The spunky naturally aspirated V6 in my test car was hooked up to a 6-speed manual transmission. The short throws of this unit were enticing and the spacing of the gear ratios bang-on for the engine's powerband. Unfortunately the shift actuation felt quite notchy, especially when returning to first gear. My guess is that some adjustment by a Chrysler tech would resolve the matter, which likely resulted from too many auto journalists constantly hammering through the gears. Of course I can't blame them, given the jet-like exhaust note and fortitude of the V6.
 |
| Perhaps due to one too many journalists blasting through the gears, the shifter of my test car felt quite notchy. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Well we know the Crossfire is a blast in a straight line, but what about cornering you ask? Well I'm here to tell you that precise handling is the backbone of the brawny Crossfire. In fact its steering is so direct that running it through a set of curves reminds me of racing little slot cars on the figure-8 track I had as a kid - except it doesn't spin off the roadway when you get going too fast. A good thing.
 |
| In real world driving there is absolutely nothing disappointing about the Crossfire's ability to hold the road . (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Rather, the Crossfire can hold a line in all but the most challenging of direction changes. A lot has already been written about its handling, some of it negative in comparison to other premium sports cars and roadsters. But let me emphasize that such was not my experience. In real world driving there is absolutely nothing disappointing about the Crossfire's ability to hold the road and communicate the goings-on to the driver. Handling is predictable and there are no surprises, such as a rear bumper wishing to overtake a front bumper when the cornering envelope is being pushed into next week.
