The Crossfire Spirit
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Joined: May 2006
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The Crossfire Spirit
I'd like to start a thread on cars that embody the spirit of the Crossfire: Close-coupled two-seat coupes (and roadster variants) that are stylish (or outrageous), sporting but neither the fastest nor the swervyest. These are often lower production variations on existing chassis and mechanicals, but not simply coupe variants of sedans like the BMW 6 series, Mercedes CLK, Alfa Romeo GTV or Jaguar XJ-S.
Here are some photos of the mid-90s Alfa Romeo SZ. Based on the Alfa 75 sedan -- the Milano in the US -- using a front engined 3 liter V6 and coachbuilt by Zagato. Production was quite limited, just a few thousand total over about a 4-5 year period. It pioneered the use of carbon fiber in productions cars, limited here to the rear wing and a few other bits. The controversial styling -- it got nicknamed "The Monster" -- and high prices hindered demand, even thought all reports rated it one of the best handling road cars of its time. Like the Crossfire, this was coachbuilt by another company, and all of the expense went into the body, leaving little for interior detailing or finishes. After the first couple of years -- almost all of which were red with black roofs -- they came out with a roadster version and expanded color palette.
Other cars I imagine making this "in the spirit of the Crossfire" list would include:
-- MGB-GT V8
-- Various TVRs
-- VW Karmann-Ghia
-- Marcos (especially w/V6 Ford or straight 6 Volvo 3 liter engines)
-- Lotus Plus 2 (upsized coupe version of Lotus Elan)
-- Peugeot 504 Coupe/Cabriolet
-- The latest Ford Thunderbird
The Shelby Mustangs might fit, but these are too obviously just tarted-up Mustangs. The American "personal luxury coupe" theme -- Monte Carlo, Thunderbird, the original Toronados and Rivieras, etc. -- were mass production models that all seem too big to qualify, and the on-road results are only sporting in a straight line.
I leave out the larger-sized near-supercars with Detroit V8s from small makers like the Iso Grifo, Jensen Interceptor, Intermeccanica, Bristol, etc., and the wagon/"shooting brake" variations of the Volvo P1800, Jensen-Healy and Lancia Beta GTE. I also avoid mid-engine cars based on production mechanicals -- too different a feel and focus than the Crossfire's "stylish GT with legs."
Discussion, plus additions and subtractions to my list, please!
Rob Gold
Here are some photos of the mid-90s Alfa Romeo SZ. Based on the Alfa 75 sedan -- the Milano in the US -- using a front engined 3 liter V6 and coachbuilt by Zagato. Production was quite limited, just a few thousand total over about a 4-5 year period. It pioneered the use of carbon fiber in productions cars, limited here to the rear wing and a few other bits. The controversial styling -- it got nicknamed "The Monster" -- and high prices hindered demand, even thought all reports rated it one of the best handling road cars of its time. Like the Crossfire, this was coachbuilt by another company, and all of the expense went into the body, leaving little for interior detailing or finishes. After the first couple of years -- almost all of which were red with black roofs -- they came out with a roadster version and expanded color palette.
Other cars I imagine making this "in the spirit of the Crossfire" list would include:
-- MGB-GT V8
-- Various TVRs
-- VW Karmann-Ghia
-- Marcos (especially w/V6 Ford or straight 6 Volvo 3 liter engines)
-- Lotus Plus 2 (upsized coupe version of Lotus Elan)
-- Peugeot 504 Coupe/Cabriolet
-- The latest Ford Thunderbird
The Shelby Mustangs might fit, but these are too obviously just tarted-up Mustangs. The American "personal luxury coupe" theme -- Monte Carlo, Thunderbird, the original Toronados and Rivieras, etc. -- were mass production models that all seem too big to qualify, and the on-road results are only sporting in a straight line.
I leave out the larger-sized near-supercars with Detroit V8s from small makers like the Iso Grifo, Jensen Interceptor, Intermeccanica, Bristol, etc., and the wagon/"shooting brake" variations of the Volvo P1800, Jensen-Healy and Lancia Beta GTE. I also avoid mid-engine cars based on production mechanicals -- too different a feel and focus than the Crossfire's "stylish GT with legs."
Discussion, plus additions and subtractions to my list, please!
Rob Gold
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,509
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From: Akron, Ohio
Re: The Crossfire Spirit
Rob, if you go to page 6 of the "Other Cars forum", and scan down to the thread "Can You Identify These 2 Cars", You will see the car that I feel is the most obvious pick. 
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
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Re: The Crossfire Spirit
Yes, a most insightful comparison. The AMX was, indeed, very much in the same spirit as the Crossfire (if lacking the strong German accent).
I will admit that I find two of the AMX specs don't ring quite true: the low height and the breaking distances. I just don't think that kind of breaking performance would be possible on those skinny crossplies.
I will admit that I find two of the AMX specs don't ring quite true: the low height and the breaking distances. I just don't think that kind of breaking performance would be possible on those skinny crossplies.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 255
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From: Dallas
Re: The Crossfire Spirit
'57 T-Bird.
Strong, but not truly fast.
Flashy, but worked well and contained readily available parts.
A fancy, fun two-seater with compromised performance and suspension in the interest of comfort.
"Fuhgettaboutit" looks and vibe; envy-inducing.
Strong, but not truly fast.
Flashy, but worked well and contained readily available parts.
A fancy, fun two-seater with compromised performance and suspension in the interest of comfort.
"Fuhgettaboutit" looks and vibe; envy-inducing.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 40
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Re: The Crossfire Spirit
In re: '57 T-Bird... I guess it is a matter of intent. I think of the Crossfire as being first a sports coupe/GT, i.e., it's actual performance is as integral to its spirit as is its "looking sporty." With the first generation T-Birds, I think the sporting look dominated, and actual performance was an afterthought (even though it easily surpassed the first gen 'Vettes with their six cylinder engines and two-speed automatics).
The Crossfire's main Chrysler contribution -- beyond the the styling -- are the suspension settings and wheel/tire package. Unlike several American versions of Euro platforms -- examples include the Lincoln LS and new T-Bird from the Jag S Type, and the Pontiac GTO from the Holden Munaro -- the Crossfire's set-up is not just stiffer springs with bigger sway bars and fatter tires. The XF is actually softer and better balanced than the original Merc SLK. The XF sticks better, understeers less, has much better transitional behavior into and through turns, and steering feel is improved. I think this speaks clearly to Chrysler's intent to make the XF a real sporting GT as opposed to simply selling a pretty cruiser.
It is a pity that most press reviews of the Crossfire have missed this point, choosing instead to complain about its shortcomings compared to the Boxster and Z cars from BMW and Nissan (all more purely sports cars than a sporting GT like the Audi TT and RX8).
It is the difference between country roads and country clubs.
Rob Gold
The Crossfire's main Chrysler contribution -- beyond the the styling -- are the suspension settings and wheel/tire package. Unlike several American versions of Euro platforms -- examples include the Lincoln LS and new T-Bird from the Jag S Type, and the Pontiac GTO from the Holden Munaro -- the Crossfire's set-up is not just stiffer springs with bigger sway bars and fatter tires. The XF is actually softer and better balanced than the original Merc SLK. The XF sticks better, understeers less, has much better transitional behavior into and through turns, and steering feel is improved. I think this speaks clearly to Chrysler's intent to make the XF a real sporting GT as opposed to simply selling a pretty cruiser.
It is a pity that most press reviews of the Crossfire have missed this point, choosing instead to complain about its shortcomings compared to the Boxster and Z cars from BMW and Nissan (all more purely sports cars than a sporting GT like the Audi TT and RX8).
It is the difference between country roads and country clubs.
Rob Gold
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