a Lamborghini? Then go cruising a Chrysler Crossfire. It gets attention wherever it goes.

The Mercedes-Benz connection is difficult to overlook in Chrysler's sensational looking new Crossfire coupe. That it comes tens of thousands less than the donor SLK320 Benz is an amazing feat. The car is a stunner in more than looks, offering spirited performance, excellent handling and more "wow" factor inside and out than just about anything else on the road. Sensational styling stops people in their tracks. Attracts never-ending footpath inspections from kids, mums, dads, grannies, chicks and young blokes. Has compact dimensions – looks big in photographs, small in real life. Boot is capable of taking a couple of small suitcases, harbours auto pop-up wing. Interior space is tight, limited fore/aft seat travel. Luxury aplenty, great sound system, funky dash and console. Has massive 19in wheels on the back, 18in on the front. Tyres stick like glue, would cost a bomb. Five speed auto and six speed manual for same price (under $70,000). Both offer plenty of fun. Manual is quicker but not by much. Performance is strong, no need for more really. Auto has sequential shift mode – straight out of Benz catalogue as is 3.2-litre, 160kW engine. Wonder how long before new 3.5, 200kW finds its way into Crossfire? Handling is impressive to say the least. Firm but still comfy. Ride quality good for sports coupe that sticks like glue. Goes around bumpy corners with confidence. Steering is direct, plenty of feel, no backlash. Powerful brakes – refuse to fade even after extended heavy use. Exhaust wail is stirring – comes out of twin centre tailpipes. Wind down the stumpy windows and enjoy. Low ride and seat height makes access difficult. Appears to be built to high standard, tight as a drum, even panel gaps, slick finish. Built in Germany. Plenty of safety features.