Unveiling the Story Behind the Chrysler Crossfire
Jeremy Clarkson may have made a controversial comparison of the Chrysler Crossfire coupe’s rear end to a dog relieving itself, but there’s more to this unique car than meets the eye. Despite the unfortunate analogy, the Crossfire boasts a striking design that can’t be denied.
Designed by Eric Stoddart and his team, led by Trevor Creed, the Crossfire’s exterior is a testament to American ingenuity. However, its origins lie in the tumultuous merger between Daimler and Chrysler in 1998, orchestrated by Juergen Schrempp and Bob Eaton. Presented as a merger of equals, the reality was far from it. The integration of the two companies led to a decline in quality for some Mercedes models and a period of confusion for Chrysler’s product planning.
One of the interesting outcomes of this merger was the Chrysler Crossfire, a car that was fast-tracked to production thanks to the availability of Mercedes components. Built by Karmann in Germany, the Crossfire shared many parts with the outgoing SLK.
Featuring a 215bhp 3.2-litre V6 engine and available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, the Crossfire offered a comfortable GT driving experience. The supercharged SRT-6 variant, with 330bhp and upgraded suspension and brakes, provided a sharper driving experience but was limited by its steering system and automatic transmission.
Despite its flaws, the Chrysler Crossfire remains a solid choice for buyers on a budget, with prices starting from under £3000. Its reliability and shared parts with the SLK make maintenance easy and affordable.
