January 1, 2001

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Detroit auto show:
Chrysler Crossfire blends European, American design

"The Chrysler Crossfire concept provides a new image for Chrysler, combining American power with international flair," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Product Design, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Built as a one-piece carbon fibre body on an all-aluminum frame, the Crossfire is similar to the Chrysler Atlantic concept car shown first in 1995. It has a centre peak line, or "spine," which runs the length of the car and works with dynamic character lines to give the Chrysler Crossfire a chiselled appearance.

It features a "boat tail" emphasizing the rear wheels, tires and wide fenders, a new direction for the Chrysler brand.

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The Crossfire's compact body has a long wheelbase (102.6 inches/2606 mm) and wide track (58.3 inches/1481 mm front, 59.9 inches/1521 mm rear).

The Chrysler Crossfire is powered by a supercharged 2.7-liter, 275 horsepower, 270 lb.-ft. V6 engine coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The custom independent short-and-long-arm front and rear suspension uses coil springs placed over the shock absorbers.

Nineteen-inch front wheels with P255/40R19 tires and 21-inch rear wheels with P295/35R21 tires provide the ride and handling expected from a classic rear-wheel-drive coupe. The Crossfire is estimated to achieve 60 mph. (97 kph) in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 148 mph. (238 kph).

"The Chrysler Crossfire was engineered with performance and artistic expression in mind," said exterior designer, Eric Stoddard. "The powertrain and suspension system validate the concept's personality as an agile athlete, while design features beg for individual interpretation. Its design forces people to react and reflect simultaneously."

The Crossfire houses an on-board vehicle data acquisition centre. This Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC) captures vehicle performance information and displays it on a passenger-side liquid crystal display. "We like to refer to this as the 'G-Meter,'" said Abbott.

Appealing to the true enthusiast, the EVIC measures such factors as acceleration, lap time and g-forces, allowing the driver to assess, and thereby enhance, the vehicle's optimal performance.

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A true two-seater, the Crossfire features electronically adjustable competition seats, manually adjustable pedals and integrated trunk space for two helmets, which further emphasize this concept's spirited theme.

Crossfire's interior sports a two-tone Deep Sapphire Blue and Cedar Tan leather interior, featuring a brushed aluminum spine-like center console and brushed accents on the steering wheel.

"The Chrysler Crossfire concept perfectly harmonizes international flair with modern American design," concluded Creed.

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