Press Kit: 2004 Chrysler Crossfire Launch

Chrysler Introduces All-New 2004 Chrysler Crossfire

Auburn Hills February 16, 2003 -

  • Sports Coupe of the Future Elevates Chrysler Brand, Combines Stunning American Design with Proven German Engineering

  • Route 66 Meets the Autobahn

America's classic Route 66 and Germany's legendary Autobahn are two of the most famous roads in the world. This year, drivers will be able to merge on to either in Chrysler's all-new 2004 Crossfire, a sports coupe that combines American design with German engineering.

"Chrysler Crossfire symbolizes what this merger is all about," said Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. "It's a great example of what we call disciplined pizzazz, or the ability to bring a got-to-have-it vehicle with top quality to market quickly and profitably by working together, combining strengths, and effectively leveraging our resources. Chrysler Crossfire is the icon of the Chrysler brand as it incorporates proven quality and technology in a stunning wrapper."

"Chrysler Crossfire is the sports coupe of the future; it's a dream machine come true," said Wolfgang Bernhard, Chief Operating Officer of the Chrysler Group. "Following in the footsteps of Dodge Viper and Chrysler PT Cruiser, it's a great concept-to-reality story that combines head-turning design with world-class engineering."

Chrysler Crossfire was developed in just 24 months after a concept version of the car was revealed at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A production version was unveiled one year later at the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show. Crossfire goes on sale in mid-summer of 2003, as a 2004 model.

"The initial public response to our Chrysler Crossfire concept vehicle was overwhelming," said Larry Achram, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering. "Once we stablished a solid business case for bringing this car to market, we worked closely with our colleagues in Germany to move the car swiftly from concept to reality."

The 2004 Chrysler Crossfire is a low-slung, two seat sports coupe with a sculptured appearance. Under its hood is a 3.2-liter 90-degree V-6, 18-valve SOHC engine available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

In early 2003, Chrysler began building Crossfire in Germany, in conjunction with Karmann, a long-time Chrysler partner with more than 100 years of manufacturing experience. Founded in 1901, Karmann is one of the world's leading full-service suppliers to the automotive industry.

Following are at-a-glance features in the all-new 2004 Chrysler Crossfire:

Performance Features

  • 3.2-liter, 18-valve, SOHC V-6 engine

  • 215 horsepower, 229 ft.-lb. torque

  • Six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed electronically-controlled adaptive automatic transmission with AutoStick®

  • Rear-wheel-drive

  • Independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers

  • Independent five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers

  • Speed-sensitive deployable rear spoiler at approximately 60 mph

  • Dual center-mounted exhaust outlets

  • Ultra-high performance Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires and wheels:
    Front 18-inch P225/40 ZR tires, Rear 19-inch P255/35 ZR tires

  • Seven-spoke aluminum alloy wheels

Premium Amenities

  • Power eight-way heated leather driver seat

  • Power four-way heated leather passenger seat

  • Power windows with one-touch down driver and passenger controls

  • Telescoping steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel

  • Speed control

  • Infinity® Modulus audio system with AM/FM/CD, and a 240 watt digital amplifier (six speakers including dual subwoofers). Sound system is based off of Infinity's Modulus home theater surround sound system

  • Dual-zone air conditioning

  • Customized Crossfire touring gear, three specially-designed luggage carriers that feature design cues from Chrysler Crossfire

  • Remote keyless entry with central locking (including fuel filler door)

  • Universal garage door opener

Safety Features

  • Four-wheel antilock brakes with front power 300 x 28 mm ventilated disc brakes and rear power 278 x 9 mm solid disc brakes

  • Electronic Stability Program which integrates single brake application and throttle intervention for yaw control, ignition and throttle intervention for wheel spin control

  • All-speed traction control senses drive-wheel slip and individually brakes the slipping wheel and/or reduces excess engine power until control is regained

  • Next-generation driver and passenger front air bags

  • Door-mounted thorax side air bags

  • Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child restraint system (with front passenger-side air bag deactivation switch)

  • Tire pressure monitoring system

  • Sentry Key® vehicle immobilizer

  • Security alarm system

  • Quad halogen projector headlamps

  • Tow-away protection




Contact Information

Rick Deneau
Office: (248) 512-2694
Cell: (248) 730-1685
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