The new Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, revealed at the 74th Salon International de l'Automobile in Geneva, will become the first SRT-badged Chrysler Group vehicle to be introduced to markets outside North America when it goes on sale later this year.
"The Crossfire SRT-6 defines performance for the Chrysler brand, and offers driving enthusiasts an absolute dream," said Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer, Chrysler Group. "We took an incredible car and applied street and racing technology. The result is a world class, confident performer from Chrysler.
"As the first SRT vehicle for the Chrysler brand and the first SRT vehicle to arrive in markets outside North America, Crossfire SRT-6 will exhibit benchmark performance," Bernhard added. "But unlike Dodge SRT vehicles, which demonstrate bold, extreme, in-your-face performance, Chrysler SRT vehicles feature understated, sophisticated, refined performance."
The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 joins the SRT lineup following the 500-horsepower (372 kW) Dodge Viper SRT-10 -- the ultimate American sports car; the award-winning 230-horsepower (172 kW) Dodge SRT-4, the most powerful car available for less than $21,000 and a favorite among America's sport compact "tuner" crowd; and the world's fastest production pickup truck, the Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT-10.
The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features a hand-built 330-horsepower (246 kW) 3.2-liter supercharged engine, performance-tuned ride and handling characteristics, world-class braking, functional performance-themed exterior design elements, and interior appointments designed to delight the performance enthusiast.
SRT Brand
Race Inspired. Street Legal.
SRT is Street and Racing Technology.
SRT-6 Powertrain
The heart of every SRT vehicle is its engine. The Crossfire SRT-6 is no exception. A hand-built 3.2-liter supercharged V-6 engine boasting 330-horsepower (246 kW) and 310 lb.-ft. of torque (420 N-m) powers the ultimate Chrysler Crossfire. Featuring a helical supercharger and a water-to-air intercooler, the 18-valve V-6 engine delivers 90 percent of peak torque across a broad range of the power band -- from 2,300 to 6,200 rpm.
"The Crossfire SRT-6 engine provides astounding, benchmark-setting performance," Knott said. "From initial throttle response, all the way to cruising in high gear, power is readily available." In addition to the 330-horsepower (246 kW) engine, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features an upgraded five-speed automatic transmission (with AutoStick(R)) to handle the extra power - and specifically the low-end torque - as well as a deeper, performance-tuned exhaust note.
SRT-6 Ride and Handling
To wear the SRT badge, benchmark performance must be present in every aspect of the vehicle. "Straight-line performance is important," Knott said. "SRT vehicles offer that and so much more. SRT vehicles don't just show their prowess in the 100-yard dash. They set out to win the decathlon of automotive performance.
"We refer to it as performance throughout the dynamic range," Knott added. "SRT vehicle owners regularly use their vehicles as everyday transportation, but as performance enthusiasts, they want to put their vehicles to the test on the world's greatest roads, and even on the track. They'll certainly be able to demonstrate their passion doing just that with the Crossfire SRT-6." Tested on the Autobahn, on high-speed ovals, race tracks, and the world's finest and most demanding roads, the Crossfire SRT-6 provides what performance enthusiasts demand, thanks in large part to its unique ride and handling characteristics. To delight enthusiasts and deliver ultimate Chrysler performance, SRT engineers sought to deliver a stiffer, sportier performance ride with reduced understeer versus the base Crossfire.
They began by significantly increasing the spring rates, and SRT-6 Coupe and Roadster models are tuned differently, to their own unique characteristics. The Coupe's spring rates are 451 lb./in. in the front and 480 lb./in. in the rear, while the Roadster's are 434 lb./in. in the front and 451 lb./in. in the rear, compared to 303 lb./in. front and 337 lb./in. rear on the base Crossfire Coupe and Roadster models.
The suspension is further enhanced with performance-tuned damping and an aggressive compound on Crossfire's Michelin Pilot Sport ultra-high performance 225/40 ZR18 (front) and 255/35 ZR19 (rear) tires. An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) tuned specifically for more spirited driving throughout the car's dynamic range further contributes to the Crossfire SRT-6's ultimate two-seater performance ride and handling.
SRT-6 Braking
"Time and time again, we say performance is more than just acceleration," said Bernhard. "Nothing 'wows' the true enthusiast more than a high-horsepower vehicle that handles well -- and stops on a dime. The Crossfire SRT-6 does exactly that."
The SRT signature performance test is 0-100-0 mph, reinforcing that performance is more than acceleration. That's why SRT vehicles will always be among the world's best in braking capabilities. To give the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 remarkably short braking distances and fade-free performance, SRT engineers utilized internally ventilated disc brakes at all four corners (330 x 32 mm front; 300 x 22 mm rear), with dual-piston calipers front (44/44 mm) and rear (42/42 mm).
SRT-6 Exterior
Subtle and functional was the mantra as designers looked at the palette - the original Chrysler Crossfire. The result: race inspired exterior appointments that deliver enhanced performance while distinguishing the SRT-6 from its predecessor.
The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features a fixed rear spoiler that immediately suggests "speed" and "power," and results in reduced lift and enhanced aerodynamic balance at high speeds. An elegantly integrated front fascia "chin" spoiler also reduces lift and enhances vehicle balance, while providing greater cooling air flow. Unique, lighter 15-spoke performance-themed SRT aluminum alloy wheels (18-in. front and 19-in. rear) add to Crossfire SRT-6's exterior performance characteristics.
SRT-6 Interior
Exclusive premium performance-themed appointments are found throughout the interior of the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6. A 200-mph (320 km/h) instrument cluster immediately points to the car's performance characteristics. The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features race-inspired seats, designed to provide increased support for everyday driving, as well as spirited on-track driving performance. Trimmed in Nappa Pearl Leather, the seats feature enhanced grip, thanks to Preferred Suede inserts and bolsters. "SRT-6" is embroidered on the headrests. Subtle gray stitching on the seats and steering wheel round out the interior appointments unique to the new 2005 Crossfire SRT-6.
[Source: Chrysler Group]