 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chrysler Crossfire Reinvents The Mercedes SLK |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Bodied Version Adds Pizzazz To Worthy But Dull Roadster What has Chrysler got against Golfers? Mainz, Germany - The new Chrysler Crossfire sports coupe is really a Mercedes SLK in disguise; and what a disguise. The body completely transforms the car’s personality. No longer is this an anonymous, top-of-the-range hairdresser’s car. It as an aggressive, muscley, macho machine. This car is drop-dead gorgeous, to coin a phrase. From whatever angle you choose, it just looks right. Maybe the rear does look a little like an Audi TT, but this is no VW Golf in wolf’s clothing. The most surprising thing about this car is its size. Look at the pictures, even walk up to it at a car show, and it gives the impression that it is bigger than it actually is. This car is small, but then so is its sister, the SLK. The Crossfire uses the Mercedes SLK roadster platform, suspension, and drive-train. (If you’re wondering, DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes parent, merged with Chrysler of the U.S. in 1998). Unlike the SLK, the Crossfire’s roof doesn’t fold down into the boot. There is no sunroof. A roadster version may emerge next year. Speedlines The bonnet is long, with streaks or “speedlines” streaming down from the windscreen. The curvy rear-end stops abruptly just behind the wheels. Fancy design cues are everywhere. Chrysler calls this “delivering disciplined pizzazz”. The car is powered by a 3.2 litre, V-6 engine producing 215 bhp, borrowed, naturally, from the Mercedes SLK. The V-6 is designed to deliver high torque across a broad range. Maximum torque is generated at just over 3,000 rpm, over 90% is available from 2,600 to 5,300 rpm, and 98% from 3,000 to 4,500. Standard equipment is impressive with powered leather seats, dual zone air conditioning, and remote keyless entry. Seven-spoke, aluminium alloy wheels are included. The usual high tech safety features are all there with electronic ABS, Electronic Stability Programme, traction control, “thinking” air bags, "thorax" side air bags, and 4 halogen projector headlamps. Brake Assist System senses when a driver is braking in an emergency and immediately applies maximum available power boost. Apparently most drivers have a tendency not to break hard enough, or soon enough. Splendid Snarl Driving the Crossfire around the autobahns near Mainz, Germany, I was able to test the top speed claims without worrying about speed cameras and police. Yes, the car does go all the way to its limited 150 mph (204 kph). The rear-wheel drive car accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 6.5 seconds. The engine gives off a splendid snarling noise under acceleration. The five-speed automatic version performed well, with instant kick-down when required. The six-speed manual is probably going to be the choice of Europeans and does its job neatly, although never matching the sublime BMW Z4 gear change. On the unlimited sections of the autobahns, fifth gear brought up about 110 mph. Absolutely Solid The fat tyres gave a feeling of security at high speeds, and on the curvier roads along the stupendously beautiful Rhine valley. The steering was precise and secure and the car felt absolutely solid at high speeds. The car has bigger wheels at the back (19 inch), with 18-inch wheels at the front – to give it a more aggressive stance. The dashboard was understated and classy, although some of the switchgear felt tacky. The spoiler on the rear, designed to add down-force and more grip to the car at speeds, automatically deploys at 90 kph, and this can be annoying if you are driving in traffic around this speed. You can turn it off if you want. Don’t Get A Puncture The boot is ridiculously small. And it would be even smaller if there were a spare tyre. “Crossfire carries no spare tyre as statistics show that drivers will suffer a puncture only once in every 150,000 km of motoring. To deal with a flat, Crossfire is equipped with a TIREFIT service kit – a can of pressurised tyre sealant and an electric compressor to re-inflate the tyre,” Chrysler said. As I would always call for help, and never try and change my own wheels, this sounds like an over-the-top solution to me. Unfair To Golfers The Crossfire fails the golf-bag test. Even if you were strong enough to lift your bag up to the almost stratospheric boot, it would not go in. The Crossfire concept was first unveiled at the 2001 car show in Detroit, and the actual car has been toned down only slightly from this. Chrysler makes much of the short time - 24 months - it needed to bring the car from concept to market. Made In Germany That’s not so impressive when you remember the huge role that the SLK plays in the Crossfire. But this is also reassuring for potential buyers, as will be the knowledge that the car will be built in Osnabruck, Germany, by Karmann. The car, already on the market in the U.S., goes on sale in Europe in the autumn. Chrysler Crossfire Engine - 3.2 litre V6 Power - 215 bhp Acceleration - 0 to 100 kph 6.5 seconds Top Speed - 150 mph (limited) Gearbox - 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic CO2 - 239 g/km Fuel consumption - Combined 23.4 mpg (claimed) Length - 4,059 mm Height - 1,305 mm Width - 1,766 mm Suspension - Front – independent double wishbones - Rear – independent five-link Price - 37,200 euros ======================================== Pluses - Hard to beat on charisma, price. Minuses - Why exclude golfers? Score out of five - **** Neil Winton, July 18, 2003 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
