2004 Chrysler Crossfire in Gretna, NE - $11,988

As one of the more expressive vehicles to come out of the cross-fertilization of German and American cultures and ideas at DaimlerChrysler, the new Crossfire is designed to evoke emotion and turn heads on the road or in the driveway.

The big news for 2005 is the addition of a roadster to the Crossfire lineup. Developed in parallel with the coupe from its inception, the Crossfire roadster captures the spirit of the coupe's design DNA, while enhancing structural rigidity and sharing common components.

Available in Base and Limited trim levels, power for the ragtop is generated by a robust 3.2L 18-valve SOHC V6 engine bolted to the standard six-speed manual or optional five-speed electronically controlled adaptive automatic transmission with AutoStick.

As in any true performance vehicle, the chassis is the foundation for the suspension system. The more robust the chassis, the easier it is to calibrate the suspension hardware for optimum performance. Measured dynamically, the Crossfire has a body structure twice as stiff as a Porsche Boxster and stiffer than a Porsche 911. A rear-wheel drive layout allowed engineers to distribute the vehicle weight more evenly, as opposed to a front-wheel drive car that has much of its weight ahead of the driver.

On the road, the Crossfire convertible is fast, sure and strong -- handling well and riding comfortably at speed. The Chrysler Crossfire features a four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers that secure the corners. A double wishbone front setup and a five-link rear suspension configuration facilitate flat cornering and aggressive grip.

Beefy tires keep the two-door convertible connected to Mother Earth. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, all-speed traction control and an electronic stability program assure that things will rarely get beyond the driver's control.

Inside the cabin, the cockpit is luxurious, clean and straightforward. The space is designed to serve as a personal retreat for the discriminating driver. Aluminum accents around the center stack add a certain upscale look and feel to the interior. Seating is comfortable. The driver enjoys a good outward view of the road.

The roadster's soft top goes down in seconds -- just pull down on the center mounted handle located on the windshield header, turn the handle to release the top and then press a button on the center console that folds the soft top into and closes the hard tonneau cover.

Unlike many of the two-passenger convertibles on the road, the Crossfire is unique in its cargo carrying ability. A manual liftgate at the rear yields convenient cargo space. A deep glovebox and additional storage in the center console make the Crossfire a hospitable place for those drivers who need to bring some of their gear with them.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 94.5; overall length: 159.8; width: 69.5; height: 51.8 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 3.2L V6 -- 215 hp at 5,700 rpm and 229 lbs-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual, five-speed automatic with AutoStick driver-interactive manual control.

EPA fuel economy: 17 city/25 hwy., (manual); 21 city/28 hwy., (automatic).

Cargo capacity: 6.5 cu. ft.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, supplemental side-impact protection, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, emergency brake assist, all-speed traction control, automatic door locks, electronic stability control, remote keyless entry, premium security alarm, and engine immobilizer. Limited adds universal garage door opener, fog lamps and tire pressure monitoring system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 7-year/70,000 mile.

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire convertible starts from $34,085 for the Base and $38,195 for the Limited. Destination charges add $925.

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