Like New York, L.A. has its own magic, the most plentiful being sunshine and heat. It was the ideal location to debut a car that will sell better here than anywhere else in the world. Case in point, we're driving down Wilshire Ave. on the way to Santa Monica and a cool looking guy in a Saab Viggen convertible
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| Chrysler seems bound and determined to shake up the premium market by offering stunning cars like the Crossfire Roadster at affordable prices. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
pulls up beside us and says, "When are those comin' out?" I mention May and then he asks the obvious question, "How much?" I tell him the U.S. price of $35K and grinning from ear to ear he responds, "Are you serious?! I'm gonna get one of those!" Sorry Saab, I didn't mean to cost you a customer. But don't blame me; it's all Chrysler's fault. They're steadily shaking up the premium market by delivering passion-inducing styling, top-tier quality and superb performance, all for prices that cause momentary synapse short-circuits.
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| The Crossfire Roadster was best appreciated while running through the circuitous mountain roadways that twisted through the outskirts of L.A.. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
While the city is cool to drive through, with the sporty V6 engine's sassy exhaust note bouncing off surrounding shop windows, the Crossfire Roadster was best appreciated while running through the circuitous mountain roadways that course around the outlying area. We were actually staying in Laguna Beach, about 50 miles south of L.A., a beautiful upper crust town that clings to sandy cliffs along the waterfront.
But, while enjoyable, my job here in Southern California wasn't to take in the scenery, at least not from anywhere but behind the windshield of the new Crossfire Roadster. After turning inland from the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH1) onto the 133, and driving for a few minutes past a variety of quirky shops and motels, a quick jaunt down the 405 leads to some fantastic roads.
