Caught in the Crossfire

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The Chrysler Crossfire coupe might make it to New Zealand now that it is to be built by specialist German company Karmann.

Chrysler confirmed last month that the two-door Crossfire would go into production.

Then last week it said Karmann would build the car for all interested markets, low-volume right-hand-drive included.

"It would be exciting if we could get it here," said Chrysler New Zealand general manager Brett Aspden. "It would increase Chrysler's product range and certainly impact on the appeal of the brand."

The Crossfire is the latest in a long list of innovative Chrysler concept cars that have made it into production without varying wildly from their original design. These include the Plymouth Prowler, Dodge Viper and PT Cruiser.

The rear-drive Crossfire has a carbon-fibre body on a space-frame chassis and is powered by a supercharged 2.7-litre V6 engine producing 205kW (275 bhp) and 366Nm of torque. Top speed is 238 km/h and the car sprints from zero to 100 km/h in under six seconds.

DaimlerChrysler has promised that the Crossfire will remain true to the original design.

"We will make sure the production version of the Chrysler Crossfire captures the pure emotion and character of the concept car," said Dieter Zetsche, president of the Chrysler Group.

"This is an excellent example of how we are able to expand our product portfolio by leveraging existing technology, resources and relationships within DaimlerChrysler to benefit our customers."

The Crossfire's proportions bring to mind the aggressive Chrysler Atlantic concept car of 1995, right down to the split front windscreen.

The car sits on 21-inch wheels at the rear and 19-inch at the front. The seats are covered in blue and tan leather and there are brushed aluminium accents on the centre console and steering wheel.

An on-board computer called the "G-meter" measures acceleration, lap times and g-forces - just the ticket for the enthusiast.