- Refined and robust powertrains
- Powerful supercharged V6 for Crossfire SRT-6
- Body feels solid and rigid
- Standard Crossfire Roadster has impressive ride/handling balance…
- … but Crossfire SRT-6 has harsh ride
- Tall occupants will struggle with headroom seat adjustment
- Woeful rear visibility
- Manual transmission has notchy action
- Automatic transmission slow to kick down
Chrysler ZH Crossfire coupe
Overview
Released in November 2003, the Chrysler ZH Crossfire was initially available as a two-seat coupe (the Crossfire Roadster has been reviewed separately). Manufactured by Karmann in Osnabruck, Germany, the rear-wheel drive Crossfire was initially available with a 3.2-litre inline six cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
In July 2005, the supercharged Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 was released – it was solely available with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz M112 V6 engine
The Chrysler Crossfire’s 3199 cc Mercedes-Benz M112 V6 petrol engine had an alloy cylinder block with cast-in Silitec (Al-Si alloy) cylinder liners, forged steel connecting rods, iron-coated aluminium pistons, an alloy cylinder, single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder bank (driven by a double-roller chain), three valves per cylinder (two intake and one exhaust) actuated by roller rockers, a dual-length variable intake manifold and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Similar to the Mercedes-Benz W203 C 32 AMG and Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK 32 AMG , the M112 V6 engine for the Crossfire SRT-6 was fitted with a twin-screw, belt-driven supercharger – which featured Teflon-coated rotors – and its compression ratio was lowered to 9.0:1. To minimise fuel consumption, the supercharger was activated by an electromagnetic coupling according to load and engine speed conditions. The water/charge-air cooler was mounted between the cylinder banks and connected to a separate radiator that was located at the front of the vehicle in the fresh air stream.
The supercharger for the C 32 AMG and SLK 32 AMG provided peak boost pressure of 1.22 bar so that the supercharged M112.960 engine produced peak outputs of 260 kW and 450 Nm. The Crossfire SRT-6’s supercharger, however, provided peak boost pressure of 1.0 bar such that its peak outputs were 246 kW at 6100 rpm and 420 Nm at 3500-4800 rpm.
Origin and dimensions
The Crossfire was closely-related to the Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK convertible , sharing the SLK 320’s engine bay, dashboard, control panel and instruments. Compared to the SLK 320 convertible, the Crossfire coupe was 49 mm longer (at 4059 mm), 11 mm wider (1766 mm), 40 mm taller (1305 mm) and had the same wheelbase (2400 mm).
Steering and suspension
The Crossfire coupe had recirculating ball steering, double wishbone front suspension and five-point multi-link rear suspension; both front and rear suspension utilised coil springs, gas-charged dampers and anti-roll bars.
| Engine | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossfire | 3.2-litre V6 | 2003-08 | 5sp auto, 6sp man. |
160 kW at 5700 rpm | 310 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| Crossfire SRT-6 | 3.2-litre s/charged V6 | 2005-08 | 5sp auto | 246 kW at 6100 rpm | 420 Nm at 3500-4800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Chrysler Crossfire included dual front airbags, front door-mounted side airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Crossfire had 300 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs with single-piston floating calipers and 278 mm by 9 mm solid rear discs with opposed-piston fixed calipers.
The Crossfire SRT-6, however, had 330 mm by 32 mm internally ventilated front brake discs with 44 mm diameter dual piston calipers and 300 mm by 22 mm internally ventilated rear discs with 42 mm diameter dual piston calipers.
Features: Chrysler Crossfire
Standard features for the Chrysler Crossfire included 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloy wheels, a 240 watt Infinity sound system with six speakers and a CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and four-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated seats, cruise control, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, an alarm and immobiliser.
Features: Crossfire SRT-6
The Crossfire SRT-6 was distinguished by its Nappa leather sports seats with suede inserts and bolsters. The SRT-6 was also fitted with stiffer suspension and – unlike the standard Crossfire which had an automatically deploying rear spoiler – a fixed rear spoiler.
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