Whatever, if cloth is good enough for
BMW's Z4 then Chrysler fans shouldn't be concerned with the Crossfire getting a less sophisticated setup than its M-B relation.
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| "Top up or down, this is a great-looking sports car. Sunshine and fresh air are just 22 seconds away," commented Chrysler Group VP Jeff Bell. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
And it's not as if Chrysler's fabric unit is a canvas tent either, but rather a beautifully detailed multi-layered enclosure with full insulation for reduced exterior noise seepage. The soft-top retracts easily too, according to Chrysler. A simple two step process, starting with the twisting release of the handle located on the windshield header which drops the side windows while lifting the front half of the top by about 8-inches. A center console mounted button does the rest, tucking the top under a hard tonneau cover when all is said and done.
Whether putting the top up or down the process doesn't take long, according to Jeff Bell, Vice President, Chrysler Group. "With the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, consumers can choose their passion," he said.
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| "We use sport bars and tonneau cover fairings to give Crossfire Roadster even more of an aerodynamic appearance," stated Senior VP of Design Trevor Creed. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
"Top up or down, this is a great-looking sports car. Sunshine and fresh air are just 22 seconds away." I like the roll hoops, as well-suited to the design as they are functional
safety devices. Chrysler once again calls them "sport bars" (see January 7, 2004:
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Preview), possibly to woo the mostly male customer demographic the brand is targeting.
I spoke with Trevor Creed, Chrysler Group's Senior Vice President of Design, after the November introduction, and he was enthused about the new roadster's styling. "Our new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster captures the spirit of the Crossfire coupe," he stated. "We use sport bars and tonneau cover fairings to give Crossfire Roadster even more of an aerodynamic appearance."
