Sam Memmolo
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Auburn Hills/Stuttgart, 2003... Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer Wolfgang Bernhard marked the occasion by driving the first Chrysler Crossfire off the assembly line in Germany. Members of the Crossfire engineering team were also on hand to celebrate the occasion. "Today, we celebrate the production launch of the Chrysler Crossfire, a vehicle that combines stunning American design with proven German engineering:' said Bernhard. "In just twenty-four months, this vehicle went from a pure concept to the vehicle we are building today, because of the dedicated efforts at DaimlerChrysler to find the best synergies for all of our products." Developed after a concept version of the car was revealed at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, today's production announcement makes the Crossfire one of the fastest concept-to-reality decisions in the auto industry. 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. The sleek design, wheelbase and center exhaust system were maintained from the original Crossfire concept, while existing powertrain and axle components were shared from Mercedes-Benz. The Crossfire represents the future of the Chrysler Brand, with proven qsuality and technology packaged in a stunning wrapper," said Bernhard.
April 2002 Atlanta Auto Show - Chrysler 2004 Crossfire UNVEILING ALL-NEW 2004 CROSSFIRE Chrysler Crossfire combines classic European proportions and technology with the power and personality of an American performance car. America’s classic Route 66 and German’s legendary Autobahn are two of the most famous roads in the world. Next year, you’ll 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 is the
sports coupe of the future, it’s an “Chrysler Crossfire symbolizes what this merger is all about,” continued Zetsche. “It’s a great example of what we call disciplined pizzazz, or the ability to bring a got-to-have-it vehicle to market profitably by working together, combining strengths, and effectively leveraging resources. Chrysler Crossfire represents the future of the Chrysler brand as it incorporates proven quality and technology in a stunning wrapper.” The 2004 Chrysler Crossfire is a low-slung, two seat couple with a carved, sculptured appearance. Under the 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.
Exterior:
Sculpted, Romantic One of its most distinguishing features is its center spine that runs the length of the car and gives a chiseled, carved appearance. The rear view is stunning with a tapered, “boat tail” appearance that emphasizes its large rear wheels, tires and fenders. A retractable spoiler is designed into the rear of the vehicle and activates when the car reaches the designated speed of 50 miles per hour.
Interior: Machined Precision Seats are trimmed in a two-tone leather with Chrysler’s signature winged badge embossed into both headrests. The ignition switch is located on the instrument panel as opposed to the steering column. Precise, elegant gauges are white-on-black with a metallic accent bezel and a chrome trim ring. The center console is metallic and flows from the top of the instrument panel through the center of the car to achieve a cockpit environment. Metallic accents are featured throughout the interior including on the doors, steering wheel, and instrument cluster.
2004 Chrysler Crossfire Preliminary Specifications
Exterior Color: Shown in Sapphire Silver Pearl with Starbrite Silver accents Interior Colors: Shown in Dark Slate Gray and Light Taupe with Starbrite Silver accents. In early 2003, Chrysler will build Crossfire in Germany, in conjunction with Karmann a long-time DaimlerChrysler 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.
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American dream machine come true,” said
Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of the Chrysler Group. “Following 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. 
