2004 Chrysler Crossfire

When DaimlerChrysler presented the Crossfire at Detroit's 2001 North American International Show, it was a provocative two-seat concept car with big tires and a tapered boattail backend—and we were very impressed. Now, a little more than two years later, the Crossfire is a production sports car and, after driving it, we are even more impressed.

Styling is sports car All-American in its visual flare and long hood/short deck proportion.

Chrysler Group designer Glenn Abbott says the Crossfire was not originally aimed toward production, but an "exercise in 'what if—' If Chrysler did a sports car, what would it be—" What it turned out to be is Chrysler brand's new flagship, a visually stunning American sports car and DaimlerChrysler's first example of significant parts sharing between the Chrysler Group and Mercedes-Benz.


Some cynical observers felt that Germany's Daimler-Benz, maker of luxury Mercedes-Benz automobiles, merged with Chrysler some five years ago much like the U.S. Marines more recently merged with Baghdad. But Crossfire clearly demonstrates that the combined company's German and American engineers are capable of collaborating on some pretty fine product—and there's more to come as DaimlerChrysler readies a selection of new rear-drive Chrysler cars for U.S. introduction in 2004.


"The initial public response to our Chrysler Crossfire concept vehicle was overwhelming," says Larry Achram, Chrysler Group vice president of Advance Vehicle Engineering. "Once we established a solid business case for bringing this car to market, we worked closely with our colleagues in Germany to move it swiftly from concept to reality." Artfully blending a fresh styling theme with mostly off-the-shelf M-B chassis and powertrain parts, the Crossfire was developed in 24 months and will be built by German coachbuilder Karmann, a long-time DaimlerChrysler partner. "Crossfire symbolizes what this merger is all about," adds Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of DC's Chrysler Group.

The distinctive center spine along the length of the exterior continues inside, through the instrument panel, console, shifter, and even the headliner.

As a general rule, most of what you can see and touch (roughly 60 percent of the total content) is American Chrysler. The other 40 percent, most of what makes it go, stop and turn, is German Mercedes-Benz. The engine, a 215-hp version of the 3.2-liter SOHC 18-valve V-6 from M-B's C-Series cars and SLK320 two-seat roadster, powers the rear wheels through a choice of standard M-B 6-speed manual or available 5-speed automatic transmissions. The 5-speed automatic gets Chrysler's AutoStick feature for those who enjoy the option of manual shifting. Suspension is also derived from those of the SLK and C-Class, re-tuned for tighter, more agile handling.