Chrysler Crossfire 2006 News

Car makers are following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz and Lexus by putting folding metal hard-tops within the reach of more car buyers than ever before.It's a case of Viva la France in this instance, as Renault and Peugeot have folding metal hardtops starting well under the $50,000 mark, with the Pug 307CC Sport the only transgressor at $55,000.The rest of the Peugeot drop-top range – the two 206CC models and the 307CC Dynamic – will feature on the Peugeot display at Wayville, giving wind in the hair motoring with French fl air for a $32,990 starting price.The base 206CC is powered by a 1.6-litre engine – there's a two-litre model as well – and it's only got decent room for two people, although it offi cially seats four. The 206 is nearing the end of its model life so stay tuned for a drop-top 207.The 307CC offers a little more room for the rearseat occupants, although it uses similar drivetrains. Holden might be sourcing its light and small car entrants from Korea, but its fashionable two-seater drop-top is still from Europe. The two-seater is keenly priced and, while only available in manual, will get plenty of attention from new car buyers. Holden's present Astra has a soft-top but expect the next one to follow in the Tigra's tyre tracks, although it's no sure thing for Australia.Mitsubishi will be showing something close to its drop-top contender, the Colt coupe-cabriolet, which has started production in Italy.The folding metal hardtop is built from the Colt fi ve-door platform and rather than the three-door, the 2+2 convertible will join a revamped Mitsubishi light car range.But don't think the rag-top has gone the way of the dodo – anything but.The reigning Wheels Car of the Year is Mazda's new MX-5, which retained its manual folding soft-top for the sake of saving weight.BMW's 6-Series drop-top might cost more than $200,000 but that pricetag buys a soft-top, albeit one that is well-insulated. The company's Z4 has retained a rag-top, as has the BMWowned Mini range.Chrysler's Crossfire – a feature of the brand's stand at this year's show – also has a rag-top.Volvo's new open-topped star, the C70, has ditched the cloth roof for a solid top, while the Lexus SC430 has offered buyers of the brand the security of a metal roof with wind-in-hair enjoyment since its inception.Bentley and Lamborghini will be wellrepresented in the megabuck drop-top realm with cloth lids, as will the all-new Jaguar XK convertible.

"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.

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.