July 30 2004
Jaw-dropping Chrysler Crossfire Roadster hits Convertible Crazy South Africa in time for Summer
- New convertible combines stunning design with solid engineering
- Super-stiff bodyshell delivers world-class ride and handling
- Lively performance and class-leading braking
Zwartkop, Pretoria – Less than a year after launching the Chrysler Crossfire Coupe, the Chrysler and Jeep Division of DaimlerChrysler South Africa delivers the new Crossfire Roadster to a South African market that adores open-top motoring.
“The new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster offers customers a combination of stunning, head-turning design with solid engineering,” says Trent Barcroft, Divisional Manager: Chrysler and Jeep at DaimlerChrysler South Africa. “By capturing the spirit of the Crossfire Coupe, the Crossfire Roadster is one of the most beautiful cabriolets on the road today. It provides a unique interpretation of the modern high-performance stylish convertible.”
World-class Handling
To retain the world-class ride and handling of the Coupe, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster bodyshell has been engineered for its new role as a convertible to ensure the maximum retention of torsional rigidity and structural integrity.
With its additional strengthening, the Crossfire Roadster weighs just 36 kg more than the Coupe.
The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster features fully independent suspension at the front and rear and powerful large-diameter disc brakes (300 mm / 11.8 in. front and 278 mm / 10.9 in. rear) with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). Standard equipment includes Brake Assist, an All-speed Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
High-performance, Continental Sport Contact 2 W-rated tyres are fitted, and the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster features a speed-sensitive rear spoiler set into the trunk lid, which deploys automatically when the vehicle reaches 105 km/h. The spoiler generates downforce on the rear of the car, increasing rear tyre grip on the road surface and enhancing vehicle stability.
“The ultimate measure of a roadster’s engineering is how quiet the vehicle is with the top up, and the Crossfire Roadster is remarkably quiet at speed,” continues Barcroft. “We designed this vehicle to be a high-speed roadster, and the result is a stunning convertible that is tight, solid and well engineered … and one which also looks great with the top raised.”
Great Looks – Top Up or Down
For open-air motoring, the top goes down in 22 seconds. The driver simply has to pull down the centre-mounted handle on the windscreen header and turn the handle – which releases the convertible fabric top and lowers the side windows.
Press the button on the centre console, and the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster’s fully automatic powered roof system then takes control, opening the hard tonneau cover, folding away the fabric top, and closing the tonneau cover. When the top is down, no trace of the fabric top remains, and the car has a super-clean, attractive elegance. The Crossfire Roadster’s glass rear window is electrically heated.
Proven Performance
While the new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is low-slung with a sculpted appearance and has a unique on-road presence, it is technically similar to its Coupe sibling.
Under the elegantly ribbed bonnet lies a 3.2 litre 90-degree V6, generating 160 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque. Drive goes to the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster’s rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission that also offers an AutoStick® manual select mode.
Like the Coupe, the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a genuine 240 km/h+ sports car, with acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds (at sea-level).
Braking performance is also solid, with the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster going from 100 to 0 km/h in just 38 metres.
Standard Features
The following are standard features on the new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster:
Performance Features
- 3.2 litre, 18-valve, SOHC V6 engine
- 160 kW, 310 Nm of torque
- Six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed electronically controlled adaptive automatic transmission with AutoStick
- Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential
- Independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers
- Independent five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers
- Speed-sensitive rear spoiler deployable at 105 km/h
- Dual centre-mounted exhaust outlets
- Front 18-inch P225/40 ZR tyres
- Rear 19-inch P255/35 ZR tyres
- Seven-spoke aluminium alloy wheels
Premium Amenities
- Power convertible fabric roof soft top
- Fully automatic powered hard tonneau cover
- Heated glass rear window
- Power eight-way heated leather driver and passenger seat
- Power windows with one-touch-down driver and passenger controls
- Telescopic steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Cruise control
- Infinity® Modulus audio system with AM/FM/CD and 240-watt digital amplifier (six speakers including dual subwoofers) – based on Infinity’s Modulus home theatre surround sound system
- Dual-zone semi-automatic air conditioning
- Remote keyless entry with central locking (including fuel filler door and centre console)
Safety and Security Features
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist
- Front 300 x 28 mm ventilated and rear 278 x 9 mm solid disc brakes
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
- All-speed Traction Control System (TCS)
- Next-generation driver and passenger front air bags
- Door-mounted thorax side air bags
- TIREFIT system with tyre repair sealant and air compressor
- Sentry Key® vehicle immobiliser
- Security alarm system
- Quad halogen projector headlights
- Tow-away protection
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30 July 2004
Chrysler Designers Sculpt Stunning New Crossfire Roadster
- Head-turning Chrysler Crossfire Roadster captures spirit of its Coupe sibling
- Top up or down, a sports car that looks like a million dollars
- Twin sports bars and twin fairings create ‘poised-to-pounce’ stance
Zwartkop, Pretoria – Chrysler designers started dreaming of a Crossfire Roadster model when the first concept Crossfire Coupe was unveiled at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. This dream has come true with the new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster hitting the streets of South Africa in time for summer.
“Open-top motoring and South Africa are synonymous. Our open roads, sun-filled days and temperate year-round climate make ours the ideal cabriolet country,” explains Guy Franken, Chrysler and Jeep marketing manager at DaimlerChrysler South Africa. “More and more variants of South Africa’s favourite cars are going soft. Tops that drop create a stir in the passions of automotive enthusiasts and a vehicle like the Crossfire Roadster is bound to set tongues wagging. Sensual, sexy, sublime, the Roadster embodies everything you expect from an open-top sports car, wrapped in a package that looks like a million dollars, top up or down.
“Sometimes when you cut off the roof of a car to create a convertible, the end result isn’t what you expect. In the case of Crossfire Roadster, that’s not true. It is just as handsome, if not more dashing, than the Coupe,” Franken goes on to say.
Exterior: Sculpted Design
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster’s rear view is instantly recognisable with its tapered, ‘boat tail’ appearance that emphasises the sports car’s 19-inch rear wheels.
Similar to the Coupe, a retractable spoiler is designed into the rear of the vehicle and activates when the car reaches 105 km/h. The centre high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) runs the width of the deployable rear spoiler. Seam lines on the fabric top flow with and complement the Roadster’s rear ‘boat tail’ lines.
To achieve even more of an aerodynamic appearance, satin silver painted sport bars appear just behind the driver and passenger seats. Two race-inspired fairings integrated into the top of the tonneau cover complete the dynamic appearance of the sports car.
With its long bonnet and fast back, Chrysler Crossfire Roadster has a dynamic side view. The car’s broad shoulders envelop 19-inch rear wheels. Front wheels measure 18 inches. With larger wheels in back, the side profile has a poised stance.
The sculpted bonnet prominently showcases Chrysler’s new signature winged badge that spans the entire upper width of the chrome grille. Six grooves run the length of the bonnet and complement the front grille.
From an aerial view, a centre spine runs the length of the car and provides a chiselled, carved appearance. The line starts at the front grille and concludes at the centre dual exhaust tips.
The Crossfire Roadster is also available in two new colours, Classic Yellow and Aero Blue. Similarly to the Coupe, Crossfire Roadster buyers also have a choice of two interior colour schemes – depending on their selection of exterior paint finish. The colours are dark slate contrasted with medium slate or, for added individuality, dark slate with cool vanilla (light beige).
The new cool vanilla interior, along with the Classic Yellow exterior colour are exclusive to the Crossfire Roadster and are not available on the Coupe.
Interior: Machined Precision
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster’s sophisticated twin cockpit interior complements the exterior. The centre spine shape on the exterior appears on the centre console, shifter and instrument panel. From the driver’s seat, the centre spine appears to continue from the instrument panel through the windscreen and on to the bonnet.
Seats are trimmed in leather with Chrysler’s signature winged badge embossed into both headrests. The ignition switch is located on the instrument panel as opposed to the steering column.
Precise, elegant gauges are white-on-black with a black bezel and satin silver trim ring. The centre console has a metallic appearance that flows from the top of the instrument panel through the centre of the car to achieve a cockpit environment. Satin silver accents are featured throughout the interior including the doors, steering wheel and instrument cluster.
“The Crossfire Coupe is already a favourite amongst the discerning South African sports car enthusiast and the Roadster, at R455 000.00 for the manual and R465 000.00 for the automatic, is sure to swell these ranks further.
Pricing includes Chrysler’s 3-year/ 60 000km bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 3-year/ 60 000km scheduled services plan.
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30 July 2004
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Shares DNA with Coupe Sibling
- Front-engined, rear-wheel drive 242 km/h sports car
- 3.2 litre, 18-valve V6 engine generates 160 kW
- High torque over a broad rev range
- 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 6.5 seconds
Zwartkop, Pretoria - The new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster shares mechanical DNA with its Coupe sibling, while adding stunning convertible design.
Power and Performance
Under the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster’s elegantly ribbed bonnet is a 3.2 litre 90-degree V6 engine, generating 160 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque.
This all-aluminium, SOHC, 18-valve engine weighs just 140 kg. It is light, responsive, smooth revving and ultra-reliable. For effortless performance, the V6 is designed to deliver over 90 per cent of maximum torque from 2600 to 5300 rpm, and 98 per cent from 3000 to 4500 rpm.
The combination of engine power, balanced weight distribution, suspension design and generous tyre sizes enables Crossfire Roadster to deliver sensational performance on every type of road – straight or winding.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds at sea-level. Crossfire Roadster has an aerodynamically limited top speed of 242 km/h.
Crossfire Roadster’s wheels and tyres are staggered in size, like those of a race car – narrower at the front for crisp steering and wider at the rear to transmit more power to the road surface. Their large diameter (wheels are 18 inch front, 19 inch rear) and generous tyre width (225 mm front and 255 mm rear) give the car four giant contact patches or ‘footprints’ to generate firm grip and very high cornering forces – approaching 1.0 g peak cornering forces with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) turned off.
Transmission and Rear Axle
The standard transmission for Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a six-speed manual gearbox with top gear (6th) and overdrive ratio for quiet, relaxed, fuel-efficient high-speed cruising. The gear change action is precise, and all ratios, including reverse, are synchronised. The gear lever is spring loaded to place ‘neutral’ in the 3/4 plane, and the clutch is hydraulically operated.
Roadster customers can choose the optional five-speed automatic transmission, which features a driver-adaptive shift logic, full automatic or AutoStick manual gear selection, a lock-up torque converter and selectable summer and winter modes.
With the selector lever in ‘Drive’, AutoStick allows the driver to manually select the next higher or lower ratio by tapping the lever to the right (+) to change up, or left (-) to change down. The shift range [P, R, N, D] or gear range [1, 2, 3, 4] currently in use is displayed in the instrument cluster. A rocker switch also enables the driver to select winter mode, for starts in 2nd gear and upshifts at lower vehicle speeds.
Drive is carried to the rear axle by a two-piece propshaft with four constant-velocity universal joints (CVJs) to minimise vibrations. Articulated half-shafts deliver power from the final drive unit to each rear wheel – again with CVJs to minimise vibrations.
Suspension and Steering
Building on the major attributes of a stiff bodyshell and evenly balanced weight distribution, Chrysler Crossfire’s suspension and steering are calibrated to achieve high levels of grip, with user-friendly handling characteristics, while also giving the driver excellent feedback and allowing precise car control.
Crossfire’s fully independent front suspension uses double wishbones mounted on the bodyshell, with coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and a 25 mm anti-roll bar. Total wheel travel is 155 mm, unusually high for a sports car, which contributes to the car’s superior ride quality.
The rear suspension and final drive unit are mounted on a subframe that isolates the bodyshell from road surface imperfections. The five-link suspension features coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and an 18 mm anti-roll bar. Anti-squat and anti-dive geometry is employed, and rear wheel travel is a generous 180 mm.
The powered recirculating ball steering has a ratio of 16.7:1, and the system requires 3.1 turns of the steering wheel lock-to-lock. A hydraulic damper eliminates undesirable yaw motions and enhances straight-ahead steering feel for Crossfire drivers on the motorway.
Brakes and Brake Assist
As appropriate for a car with Chrysler Crossfire’s level of performance, the power-assisted braking system features large-diameter ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, backed up by the highly sophisticated electronic wizardry of an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Brake Assist.
State-of-the-art, four-wheel, four-channel ABS is standard fit on Crossfire. When activated by heavy braking on a slippery surface, it applies and releases the brakes at a rate of 30 times per second, preventing wheel lock-up while allowing the driver to retain steering control.
Brake Assist senses when a driver is braking in an emergency and immediately applies maximum available power boost. Brake Assist overcomes the human tendency not to brake hard enough, soon enough.
Wheels and Tyres
Seven-spoke, satin silver paint-finished aluminium alloy wheels are standard fit on Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. The front wheels are 18 inches in diameter, the rear wheels 19 inches, while rim widths are 7.5 and 9.0 inches respectively. In keeping with Crossfire’s stylish appearance, the five-bolt mountings of each wheel are hidden behind a snap-in centre cap sporting a Chrysler brandmark seal, and any wheel balance weights are ‘invisibly’ attached to the rim behind the spokes.
Ultra-low profile Continental Sport Contact 2 radial performance tyres are fitted. Like the wheels, the tyres are staggered in size, like those of a race car, narrower at the front (225 mm wide) for crisp steering and wider at the rear (255 mm wide) to transmit more power to the road surface.
Crossfire carries no spare tyre as statistics show that drivers will suffer a flat tyre only once in every 150,000 km of motoring. To deal with a puncture, Crossfire is equipped with a TIREFIT service kit – a can of pressurised tyre sealant and an electric compressor to re-inflate the tyre.
The W-rated Continental tyres are optimised for performance driving at speeds up to 270 km/h.
Safety and Security
While primary safety (accident avoidance) is a high priority with an agile sports car like Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, it has a full compliment of secondary safety equipment, which works in conjunction with the controlled deformation of the body structure to optimise occupant protection.