2005 Chrysler Crossfire Review

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When Chrysler unveiled the Crossfire, there was some skepticism about its roots. It arrived with the platform and drivetrain of the Mercedes SLK -- of course, a car like this was expected in the five years after the merger between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler. But timing mattered: the SLK was to be succeeded by a completely new one this year. So why not wait a bit with Chrysler sports car as well?

The criticism has mostly melted away, since the Crossfire has been praised as a gorgeous vehicle that's pleasant to drive. But with only a 215-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 under the hood, smart shoppers held out for the inevitable high-performance version. And that's what they get with the 2005 Crossfire SRT-6.

SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology (the number indicates the amount of cylinders) and is used already by Dodge for the Viper, the Ram, and the Neon. The Crossfire is the first Chrysler with the SRT badge.

The SRT-6 has more power, larger brakes, a stiffer suspension, and fatter rubber. You recognize this version by its deeper chin spoiler up front and the fixed rear spoiler. They reduce lift and provide better aerodynamics at higher speed.

Under the hood is the supercharged 3.2-liter V-6 engine teamed to the five-speed automatic Speedshift transmission (Chrysler calls it AutoStick) that we know from the SLK 32 AMG. In the Crossfire this powerplant delivers 330 hp and 310 lb-ft.of torque. That is slightly less than in the SLK, because Chrysler chose different parameters in the engine management system.