From autoweek...

(08:30 Nov. 26, 2003)
Chrysler ups Crossfire performance with supercharged SRT-6


By AUTOWEEK

MOVE OVER SRT-4 AND Ram SRT-10.

Those hot Dodge models from Chryslerfs Performance Vehicle Operations shop are about to be joined in the showroom by PVOfs first stab at a souped-up Chrysler: the 2005 Crossfire SRT-6.

Due in September 2004, the Crossfire SRT-6 follows the May 2004 introduction of the sharply styled Crossfire Roadster convertible. SRT-6 is powered by a supercharged version of the carfs current 3.2-liter V6 engine borrowed from the Mercedes-Benz SLK320. Output jumps from the 215 hp provided by the naturally aspirated 3.2-liter engine to at least 330 hp. The supercharged engine makes 349 hp in the SLK32 AMG.

Chryslerfs chief operating officer Wolfgang Bernhard promised 0-to-60-mph times at about five seconds for the supercharged Crossfire. The hotter Crossfire gets special wheels and badging and a fixed rear spoiler replacing the motorized pop-up job on the current model. Chrysler will make the SRT-6 engine available on the coming Crossfire Roadster, along with all-weather Z-rated high-performance tires.

 

Interesting- "Chrysler will make the SRT-6 engine available on the coming Crossfire Roadster". I wonder if it's going to be an 'option' on the Coupe coming out in Sept?? Pricing will be interesting...

 

As I think was posted elsewhere, thecarconnection.com mentions that the Crossfire SRT-6 is going to be available in May with the Roadster following in September.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/inde...&sid=175&n=156

 

The replacement of the Spoiler gave me pause. IMO one of the coolest gadgets of the car.

Why? Have there been really problems with them? Or, are we to start expecting them (with few / no replacements as they are being discontinued)?

And, what about visibility. With how much the current design blocks the already tiny rear-view, reverse / parking with an alway-up spoiler will be an accident waiting to happen.

I assume it will be a bit more stylized (?). It it rather plain, as spoilers go, now (The motorization is what makes it cool). But, any ribbing or edging might just constict the vision more.

But, those of us with an '04 will at least have a nice 'nanner-nanner' for the folks to wait and get the souped-up convertable with a spoiled spoiler. :wink:

 

x-fired--Autoweeks says different and is probably right. It would make sense that the convertible would come out before the new coupe (the coupe was just intro'ed in July.

 

Hehehe, I just want to drop the srt-6 engine into my Crossfire, and smoke the next 350z I see.

 

i wish they would say something about a transmission, because i really don't want an automatic. if i have to i guess i could save my money, get a reg. crossfire and get the performance package on it. guess i'll wait and see, also how the roadster will look. i know that it's going to have to look different considering the coupe is a hatch and rounds so much at the end, how could they make it look the same?

 

I don't know how it will look, but if you want to see how NOT to make a convertible, look at the 350z roadster. That thing is REALLY ugly. As long as it doesn't look that bad, it should be good. If they made it a hardtop, that would be amazing, but I doubt it would be cost-effective.

 

I don't think, if you hit a Crossfire with an Aztec, you could make it as ugly as the 350Z... :lol:

 

I wouldn't call the Crossfire with the SRT-6 engine option a "new car" since it's just an engine option. So, I think it makes sense that it is made available in the spring with the convertible following in the fall.

You can bid the 7 cubic feet of space under the hatch adieu with the convertible. I think that the Edmunds photoshopped Crossfire convertible is likely a good representation of what the convertible will look. It's been on their website for several months.

Check it out:

http://www.edmunds.com/future/2005/c...m2.0.chrysler*

Have a great Thanksgiving!

 

I'm sure marketing has a reason to do with the launch dates as well. For areas of the country with snow and ice in the winter, convertibles aren't that appealing to buy in November. Seasonal cars, do better in their season. But anyways, have a good one everybody.

pk