When the Crossfire SRT6 alights, it emits roar sounding more like an F16 fighter jet than a piston-powered automobile. Listen carefully at low rpm operation and the
distinctive "hiss" of a supercharger can be detected. Bring up the revs and the SRT6's jet-like exhaust "whoosh" and baritone growl take over.
Some manual shifting purists, however, may be disappointed to learn that at present the SRT6 is only available with a 5-speed autobox featuring DaimlerChrysler's AutoStick manual mode technology; I know I was, because the 6-speed manual mixer in the regular Crossfire is one sweet stick.
Choosing to mix your own gears with the AutoStick isn't as rewarding as using a true manual gearbox, but it's satisfying nonetheless, especially when wanting to hold constant revs when entering a curve. Perhaps DaimlerChrysler will eventually come up with a clutchless manual as good as Audi's Direct Shift Gearbox found in their new A3. This unit provides lightening-fast gear changes a la Formula 1 racing. It also blips the throttle to match revs during downshifts. With the SRT's 330-horsepower running through a DSG-like clutchless box, the Crossfire would take on legendary status in my books. Until then, I guess we'll have to make do with the much more conventional 5-speed automatic.
After accepting that there was no role for my left foot, the AutoStick and I got along remarkably well.
The limitation of five cogs didn't seem to impede the SRT6's performance, as its potent V6 kicks out plenty of punch without needing to be confined to the top of its rev band. Power is prodigious once the tachometer is on the move and steadily builds, nailing spines to seatbacks by 4,000 rpm.
An SRT6 performance function not requiring any sort of compromise is braking. A large 13-inch front rotor partners with a 12-inch rear rotor to ensure the upgraded antilock 4-wheel discs have plenty of surface area to squeeze without overheating or fading. It would take a punishing day at the track to really assess these binders, but nevertheless they performed flawlessly during my enthusiastic drives, feeling mighty powerful whenever called upon. Emergency stops were dead straight and dramatically short.
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| Listen carefully at low rpm operation and the distinctive "hiss" of a supercharger can be detected. Bring up the revs and the SRT6's jet-like exhaust "whoosh" and baritone growl take over. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Some manual shifting purists, however, may be disappointed to learn that at present the SRT6 is only available with a 5-speed autobox featuring DaimlerChrysler's AutoStick manual mode technology; I know I was, because the 6-speed manual mixer in the regular Crossfire is one sweet stick.
Choosing to mix your own gears with the AutoStick isn't as rewarding as using a true manual gearbox, but it's satisfying nonetheless, especially when wanting to hold constant revs when entering a curve. Perhaps DaimlerChrysler will eventually come up with a clutchless manual as good as Audi's Direct Shift Gearbox found in their new A3. This unit provides lightening-fast gear changes a la Formula 1 racing. It also blips the throttle to match revs during downshifts. With the SRT's 330-horsepower running through a DSG-like clutchless box, the Crossfire would take on legendary status in my books. Until then, I guess we'll have to make do with the much more conventional 5-speed automatic.
After accepting that there was no role for my left foot, the AutoStick and I got along remarkably well.
 |
| Power is prodigious once the tachometer is on the move and steadily builds, nailing spines to seatbacks by 4,000 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
An SRT6 performance function not requiring any sort of compromise is braking. A large 13-inch front rotor partners with a 12-inch rear rotor to ensure the upgraded antilock 4-wheel discs have plenty of surface area to squeeze without overheating or fading. It would take a punishing day at the track to really assess these binders, but nevertheless they performed flawlessly during my enthusiastic drives, feeling mighty powerful whenever called upon. Emergency stops were dead straight and dramatically short.