2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Program #2417

You know, it’s been over six years since the 3-pointed star merged with the Pentastar to form Daimler-Chrysler. And though we have witnessed some blending of American style and European engineering in their efforts, no Chrysler cars have more Mercedes genes than the Crossfire coupe and convertible, and even more so the supercharged Crossfire SRT-6! To us this is a heavenly match made for asphalt.

For those of you in the know, I’m sure you’ll agree with us that the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 is something every street-smart racer dreams of. And Chrysler’s in-house tuner Street and Racing Technology badging instantly expresses its more than capable performance and respect for pavement.

The Crossfire’s German build is buckling at the seams with a need for speed. And though we were impressed with Chrysler’s standard Crossfire, we can’t deny our enthusiasm for its beefed up counterpart. The revved-up, road-ready Crossfire also has a little flare for distinction elsewhere on the exterior. It wears a unique front-spoiler and replaces the base car’s motorized rear spoiler with a large fixed wing, adding a little kick to its rakish body.

The race car look is finished off by upgraded SRT-special 15-spoke alloy wheels with high performance 18-inch tires at the front, and lofty 19’s at the rear. Like the standard Crossfire, the SRT-6 also sits atop the same rear-drive chassis used by the first generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster. But the SRT-6 takes a lot more from the Mercedes shed than just its sturdy frame.

Pop the hood and eureka! The Crossfire is propelled by a 3.2-liter supercharged single-cam V6. Output here is 330 horsepower, or over 50% more than the standard Crossfire, with 310 pound-feet of torque. The SRT-6 is mated to an upgraded high-torque, five-speed automatic transmission with Chrysler branded AutoStick manual shift mode. Rapidly squeeze the pedal, and the SRT-6 squirts to 60 in only 5.4 seconds. That’s over a second and a half faster than the standard Crossfire but it feels even faster. The quarter mile passes in a quickened 13.9 seconds, at a cool 104 miles-per-hour. Not a shocker then that the throttle response is immediate with strong bottom end power, and a wide, flat power band.

Shifts are equally refined, engaging each cog in a firm, crisp manner. While a pure manual is much preferred, the AutoStick does make sense here. Overall, the newer and faster edition of the Crossfire exhibits a refined neutral performance that is both nimble and responsive when pushed hard.

Grip and stability are both rock solid with only a hint of understeer through high speed corners. The stability program has been reprogrammed to not interfere with the fun. Our only handling regret is the steering gear. The power ball-type unit feels rather disconnected leaving us little feel through the wheel but plenty through the chassis itself.

Braking is by powerful 4-wheel-discs with ABS and Brake Assist. From 60, they delivered a short average stopping distance of 117 feet. Pedal feel is soft but the aggressive ABS pulsing keeps you well informed.

Off track this Crossfire’s stiff springs and short wheelbase do inform you of every road irregularity. While only harsh over the worst bits, you will know when you’ve hit a pothole. And while the thick c-pillars and small rear window do compromise visibility, this handsome two-seater still protects with tire-pressure monitoring and side-impact airbags. How thoughtful for a hot-bodied racer.

Inside, minimal but distinct differences separate the standard Crossfire from the SRT-6. Leather bucket seats add suede inserts and the SRT-6 logo. A 200-mph speedo adorns the handsome SLK-derived gauge cluster. Aluminum grab handles add a sportier look, but the bright plastic trim could be more appealing. As could the cargo space. But then again, the small 7.6 cubic feet will fit a weekender’s bag, and chances are wherever you’re going in this puppy, you’ll get there quick anyway!

Price numbers, however, are not quite so small. A Crossfire SRT-6 coupe carries a base price of $45,695. That’s $15,775 more than the base Crossfire model. Choose the SRT-6 Roadster, and $49,995 is the starting price.

Sure, you don’t get a Mercedes badge or AMG insignia with the SRT-6, but they do share the same bloodline. Good ol’ German veins and die-hard American genesoh, what a family tree to climb! And while some may still walk the path of wonderment that these two corporate cultures can exist under the same roof, the Crossfire SRT-6 proves to us that the DaimlerChrysler marriage is built to last.