Race-inspired Performance Version of the Chrysler Brand’s Breathtaking Icon

Geneva – First, it was Chrysler Crossfire…world-class engineering and proven quality in an exquisite wrapper.

Next, the Crossfire Roadster…an audacious, yet glamorous, head-turning version of the ultimate expression of the Chrysler brand.

Now, the Crossfire SRT-6…a new level of Crossfire with an infusion of race-inspired, street-legal American performance in both coupe and roadster forms. The new Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, which is given its world premiere 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 line-up following the 500-horsepower (372 kW) Dodge Viper SRT-10 — the ultimate American sports car, which arrives in European markets later this year; the award-winning 230 hp (172 kW) Dodge SRT-4, the most powerful car available in the USA 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 hp (246 kW) 3.2-litre 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 stands for Street and Racing Technology.

Formed at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the SRT organisation brings together Chrysler Group’s extensive motorsports engineering expertise, its legendary Dodge Viper development team and its Mopar Performance Parts engineers to form SRT.

“This is an organisation of enthusiasts who truly understand performance and feel they have the best job in the company,” said Dan Knott, Director – Street and Racing Technology, Chrysler Group.

SRT regularly produces winning performances on America’s race tracks and new performance parts for enthusiasts who can’t get enough. This team already has a flurry of outrageous Dodge SRT vehicles under its belt.

First, the ultimate American sports car, the 500 hp Dodge Viper SRT-10, which goes on sale in markets outside North America later this year when the Dodge brand is introduced. Next, the award-winning Dodge SRT-4, a 230 hp sub-six second (0-60 mph) rocket that has taken America’s sport compact tuner crowd by storm. And most recently, the Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT-10 – certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Fastest Production Pickup Truck. While Dodge SRT vehicles have resulted in eye-popping performance, Chrysler SRT vehicles will exhibit a kind of performance suitable only to the premium Chrysler brand.

“While Dodge SRT performance is extreme, SRT performance for the Chrysler brand is a refined, subdued but very confident level of performance,” Knott said. “Chrysler SRT performance is still there but in an understated manner. And the drivers know it, giving them all the confidence in the world.”

But a few things are common among all SRT vehicles.

“At SRT, we will always strive to raise the performance bar and claim benchmark performance,” Knott said. “We’ll do that by focusing on five SRT cues: powertrain, ride and handling, braking, exterior, and interior appointments. Doing so allows us to achieve our goal of creating the ultimate performance vehicle from the Chrysler Group – an SRT.”

SRT-6 Powertrain:
The heart of every SRT vehicle is its engine. The Crossfire SRT-6 is no exception.

A hand-built 3.2-litre supercharged V-6 engine boasting 330 hp (246 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb.-ft.) of torque powers the ultimate Chrysler Crossfire, taking the SRT-6 from 0 to 100 km/h in just over five seconds.

Featuring a helical supercharger and a water-to-air intercooler, the 18-valve V-6 engine delivers 90 per cent of peak torque across a broad range of the power band – from 2300 to 6200 rpm.

“The Crossfire SRT-6 engine provides astounding, benchmark-setting performance,” Knott said. “From initial throttle response, and every step of the way, all the way to cruising in high gear, power is readily available.”

In addition to the 330 hp engine, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 features an upgraded five-speed automatic transmission (with AutoStick®) 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 completed 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) tyres. An Electronic Stability Programme (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 utilised 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). These allow the SRT-6 to go from 60 to 0 mph (96-0 km/h) in approximately 115 feet (35 metres).

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 aluminium 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 320 km/h (200 mph) 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.

Story by Chrysler Edited by Maximum-Cars.com