2004 Chrysler Crossfire Road Test

This is a lifesize cutaway, showing the lengths Daimlerchrysler engineers went to give the Crossfire a stiff body. The wheels shown are aftermarket - OK, not funny. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Where Chrysler's new Pacifica benefits from a Mercedes sourced 5-link rear suspension setup, among other components, the Crossfire represents the first complete platform swap. It rides on modified SLK architecture, improved for torsional rigidity due to its enclosed coupe configuration. It has actually been so stiffened that its curb weight is slightly higher than the Mercedes roadster, but the payoff is a structure 50% more rigid than Porsche's tight little Boxster.

But does it handle as well as the Boxster, revered as one of the best in the business? It might even be better. But before I get flooded with hate mail let me continue. When cars are as good as the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Coupe, Infiniti G35 Coupe and Nissan 350Z, all comparative vehicles Chrysler supplied during our Carlsbad, California test, the differences come down to personal preferences. What impressed me most is that a car bearing the winged emblem is worthy of comparison to these legendary performers at all.

And worthy it is. Few cars are as nimble or as forgiving of overzealous input than the Crossfire. I purposely threw it into corners with wild abandon just to see how it would react. While optimizing the apex rewards with quicker slaloms the Crossfire held its own when hurled into tight curves and made to brake heavily mid-corner, a driving 101 no-no. Its electronic stability control, while integral in maintaining composure, was hardly perceptible, increasing the pleasure factor. Adding to its sticky dynamics are 18-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels on 225/40ZR18 ultra-high performance Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires up front and the same rubber sized to 255/35ZR19 in order to fit the larger diameter 19-inch alloy rims in the rear.