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2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6: Cuttin’ Candy
“What is that you’re driving?” asked
one dude while I was caught in city-stressing traffic. Because I was
stuck, other road warriors had time to have a look around their surroundings
and time enough to get curious about the unknown. Therefore, when
the Armani-wearing BMW Z-4 driver expressed envy, it was clear that
the Crossfire is no second-rate domestic.
“It’s a Crossfire,” I replied.
“Who makes it?”
“Chrysler.”
“Really?” I hear him reply in the dust, as the gridlock
opens up, and my foot takes on the accelerator, powering out 330-horsepower,
capable of 0 to 60 in 5 seconds. Lusty drivability defines the 2005
Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 -- which is why the acronym “Street
and Racing Technology” is an apt moniker. The driver’s
euphoria rests in the Mercedes-based V-6 that cranks out maximum torque
of 310 lb.-ft with a nod to efficient German engineering.
In the fast lane of sexy sports cars, the competition is stiff, but
Chrysler’s amped up version of its Chrysler Crossfire is precious
goods from the outside in. And with the extra sauce of a chin spoiler,
this vehicle is a sapphire standout in a traffic jam of import gems.
The Crossfire is not one that tires easily either. It’s low
key, yet powerful, sassy, and refined.
The Crossfire won styling kudos since its introduction. For this
model year, overall aesthetics mirror the 2004 model – but its
2005 “look at me now” seductive qualities are an even
hotter ticket.
 
 
The word is still spreading on the streets, with crisp,
refreshing design cues doing the work for the communications department.
The Crossfire is in sync with the current generation of Chrysler design
that has moved away from sloping pear-shaped bodies to punchy, angular
marks that soften at the rear and cascade evenly on the front end.
But the SRT-6 delivers where it counts – under the hood —
and the results are shaking up the coupe bracket. Some reviewers complained
that the first generation lacked the oomph that the car’s sleekness
suggested. The SRT-6 takes care of all that as it revs like the baby
of a Mopar mama and C-Class daddy. Nevertheless, what makes this package
short of flaws is with harmonious tuning, juiced up spring rates,
and an electronic stability program that enhances handling.
If you grow tired of listening to the steady hum of the engine’s
precision, the Infinity Modulus audio system airs solid sound through
six speakers and dual subwoofers. Kicking back in race-inspired seats
completes the experience for one of the hottest rides to floss the
market. Just ask the Armani-wearing Bimmer driver.
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