Get Ready For Open Crossfire

Here's a first official look at the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster - and if you're impressed, there is some good news. It's got the go-ahead for production and should arrive here in time for the summer.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Mat Watson

13th January 2004

We lifted the lid on plans for a drop-top version of the coup΃© a year ago in issue 687, but the firm has remained tight-lipped - until now. The car appeared last week at the Detroit Motor Show, and a spokesman for Chrysler's UK division told us: "We can confirm that it is going into production and should arrive here mid-summer."

He added that dealers are now taking orders for the car, which is expected to cost about ΂£29,000. But the spokesman advised customers to get in early, as the British allocation of 2,000 is expected to sell out fast. As with the Coup΃©, the Roadster will be produced by German coachbuilder Karmann and take power from the same 214bhp 3.2-litre V6 engine.

As it's based on the current Mercedes SLK's platform, the car hasn't required much engineering and stiffening. However, the Chrysler has a traditional fabric hood, rather than following the trend for a folding metal roof.

The Crossfire's lid has to be manually unlatched before it can be folded away electrically by pressing a dash-mounted button. Once down, the top is hidden beneath a sculptured tonneau cover which blends neatly with the model's curvy rear end. Both driver and passenger are protected by rollover hoops.

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