I have to agree with him. The Crossfire is an enticing design in coupe or this latest drop top version. Both offer a distinctively grooved hood, Bugatti-esque center spine and retrospective tapered "boat tail" rear end styling - very nice.
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| Once the Roadster hits 100 km/h, a retractable spoiler helps prevent rear lift. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
That back end features a retractable spoiler that increases in height at about 100 km/h, an expensive but effective way to keep the design intact while not forgetting the importance of rear lift (Audi are you listening). The spoiler features an integrated third taillight.
The car's 18-inch front and 19-inch rear 7-spoke alloy wheels on P225/40 and P255/35 ZR performance tires are as much a statement of design as they are effective at keeping the Crossfire Roadster on track during aggressive cornering. And that it should do well, the coupe being one of the more agile cars I've had the pleasure of driving. The Roadster features an independent double wishbone suspension up front and independent 5-link suspension in the rear, both with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers.
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| The roadster features an independent double wishbone suspension up front and independent 5-link suspension in the rear, with gas-charged shock absorbers. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Adhesion to the road is further enhanced by standard Electronic Stability Program and all-speed traction. This is probably as good a time as any to talk about passive safety features. The Crossfire Roadster boasts next-generation driver and passenger front airbags, door-mounted thorax side airbags, the LATCH child restraint system with a passenger-side airbag deactivation switch (try that in a Boxster), tire pressure monitoring system, Sentry Key vehicle immobilizer, security alarm system, quad halogen projector headlamps and tow-away protection. I wonder if that last one saves a person from getting a parking ticket.
