Chrysler Crossfire 2008 News

Chrysler will axe four models next year in a global cost-cutting plan.The vehicles to go include the Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible, Chrysler Crossfire sportscar, Chrysler Pacifica SUV and the Dodge Magnum (a wagon version of the 300C sedan).Australia only imports the PT Cruiser convertible and Crossfire.DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific PR manager Jerry Stamoulis emphasised that the PT Cruiser sedan would remain and that the cabrio was “only low volume; about 10 a month”.However, he admitted the loss of the Crossfire would be a blow.“Crossfire is the biggest blow for us because it's a very attractive car, drives well and had a positive response from media and public,” he said. “But as yet we have received no date as such for these to be cut.”While cutting its cloth to fit a suspected worsening in the US economic climate, Chrysler will next year add four models.There will be two new Dodges — the Journey minivan and Challenger large-medium sedan — plus two new hybrid SUV models — the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango.Stamoulis said the Challenger was in left-hand drive only.“So that is not a plan at all at this stage,” he said.“It is early days for discussing the hybrids. They are developing the hybrids for the US, but there are no specific dates for us as yet.“The Dodge Journey we are working on bringing to Australia in 2008, but they have not officially said whether it will be released here.“At this stage it is looking likely for later in 2008.”Stamoulis said Chrysler's Australian portfolio would not suffer from the loss of two models.“It's not as if we don't have a decent portfolio,” he said.“We've had five new models this year — the Sebring, Avenger, Compass, Patriot and Nitro — and the sixth will be Sebring Cabrio in December, so essentially we've brought in six new cars this year and are losing two in the next 18 months.”Chrysler Australia will also re-introduce the new Voyager and launch the Jeep Cherokee in February.Global Chrysler chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli said the impending model cuts reflected an expected reduction in sales next year.The new round of cutbacks follows an earlier announcement that Chrysler planned to chop 85,000 units from its fourth-quarter production plans.“These actions reflect our new customer-driven philosophy and allow us to focus our resources on new, more profitable and appealing products,” he said.The cuts will lead to a loss of 12,000 jobs in American factories.Nardelli said their plans were in addition to cutting 13,000 jobs by the three-year Recovery and Transformation Plan announced in February.

"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.