DaimlerChrysler is going straight for the target with its Crossfire coupe - these pictures show that engineers are carrying out benchmarking work against the popular, stylish and accomplished Audi TT. And the Crossfire certainly looks good in action - even better than on a motor show stand.

Seen for the first time at the Detroit Motor Show, the Crossfire is a crucial image-builder for the struggling Chrysler brand, and is tipped to be the model to return the company to profit. It's not due to go on sale until 2004, however, even though it looks production-ready right now. Using components shared with Mercedes will no doubt speed up the development process; demonstrating the growing tendency to share parts amongst the different DaimlerChrysler brands and the need to cut Chrysler's costs, the Crossfire has, under its attractive skin, a certain amount in common with the SLK, and is much more of a European car than any previous Chrysler.

The Crossfire's engine is also Mercedes-sourced: the familiar smooth 3.2-litre V6, delivering 215 bhp and 229 lb ft of torque - less power than the TT 225 bhp and another goodlooking newcomer, the Nissan 350Z, but a useful amount nonetheless. The engine will be teamed with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

This car will also have to handle as well as it looks to live up to its hype; driving dynamics are likely to be engineered with the European market in mind. The suspension comprises a front independent double-wishbone and rear independent five-link layout, with coil springs and gas-charged dampers all round; the Crossfire sits on 18-inch wheels in front and 19-inch wheels at the rear. The electronic driver aids such as traction control and stability control will be Mercedes-derived too. Showing further its sporting intent, it features a nice little aerofoil spoiler, automatically activating at 50 mph and retracting again as speed drops.

Chrysler intends to expand its brand outside the US, and the Crossfire, with its styling overseen by British designer Trevor Creed, is the ideal model to achieve that aim. Building on the success of the PT Cruiser in Europe, it provides an American alternative to the usual German performance coupes - in image terms, at least. The Crossfire is actually to be built in Germany, by longtime DaimlerChrysler collaborators Karmann, though Chrysler expects a good 85 percent of sales to be back 'home' in the US of A. An anticipated 20,000 Crossfires are tipped to be sold in its first year of production, with that number doubling the following year.

 

Great video of the Crossfire here

http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/...odel=Crossfire

 

Wow. Nice car. I kinda wish it came out earlier when I got my car.

 

Wath the video. They show the interior which in my opinion looks great.

 

Nice. Not sure I agree on the interior. Look closer...lots of plastic. The TT is known for it's beautiful aluminum trim and great materials. The only thing that would hold me back is the damn engine. Why hold back on that???

 

Any AMG treatment for the bitch would be nice... how about some Kompressor love....

 

wow, it has the Merc 3.2? that is impressive. AND, available with a manual transmission. It should be a quick little car. I saw it at the AutoShow and i was very impressed. Go Chrysler!!!

 

"215 bhp and 229 lb ft of torque " pushing 18s and 19s . That is not that impressive. Unless they tweak the engine this car will not be that fast. Unless, of course, it weighs absolutely nothing, which I doubt. It's a good looking car, but it will not compete with the Z or the TT, rather the eclipse and rsx-s in terms of performance. Everything changes if they throw some SMG lovin' though.

 

Is this on the same platform as the C320 Sports Coupe? The Mercedes has some nice options, better service/warranty. Depending on pricing I'd probably go for the Mercedes.


215hp ....

 

it looks real good in person but its weak.


no interior will ever compare to that of the TT. most thought out interior on the market today

 

It's nice to see that Daimler is bringing it's technology/refinement to chrysler. A lot of the interior looks like it's from mercedes c class. The hazard button, the radio deck both look exactly the same as my wife's c class.

It's good for chrysler and good for us.

As for the TT interior, it's sparse and outdated. I thought the s4/s6/s8 interiors were much better.

 

if its not coming out till 2004, why dont they put the NEW MB 3.2 engine in it thats got some extra power???

 

It looks awesome, at first glance it makes the TT look like a beetle !!