The American Roadster à la Mercedes
Since Chrysler's merger with Mercedes-Benz, design and quality have been on the up and up. Their products are better assembled, there is more attention to detail and it appears that reliability is on its way up as well. Even so, I find it rather sad that a large American manufacturer needs an older (7 year - 1998) German-designed engine and chassis combo to be able to produce a viable sporty and desirable product.
The Crossfire is available in 3 different trims: a base Coupe that is only available with the manual transmission and, like Mr. Ford said, any colour as long as it's black. There are additionally Limited and SRT-6 versions in either Coupe or Roadster form. Basically, the Limited adds different exterior accents, leather, a better sound system and the option of an automatic transmission for an extra 1 500$ (among other things). The SRT-6 has everything the Limited has plus adds a supercharged 330 hp engine, different wheels and has the automatic transmission standard. The tested Crossfire was a Roadster Limited equipped with the 6 speed do-it-yourselfer and it retails for 51 845$.
Exterior styling
This car is all about styling. It has a long hood, a short rear end, twin chromed centre tailpipes; all the ingredients to make it a classic. One of my favourite cues are the indents on the hood; they remind me of an old wooden speedboat (for some reason). Add to that the faux fender vents and some raised roll bars for more visual effect. As well, there is one bodyline that starts in the middle of the hood and it works its way straight through the cabin: along the top of the dash, down the middle of the centre console, right along the centre armrest while crossing the shifter. If one were inclined to enhance this theme, the addition of 18" wheels on the front and 19" on the back of this car, or any other for that matter and you are definitely stylin' and pimpin'. The only problems with these wheels are curb rash and replacing the tires: Be prepared to pay around 250$ for a reasonable quality 18" tire in the right size and approximately 400$ for the 19" ones.
In terms of visibility, it is definitely a sore spot; however it is not as bad as the recently tested New Beetle Convertible. When the top is in place, the blind spots are in view. When the power-retractable roof is neatly stowed under the cover, the look is very clean and visibility is the same as in most roadsters, that is to say fair. Once you are done soaking the sunrays, all which has to be done is to hit the button. As soon as the roof is in the nearly closed position, the handle must be pulled on to effectively latch it in place. When the roof comes into contact with the windshield frame, as you pull down hard, there is a very loud "thud" that is created. The noise is so jarring that it's kind of embarrassing when you pull up to park at a fancy terrace and you decide close the roof... A functional power operated and speed activated spoiler (up at 100 km/hand back down at 60 km/h) adds to the package but does it really make a difference in handling? Probably not, but I think it looks great.
Since Chrysler's merger with Mercedes-Benz, design and quality have been on the up and up. Their products are better assembled, there is more attention to detail and it appears that reliability is on its way up as well. Even so, I find it rather sad that a large American manufacturer needs an older (7 year - 1998) German-designed engine and chassis combo to be able to produce a viable sporty and desirable product.The Crossfire is available in 3 different trims: a base Coupe that is only available with the manual transmission and, like Mr. Ford said, any colour as long as it's black. There are additionally Limited and SRT-6 versions in either Coupe or Roadster form. Basically, the Limited adds different exterior accents, leather, a better sound system and the option of an automatic transmission for an extra 1 500$ (among other things). The SRT-6 has everything the Limited has plus adds a supercharged 330 hp engine, different wheels and has the automatic transmission standard. The tested Crossfire was a Roadster Limited equipped with the 6 speed do-it-yourselfer and it retails for 51 845$.
Exterior styling
This car is all about styling. It has a long hood, a short rear end, twin chromed centre tailpipes; all the ingredients to make it a classic. One of my favourite cues are the indents on the hood; they remind me of an old wooden speedboat (for some reason). Add to that the faux fender vents and some raised roll bars for more visual effect. As well, there is one bodyline that starts in the middle of the hood and it works its way straight through the cabin: along the top of the dash, down the middle of the centre console, right along the centre armrest while crossing the shifter. If one were inclined to enhance this theme, the addition of 18" wheels on the front and 19" on the back of this car, or any other for that matter and you are definitely stylin' and pimpin'. The only problems with these wheels are curb rash and replacing the tires: Be prepared to pay around 250$ for a reasonable quality 18" tire in the right size and approximately 400$ for the 19" ones. 
In terms of visibility, it is definitely a sore spot; however it is not as bad as the recently tested New Beetle Convertible. When the top is in place, the blind spots are in view. When the power-retractable roof is neatly stowed under the cover, the look is very clean and visibility is the same as in most roadsters, that is to say fair. Once you are done soaking the sunrays, all which has to be done is to hit the button. As soon as the roof is in the nearly closed position, the handle must be pulled on to effectively latch it in place. When the roof comes into contact with the windshield frame, as you pull down hard, there is a very loud "thud" that is created. The noise is so jarring that it's kind of embarrassing when you pull up to park at a fancy terrace and you decide close the roof... A functional power operated and speed activated spoiler (up at 100 km/hand back down at 60 km/h) adds to the package but does it really make a difference in handling? Probably not, but I think it looks great.