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26/09/2005
By EWAN KENNEDY
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We’ve just spent a great week in the hottest of all the Chrysler Crossfire models, the supercharged SRT-6 roadster. And what a great little beast it is. Not a car for the faint-hearted, it will give the true driver a great deal of pleasure. Whether you’re running gently around your favourite haunts en route to the best cafes or, ideally, giving it a real blast over your favourite roads a silly smile is likely to be on your face all the time.
 And those who see the car going by are likely to appreciate its appearance as well. Though we have to admit that we have spoken to some unenlightened individuals who can’t come to grip with the shape. Aerodynamics have also been given an upgrade in the SRT-6 variant. There's a slightly deeper front spoiler and a smart-looking fixed rear wing to reduce lift at high speed.
The Crossfire roadster’s soft-top remains attractive when it’s in place, but naturally, looks even better when it’s down. The operation of the roof is on the awkward side, not being up to some of the latest of its type in design. It requires manual operation of a hefty centre latch. After that, it’s simple enough, you simply hold down a button and everything else is automatic. The roof stows completely out of sight in a vertical compartment immediately behind the seats.
When the roof is up there's access to its stowage area by way of a folding flap at the back of the boot. This turns an otherwise pretty small-volume boot into a respectable luggage area. However, the tiny opening will restrict usability.
It’s not just the boot, the cabin is on the tight side, as well. At 1.82 metres I’m about average in height for a tall person and found there to be just enough legroom and no more. The seat backrests are very limited in the angle to which they can be reclined so that avenue gaining a bit more comfort is cut off.
The really big news in the Crossfire SRT-6 is the supercharged engine fitted to the fastest model. Installing a blower over the 3.2-litre V6 engine gives it no less than 53 per cent more power. But the torque is the real story, not the power. The massive 30 per cent torque boost is available all the way from 2300 rpm through to 6200 rpm, providing almost-instantaneous acceleration from almost any speed. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Fuel consumption is nothing special. Around town the engine will use about 12 to 14 litres per hundred kilometres, a figure that’s mirrored by high-action country driving. Slower paced running could drop the consumption below 10 litres per hundred, but you would have to work at it.
 Sadly, the SRT-6 versions of the Crossfire do not have the option of a manual-shift transmission, instead you get a five-speed automatic. It uses adaptive electronic control that has been further tuned to suit this hot engine’s characteristics. Driver-operated gear changes via the lateral AutoStick shifter, and the lock-up torque converter give full transmission of torque without annoying slip. So there's reasonable satisfaction on offer for do-it-yourself drivers.
To match this new found power, the Chrysler's suspension has increased spring rates, performance-tuned dampers, and a slightly softer rubber compound for the Z-rated performance tyres. The internally-vented brake discs also are larger than on the base model. The ride is pretty firm and may not appeal to those looking purely for a good looking cruiser.
Cornering is up to the urge provided by the supercharged engine. This is a full-on sports model that can be fanged along hard and fast in a most enjoyable manner. The big tyres, larger at the rear than the front, hold on safely at cornering speeds seldom likely to be encountered this side of a racing track. They offer a decent amount of comfort even on moderately rough roads. Really rough ones do bump the Crossfire around in a manner that can be uncomfortable at times. If your favourite roads encompass some rough stuff have a talk to the Chrysler dealer and explain that you need to do some of your pre-purchase road testing in those areas.
A true sports machine at a pretty moderate price for the performance and styling, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 roadster should be on the shopping list of anyone who is tight on cash, but not on driving ambition.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Crossfire 3.2-litre two-door coupe - $69,990
Crossfire Roadster 3.2-litre two-door coupe - $75,990
Crossfire SRT-6 3.2-litre supercharged two-door coupe - $85,990
Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster 3.2-litre supercharged two-door convertible - $91,990
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard on all models
Air Conditioning: Standard on all models
Automatic Transmission: No cost option on Crossfire. Standard on SRT-6.
CD Player: Standard on all models
Central Locking: Standard on all models
Cruise Control: Standard on all models
Driver Airbag: Standard on both models
Passenger Airbag: Standard on both models
Front Side Airbags: Standard on both models
SPECIFICATIONS (Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 3.2-litre supercharged two-door coupe)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.199 litres
Configuration: Longitudinal V6
Head Design: SOHC, three valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Bore/Stroke: 89.9 x 84.0mm
Maximum Power: 246kW @ 6100rpm
Maximum Torque: 420Nm @ 3500-4800rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Rear
Manual Transmission: Not offered
Automatic Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive Ratio: 3.07:1
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4059mm
Wheelbase: 2400mm
Width: 1766mm
Height: 1307mm
Turning Circle: 9.8 metres
Kerb Mass: 1469kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
Towing Ability: Not recommended for towing
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent, double wishbones, anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Independent five-link, anti-squat geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Disc
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.8 secs
Standing 400 Metres: 14.1 secs
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
City Cycle: 13.7 L/100km
Highway Cycle: 9.2 L/100km
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/100,000km |
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