Chrysler Crossfire

Impressions: One of the first and most tangible offsprings of the Mercedes/Chrysler marriage (to form DaimlerChrysler) was the Crossfire. The sleek little two-seater is based on the last-generation Mercedes SLK sports car and also uses the baby Merc's 215-horsepower V6, transmission and suspension. The Crossfire is available in both coupe and convertible platforms and each can be had in two trim levels for 2007: base; and Limited. Unfortunately, the high-performance SRT6 with its 330-horsepower supercharged 3.2-liter V6 has been cut from this season's roster. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic optional. In all cases, Crossfire has enormous brakes and a mix of 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inchers at the rear. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, stability control, power windows and locks, dual-zone climate control, anti-lock brakes and new-for-2007 knee airbags for both the driver and passenger. The Crossfire experience is as much about fashion as practicality (a good thing considering this vehicle seats just two souls). As proof, consider the embossed hood with half-dozen creases running its length, wide and aggressive aft section and the wide center console that connects a prominent feature line from the hood through to the tail where a spoiler automatically raises and lowers based on speed. Although the SRT6 is gone, the Crossfire roadster can still be had with an optional special-edition package that includes unique paint, SRT6-style multi-spoke wheels, a black windshield surround and satin silver door handles. Base price: $30,100 Type: Two-door coupe; roadster Base engine (hp): 3.2-liter SOHC V6 (215) Optional engine: None Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive Transmissions: Six-speed manual; five-speed automatic (opt.) Mileage (city/hwy): 17/25 Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags (opt.); knee airbags; anti-lock brakes; stability control; traction control Weight (lb.): 3,010 Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: chrysler.com