Chrysler has unleashed its 246 kW high performance sports tourer Crossfire SRT-6 to the local market opening a new chapter in performance for the brand in Australia.

Significantly, the new Crossfire SRT-6 is the first SRT-badged Chrysler Group vehicle to be introduced to markets outside North America and the first SRT Chrysler vehicle.

“The Crossfire SRT-6 defines performance for the Chrysler brand and offers driving enthusiasts an absolute dream,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Jeep Australia.

“The Chrysler Group has taken an outstanding vehicle and applied street and racing technology. The result is a world-class, confident performer which exhibits outstanding performance,” said Jenkins.

Featuring a hand-built 246 kW 3.2-litre supercharged engine, performance-tuned ride and handling characteristics, world-class braking, functional performance-themed exterior design elements and interior appointments, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 has been designed to delight the performance enthusiast.

With its enhanced performance and styling and a 53 per cent power increase over the naturally aspirated engine, SRT-6 prices, of $85,990 for the Coupe and $91,990 for the Roadster, represent a $16,000 premium over the standard model.

“We have been aggressive with our head office in Auburn Hills to achieve an outstanding price for an outstanding package and really deliver bang for your buck to our customers,” said Jenkins.

“With performance comparable to established models like the Porsche Boxter S, yet at a significantly lower price, the SRT-6 is a very exciting proposition."

“The SRT-6 proclaims a distinctive, competent challenge to the familiar European vehicles in the segment while providing a unique blend of performance, comfortable everyday ride and unique styling,” said Jenkins.

The arrival of the SRT-6 launches an exciting six months and beyond for Chrysler in Australia.

The award winning HEMI powered 300C, featuring the Chrysler Groups cylinder deactivation system, arrives later this year to much anticipation.

SRT brand
SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology.

Officially announced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the SRT organisation brings together Chrysler Group’s extensive motorsports engineering expertise, its legendary Dodge Viper development team and its Mopar Performance Parts engineers to form SRT.

In the US SRT has developed ten vehicles including the Dodge Charger SRT-8, Dodge Viper SRT-10, Chrysler 300C SRT-8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

In addition to boosting performance, SRT was created to boost the image of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

“This is an organisation of enthusiasts who truly understand performance and feel they have the best job in the company,” explains Jenkins.

“While Dodge SRT performance is extreme, SRT performance for the Chrysler brand is a refined, subdued but very confident level of performance."

“But a few things are common among all SRT vehicles, SRT will always strive to raise the performance bar and claim benchmark performance."

“The group does that by focusing on five SRT cues: powertrain, ride and handling, braking, exterior, and interior appointments."

“We’re hoping that the Crossfire SRT-6 is just the beginning for SRT in Australia, launching a new chapter for Chrysler and Jeep performance."

“Whilst at this stage we haven’t confirmed any other SRT vehicles for Australia, we’ll be pushing hard to get the exciting SRT-8 versions of both the Chrysler 300C and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee,” said Jenkins.

SRT-6 powertrain
The heart of every SRT vehicle is its engine. The Crossfire SRT-6 is no exception.

A hand-built 3.2-litre supercharged V6 engine boasting 246 kW and 420 Nm of torque powers the ultimate Chrysler Crossfire, taking the SRT-6 from 0 to 0-60 mp/h in approximately five seconds.

Featuring a helical supercharger and a water-to-air intercooler, the 18-valve V6 engine delivers 90 per cent of peak torque across a broad range of the power band from 2,300 to 6,200 rpm.

Additionally power output is up 53 per cent compared to the naturally aspirated engine in the standard Crossfire.

In addition to the engine, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features an upgraded five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® to handle the extra power as well as a deeper, performance-tuned exhaust note.

SRT-6 ride and handling
To wear the SRT badge, benchmark performance must be present in every aspect of the vehicle.

Tested on the Autobahn, on high-speed ovals, race tracks, and the world’s finest and most demanding roads, the Crossfire SRT-6 provides what performance enthusiasts demand, thanks in large part to its unique ride and handling characteristics.

To delight enthusiasts and deliver ultimate Chrysler performance, SRT engineers sought to deliver a stiffer, sportier performance ride with reduced understeer versus the base Crossfire.

They began by significantly increasing the spring rates, and SRT-6 Coupe and Roadster models are tuned differently, to their own unique characteristics. The Coupe’s spring rates are 451 lb./in. in the front and 480 lb./in. in the rear, while the Roadster’s are 434 lb./in. in the front and 451 lb./in. in the rear, compared to 303 lb./in. front and 337 lb./in. rear on the base Crossfire Coupe and Roadster models.

The suspension is completed with performance-tuned damping and an aggressive compound on Crossfire’s high performance Z rated tyres.

An Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) tuned specifically for more spirited driving throughout the car’s dynamic range further contributes to the Crossfire SRT-6’s ultimate two-seater performance ride and handling.

SRT-6 braking
The SRT signature performance test is 0-100-0 mph, reinforcing that performance is more than acceleration.

To give the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 remarkably short braking distances and fade-free performance, SRT engineers utilised internally ventilated disc brakes at all four corners (330 x 32 mm front; 300 x 22 mm rear), with dual-piston callipers front (44/44 mm) and rear (42/42 mm). These allow the SRT-6 to go from 60-0 mph in approximately 35 metres.

SRT-6 exterior
Subtle and functional was the mantra as designers looked at the palette — the original Chrysler Crossfire. The result: race-inspired exterior appointments that deliver enhanced performance while distinguishing the SRT-6 from its predecessor.

The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features a fixed rear spoiler that immediately suggests ‘speed’ and ‘power’, and results in reduced lift and enhanced aerodynamic balance at high speeds. An elegantly integrated front fascia ‘chin’ spoiler also reduces lift and enhances vehicle balance, while providing greater cooling airflow.

Unique, lighter 15-spoke performance-themed SRT alloy wheels (18-inch at the front and 19-inch at the rear) add to Crossfire SRT-6’s exterior performance characteristics.

For 2005 Crossfire SRT-6 is available in four exterior colours (sapphire silver, graphite, black and aero blue) complementing the dark slate grey, nappa pearl leather interior.

SRT-6 interior
Exclusive premium performance-themed appointments are found throughout the interior of the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6.

The Crossfire SRT-6 features race-inspired seats, designed to provide increased support for everyday driving, as well as enthusiastic driving performance. Trimmed in nappa pearl leather, the seats feature enhanced grip, thanks to preferred suede inserts and bolsters. ‘SRT-6’ is embroidered on the headrestrainsts.

Subtle grey stitching on the seats and steering wheel and a 320km/h instrument cluster complete the interior appointments unique to the new 2005 Crossfire SRT-6.

At-a-glance features unique to the Crossfire SRT-6

• 3.2-litre, 18-valve, supercharged SOHC engine, producing 246 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque
• Performance-tuned exhaust
• Performance-tuned suspension, featuring increased spring rates versus base Crossfire
• Black, dual piston callipers front (44/44 mm) and rear (42/42 mm)
• Internally ventilated disc rotors front (330 x 32 mm) and rear (300 x 22 mm)
• Fixed rear spoiler
• Integrated chin spoiler
• SRT-6 badging on decklid and engine
• 15-spoke, lightweight SRT alloy wheels
• 320 km/h instrument cluster
• Race-inspired seats, trimmed in nappa pearl leather with preferred suede inserts and bolsters; ‘SRT-6’ embroidered on headrestraints

Overview of features in the 2005 Crossfire SRT-6:
Additional performance features

• 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
• Dual centre-mounted exhaust outlets
• Front 18-inch P225/40 ZR tyres
• Rear 19-inch P255/35 ZR tyres
• Tyre fit system

Premium amenities

• Power convertible fabric top (Roadster)
• Heated glass back light
• 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)

Safety and security features

• Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist
• Front power 330 x 32 mm ventilated disc brakes and rear power 300 x 22 mm ventilated disc brakes
• Electronic Stability Programme that 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/ISOFIX) child restraint system
• Sentry Key® vehicle immobiliser
• Security alarm system
• Quad halogen projector headlamps
• Tow-away protection

Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6