Last year, Chrysler turned heads with the introduction of their new Chrysler Crossfire coupe. 

This year, Chrysler will turn heads and drop jaws with the introduction of its new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, Michigan.  The 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster will arrive in dealerships, across America, during mid-2004.

“The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is absolutely stunning,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler.  “The styling, technology and performance get the adrenaline flowing.  This spring, the car to be seen in is the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster.”

The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is low-slung with a sculpted appearance.  Under the hood is a 3.2-litre 90-degree V-6, 18-valve SOHC engine available with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.

To remove the top, simply release and pull down the centre-mounted handle located on the windshield header, turn the handle which releases the convertible fabric top and lowers the side glass, and lift the front of the top approximately eight inches.  Press the button on the centre console and the hard tonneau opens up, the soft fabric top folds in, and the hard tonneau closes again. 

“With the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, consumers can choose their passion,” said Bell.  “Top up or down, this is a great-looking sports car.  Sunshine and fresh air are just 22 seconds away.”  

Sculpted Design

“Our new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster captures the spirit of the Crossfire coupe,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Design, Chrysler Group.  “We use sport bars and tonneau cover fairings to give Crossfire Roadster even more of an aerodynamic appearance.”

Crossfire Roadster’s rear view is stunning with a tapered, “boat tail” appearance that emphasizes the sports car’s mammoth rear wheels. 

A retractable spoiler is designed into the rear of the vehicle and activates when the car reaches 60 miles per hour.  The centre high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) runs the width of the deployable rear spoiler.  Seam lines on the cloth top flow with and complement Roadster’s rear “boat tail” lines.

To achieve even more of a dynamic 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 hood and fast back, Chrysler Crossfire Roadster’s side view is instantly recognizable. The car’s broad shoulders envelope 19-inch rear wheels. Front wheels measure 18 inches. With larger wheels in back, the side profile has a poised stance.

The sculptured bonnet prominently showcases Chrysler’s new signature winged badge which spans the entire upper width of the chrome grille. Six grooves run the length of hood and complement the front grille.

From plan 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 windshield 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 on the doors, steering wheel, and instrument cluster.

Following are features in the new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster:

Performance Features

• 3.2-liter, 18-valve, SOHC V-6 engine

• Six-speed manual transmission or optional five speed electronically-controlled adaptive automatic transmission with AutoStick®

• Rear-wheel drive

• Independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers

• Independent five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers

• Speed-sensitive rear spoiler deployable at approximately 60 mph

• Dual centre-mounted exhaust outlets

• Front 18-inch P225/40 ZR tyres

• Rear 19-inch P255/35 ZR tyres

• Seven-spoke aluminium alloy wheels

• Tyre fit system

Premium Amenities

• Power convertible fabric top

• Full power hard tonneau

• Heated glass back window

• Power eight-way heated leather driver seat

• Power four-way heated leather passenger seat

• Power windows with one-touch down driver and passenger controls

• Telescoping steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Speed control

• Infinity® Modulus audio system with AM/FM/CD, and a 240 watt digital amplifier (six speakers including dual subwoofers). Sound system is based on Infinity’s Modulus home theatre surround sound system

• Dual-zone semi-automatic air conditioning

• Remote keyless entry with central locking (including fuel filler door)

• Universal garage door opener

Safety and Security Features

• Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist

• Front power 300 x 28 mm ventilated disc brakes and rear power 278 x 9 mm solid disc brakes

• Electronic Stability Programme which integrates single brake application and throttle intervention for yaw control, ignition and throttle intervention for wheel spin control

• All-speed traction control senses drive-wheel slip and individually brakes the slipping wheel and/or reduces excess engine power until control is regained

• Next-generation driver and passenger front air bags

• Door-mounted thorax side air bags

• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child restraint system (with front passenger-side air bag deactivation switch)

• Tyre pressure monitoring system

• Sentry Key® vehicle immobilizer

• Security alarm system

• Quad halogen projector headlamps

• Tow-away protection