2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster

Once DaimlerChrysler got its Crossfire two-seat coupe out and running, it didn't take long to pull the cover off its next pleasant surprise, the sexier-yet roadster version. While we love the coupe's looks and the way it drives, we think the Crossfire looks even better topless.

Crossfire artfully blends a "fresh and sassy" styling theme with mostly off-the-shelf Mercedes-Benz chassis and powertrain parts.

Carving off the roof while maintaining structural rigidity was no easy task, but it's well worth the effort for wind-in-your-hair worshippers. Top down, it eliminates the coupe's pesky rear-pillar blind spots. While the roadster was designed and developed in parallel with the coupe, it was first revealed at Detroit's 2004 North American International Auto Show and hit the streets nearly one year later.


Crossfire artfully blends a "fresh and sassy" styling theme with mostly off-the-shelf Mercedes-Benz chassis and powertrain parts and is built in Germany by Karmann, a well-known custom coachbuilder and long-time DCX partner. Most of what you see and touch in both models (roughly 60 percent of the total) is American Chrysler componentry. The other 40 percent—most of what makes it go, stop and turn—is German Mercedes.


The engine, a 215-hp version of M-B's 3.2-liter SOHC 18-valve V6 (borrowed from the C-Class family and the SLK320 roadster) powers the rear wheels through a choice of standard 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed AutoStick (to enjoy the involvement of manual shifting) automatic transmissions. Chrysler proudly points out that it delivers 229 lb.-ft. of torque, which equates to off-the-line oomph, versus Porsche Boxster's 192 lb.-ft. and BMW Z4's 214.


Front and rear suspensions, also derived from the SLK and C-Class, are tuned for surprisingly tight, agile handling. Electronic Stability Program (ESP), brake assist and high-performance Continental SportContact 2 tires (certified to 168 mph) are standard, and the roadster's torsional stiffness is impressive at 29.2 Hz.