Dropping the Crossfire's soft-top is a relatively simple process. With the in-trunk dividing panel in the correct position,
 |
| A turn of a roof mounted latch and the push of the button drops the roadster's top. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
the driver need only turn a roof mounted latch to free the top then push a console-mounted button which initiates the mechanical wizardry. As the roof retracts, it folds and positions itself snugly behind the cockpit where it is then enclosed by a color-keyed tonneau lid. The process of retraction, however, isn't as smooth and thump-free in the Crossfire as it is in some rival convertibles that I have tested, but nevertheless it works well enough. When not out of sight, the single layer top fits snugly around the windshield frame and side windows. Air and water leaks are non-existent and surprisingly, headroom is quite generous - in fact it felt greater than in the coupe I tested. The rigid rear window is heated and easy to see through, although the driver's rearward field of vision isn't great due to the window's smallish dimensions. Of course, true roadster fans won't have the roof in place unless
 |
| There are few cars more capable of delivering such astral pleasure than the Crossfire. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
driving through a typhoon accompanied by torrential rain; and even then going alfresco is questionable. Personally speaking, one of my favorite roof-down seasons is winter, however, I should point-out that I reside in a fairly mild climate zone, slightly above the 49th parallel and next to the warm, Pacific Ocean. Winters here are less hostile than in most other parts of the North American Continent, which makes year around top-down motoring reasonably pleasant, providing the ride is equipped with a suitable heater - which of course the Crossfire is. There is little else more invigorating on a clear, chilly evening than a late night open-air cruise with the stars in full view and the single passenger seat occupied by someone special.
