2008 Chrysler Crossfire
The Chrysler Crossfire was available only in coupe form when it debuted in 2004, with a convertible model arriving the next year. Otherwise, the Crossfire stayed mostly the same through 2008, when the base trim was dropped. Also for 2008, the Chrysler Crossfire gets a standard tire pressure monitoring system. 2008 was the Crossfire’s final model year of production. When the Chrysler Crossfire concept was first introduced at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, there was genuine interest and excitement from both the motoring press and the public. Here was the first tantalizing fruit of the DaimlerChrysler merger that would combine German engineering and American style. A production model was announced, and the first Crossfire’s started to appear a few years later. Despite a sporty design and Mercedes Benz V6 powertrain, the Crossfire’s popularity never took off.
Crossfire Power
The standard engine throughout the model cycle was a Mercedes-sourced 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 215 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed manual gearbox, a Mercedes unit, doesn't seem to feel as direct and quick shifting as previous Mercedes powered roadsters. The Crossfire with the five-speed automatic works flawlessly and is well matched to the 3.2-liter engine.
Driving the Crossfire
The Crossfire is well mannered and fun to drive. It may not be a true high performance sports car, it does exhibit quick throttle and accelerates with force. In fact, its manners and drivability are the best part about the Crossfire. The Mercedes V6 offers quick throttle and the Crossfire accelerates with force. It corners flat, its Mercedes suspension always feels controlled and it has the latest in Mercedes anti-skid technology. The Crossfire can stop like a sports car, a result of its large 11.8-inch vented front and 10.9-inch solid rear rotors matched with massive tires. The Crossfire makes use of a comprehensive stability and traction control system. It's the first time the Mercedes system has been used on a Chrysler. When engaged, this system makes the Crossfire nearly impossible to upset in tricky conditions. At 60 mph a rear spoiler pops up just under the rear window, and it cuts slightly into rear vision, but noise from the spoiler's motor was not intrusive. The sporty exhaust note is still audible while on the highway. The roadster is surprisingly quiet when the top up. Rearward visibility from both the coupe and Roadster is limited to a narrow slit in the rearview mirror, but the outside mirrors are generously sized. The automatic has an adaptive function, which learns how you drive by measuring how quickly you apply the accelerator in each gear. It has a manual-shifting gate, which Chrysler calls AutoStick on its cars.
2008 Crossfire Cabin
The Crossfire two person cockpit is small, but there are plenty of storage areas with bins and cubbies. The white-on-black gauges have a chrome trim ring. The coupe offers 7.6 cubic feet of cargo space; it's deep and can swallow a fair amount of stuff, but the opening is relatively small and precludes big boxes. The roadster offers 6.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, less with the top down. Leather upholstery was standard in 2004, when only one well-equipped trim level was offered, but starting in 2005 the Crossfire was offered in base and Limited trims, and the base car came with cloth upholstery and a limited roster of standard equipment. A metallic center console flows from the top of the instrument panel through the center of the car. The Crossfire is available in coupe and convertible models. It includes leather-trimmed high-back bucket seats. Inside the Chrysler Crossfire is the familiar Mercedes adjustable wheel and pedal arrangement. The seats are firm, comfortable and supportive. The instruments are classic and easy to read. Switches for the power windows are on the center console, less convenient than having them on the doors; they feature auto-down but not auto-up.
Design of the Crossfire
Wide rear fenders end in large, sculpted taillights and dual exhaust pipes are trademark of the Crossfire. A tapered boat-tail shape highlights the rear end, which emphasizes the large rear wheels, tires and fender. A retractable spoiler activates when the Crossfire reaches 60 mph. The Chrysler Crossfire uses retro styling but is also patterned after parts of classic French Bugattis and Talbot Lagos from the elegant pre-war period of auto design. The Crossfire's styling includes both lines and curves. A center spine runs the full length of the coupe and serves as a dominant design feature. A signature winged Chrysler badge up front spans the upper width of the chrome grille. The headlights have circular elements that carve their way into the car's face. Six grooves run the full length of the long hood. Side air louvers highlight the bodysides. The rear wheels are 19 inches in diameter, while the front ones measure 18 inches.
Conclusions
Standard safety features include airbags, all-disc antilock brakes, brake assist, traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an electronic stability system. Limited models, the only trim available for 2008 include heated leather power seats, tire-pressure monitoring system, touring gear, heated mirrors, fog lamps, and a universal garage door opener. The Crossfire is great for consumers looking for an affordable sports car, that may not quite reach the performance level class, but is still fun to drive and powerful thanks to a Mercedes V6. It small inside, but it has great design features and a smooth look.
