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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
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. Their dream has come true with Chrysler Crossfire
Roadster hitting the streets in world markets.
“The new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is a drop-top that will drop jaws this
summer,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design. “Even with the
integration of a fabric top, our designers met the challenge of maintaining
Crossfire’s distinctive lines and dynamic proportions.
“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,” said Creed.
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 100 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 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
chiseled, carved appearance. The line starts at the front grille and concludes
at the dual exhaust tips.
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 shape 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.
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Shares DNA with Coupe Sibling
- Front-engined, rear-wheel drive 242 km/h sports car
- 3.2-litre, 18-valve V-6 engine generates 160 kW
- High torque over a broad rev range
- 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 6.5 seconds
The new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster shares mechanical DNA with its Coupe
sibling, while adding convertible stunning design.
Power and Performance
Under the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster’s
elegantly ribbed bonnet is a 3.2-litre 90-degree V-6 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
V-6 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 outstanding
performance on every type of road – straight or winding.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds. 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
racecar; 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 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.
Roadster customers can choose the no cost optional 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.
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
racecar, 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.
Accident avoidance technology fitted as standard to Crossfire includes the
latest developments in ABS, Brake Assist, All-speed Traction Control System
(TCS) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). All-speed TCS senses rear-wheel
spin and intervenes to restore grip by individually braking the spinning wheel
or reducing engine power.
ESP compares the driver’s intended course, via steering angle and braking
sensors, to the car’s actual course (through lateral acceleration, yaw and four
individual wheel speed sensors) and applies a single wheel brake to a front or
rear wheel, or reduces engine power, to restore the car to its original path.
Sometimes a collision cannot be avoided, and that is when Crossfire’s
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) assesses the severity of an impact to
determine the appropriate responses. Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
and load-limiters are fitted, together with front and side air bags (mounted in
each door) for driver and passenger.
A remote keyless entry system controls the standard central locking which
secures the doors, boot, centre console and fuel filler door. Automatic Central
Locking can also be selected. This activates the door locks when the vehicle’s
speed reaches approximately 15 km/h. To aid exit and rescue following a
collision, the doors unlock automatically a short time after a major
deceleration is detected.
Crossfire is equipped with a Sentry Key immobiliser controlled by a coded
electronic transponder in each key fob supplied with the car. Whenever the key
is removed from the ignition, it disables the engine computer, preventing
unauthorised driving of the vehicle, because the engine will not start. The
Roadster includes an intrusion alarm for added security.
An anti-theft alarm system sounds a siren (for 30 seconds) and flashes the
headlamps (for three minutes) if an unauthorised attempt is made to open the
doors, bonnet or boot, or to raise the car for towing.
New Chrysler Crossfire Roadster to be Sold on Five Continents – the Latest
Move Forward in Chrysler’s International Product Offensive
- Both left-hand and right-hand drive Roadsters are available for world
markets
- A stylish, capable competitor in a hotly contested segment
- Chrysler Crossfire Roadster continues Chrysler Group’s product offensive for
2004
The latest weapon in the Chrysler Group’s armoury for its 2004 international
product offensive is the new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. The 242 km/h,
two-seater convertible will be introduced to markets throughout the world.
Like the Coupe, the Crossfire Roadster will be available in both left-hand
and right-hand drive. As well as being sold in Australia, the Roadster will be
sold in a variety of key European markets and also in Asia, Africa and Latin
America.
“The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster represents the latest phase of the Chrysler
brand’s product offensive and is further evidence of our commitment to expanding
our model range and customer services in international markets,” said Thomas
Hausch
Crossfire Roadster complements the Crossfire Coupe that arrived earlier this
year and sets the tone for the brand’s product offerings to come (including the
Chrysler 300C arriving late 2005) and attests to the Chrysler Group’s commitment
to international markets.
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster – Technical Specifications
The information shown is based on data available at the time of
publication.
Body and Chassis
Two-seater roadster convertible with all-steel
unitary body chassis. Longitudinally mounted front engine driving the rear
wheels via six-speed manual or five-speed automatic (optional extra)
transmission and sub-frame mounted rear differential.
Performance
| 0 to 100 km/h |
6.5 seconds |
| Top speed |
242 km/h |
|
| Engine |
| Type and layout |
SMPI, 90-degree, V-6 |
| Description |
Liquid-cooled with dual-length intake manifold and dual ignition,
with two spark plugs per cylinder. Counter-rotating balancer shaft in centre of
V to minimise vibrations |
| Displacement |
3199 cc (3.2 litres) |
| Maximum power (DIN) |
160 kW @ 5700 rpm |
| Maximum torque (DIN) |
310 Nm @ 3000 rpm |
| Compression ratio |
10.0:1 |
| Bore and stroke |
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm (3.2 litres) |
| Camshafts |
Single overhead, per cylinder bank |
| Valve system |
3 per cylinder, 2 intake, 1 exhaust |
| Fuel injection |
Sequential, multi-port, electronic |
| Materials |
High-pressure die-cast aluminium alloy block with Silitec alloy
liners and cast aluminium alloy heads |
| Maximum engine speed |
6000 rpm, electronically limited |
| Oil capacity |
8.0 litres, with dry filter |
| Coolant capacity |
11.2 litres |
| Fuel requirement |
95 RON Unleaded Petrol |
| Emission controls |
Three-way catalytic converters and internal engine features |
| Emission standards |
Meets Stage 4 emission requirements in Europe |
|
| Transmissions |
5-speed Automatic (standard) |
|
| Description |
Five-speed electronically controlled adaptive automatic
transmission, with choice of fully automatic operation or AutoStick®
driver-operated manual control. Choice of S (standard) and W (winter) driving
modes. Fuel-saving torque converter lock-up. Brake/Park safety interlock |
| Clutch |
Lock-up torque converter |
| Converter stall ratio |
1.8 |
| Gear ratios |
| 1st |
3.95 |
| 2nd |
2.423 |
| 3rd |
1.486 |
| 4th |
1.000 |
| 5th |
0.833 |
| Reverse |
3.147 / 1.93 |
| Final Drive Ratio |
3.27 |
| Overall Top Gear |
2.72 |
|
| |
6-speed Manual (no cost options) |
| Description |
Six-speed manual, synchronized in all forward gears |
| Clutch |
Hydraulic operated, single plate dry clutch |
| Gear ratios |
| 1st |
4.459 |
| 2nd |
2.614 |
| 3rd |
1.723 |
| 4th |
1.245 |
| 5th |
1.000 |
| 6th |
0.838 |
| Reverse |
4.062 |
| Final Drive Ratio |
3.27 |
| Overall Top Gear |
2.74 |
|
| Driveline and Rear Axle |
Two-piece propshaft with constant-velocity universal joints to
minimise vibrations. Rear axle has 3.27:1 ratio for optimum blend of performance
and economy. Subframe-mounted rear limited-slip differential. Driveshaft to each
rear wheel fitted with two constant velocity universal joints. |
|
| Suspension and Damping |
| Front |
Independent by double wishbones, with anti-dive geometry |
|
Separate coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers |
|
25 mm anti-roll bar |
|
155 mm of wheel travel |
| Rear |
Independent five-link, with anti-squat geometry |
|
Separate coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers |
|
18 mm anti-roll bar |
|
180 mm of wheel travel |
|
| Steering |
| Type |
Power-assisted recirculating ball |
| Overall ratio |
16.7:1 |
| Turning circle |
9.8 m curb-to-curb |
| Gearing |
3.1 turns lock-to-lock |
| Adjustment |
Steering wheel adjustable for reach by 46 mm |
|
| Brakes |
| Front |
| Discs |
300 mm x 28 mm ventilated |
| Callipers |
57 mm diameter single-piston sliding callipers |
| Swept area |
1814 sq. cm |
|
| Rear |
| Discs |
278 mm x 9 mm solid |
| Callipers |
36 mm diameter opposed-piston callipers |
| Swept Area |
1417 sq. cm |
|
| System |
| Power assistance |
22 mm tandem diaphragm vacuum |
| ABS anti-lock |
Standard |
| Traction control |
Standard |
| ESP |
Standard |
| Brake Assist |
Standard |
|
| Wheels and Tyres |
| Type and Material |
Cast aluminium with 5-bolt mountings |
| Front |
18.0 x 7.5 inch, with 225/40 ZR 18 tyres |
| Rear |
19.0 x 9.0 inch, with 255/35 ZR 19 tyres |
| Tyre make and type |
Continental Sport Contact 2 W rated |
| Revs per kilometre/mile |
509/818 - front, 489/787 - rear |
|
| |
Other sizes and brands may also be used. |
|
| Electrical System |
| Alternator |
120 amp |
| Battery |
700 CCA, maintenance-free, in Group 48 case |
|
| Dimensions |
|
| Exterior |
| Wheelbase |
2400 mm |
| Track, front |
1493 mm |
| Track, rear |
1502 mm |
| Overall length |
4058 mm |
| Overall width |
1766 mm |
| Overall height |
1315 mm |
| Ground clearance |
124 mm |
| Frontal area |
1.916 sq. m |
| Drag coefficient |
0.384 |
|
| All dimensions measured at curb weight. |
|
| Interior |
| Headroom |
948 mm |
| Legroom |
1085 mm |
| Shoulder room |
1338 mm |
| Hip room |
1354 mm |
| Seat travel |
194 mm |
| Volume index |
1.37 cu. m |
|
| Weights |
| Curb weight (manual) |
1424 kg |
| Curb weight (automatic) |
1440 kg |
| Weight distribution |
53% front / 47% rear |
|
| Capacities |
| Luggage capacity |
190 litres - top up |
|
104 litres- top down |
| Fuel tank capacity |
60 litres |
|
| Fuel Consumption (L/100 km, est.) |
Manual |
Automatic |
| Urban |
15.4 |
14.3 |
| Ex-urban |
7.6 |
7.7 |
| Combined |
10.4 |
10.1 |
| Combined CO2 rating |
250 g/km |
243 g/km |
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