America's Favorite Convertible Company Drops Top On New 2005 Chrysler Crossfire

- Tested at 150 miles per hour, Crossfire Roadster combines Chrysler brand's stunning design and convertible leadership with proven engineering. - New 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster offers exceptional body torsional stiffness (29.2 Hz) and more torque (229 ft.-lb.) than Porsche Boxster (192), Audi TT quattro (207) and BMW Z4 (214) - Top down in 22 seconds - Further establishes Chrysler as America's convertible brand, joining the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible and Sebring Convertible - Roadster is one of nine new vehicles to be launched this year by the Chrysler Group

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 1 -- Just one year after launching the Chrysler Crossfire coupe, Chrysler introduces the new 2005 Crossfire Roadster. First unveiled at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Chrysler Crossfire Roadster will arrive in dealerships this spring.

"The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster combines stunning, head-turning design with proven engineering," said Larry Achram, Vice President, Virtual Engineering and Crossfire, Chrysler Group. "Crossfire Roadster effectively captures the spirit of the Crossfire coupe, one of the most beautiful coupes on the road today."

Proven Performance

The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster offers exceptional body torsional stiffness (29.2 Hz) and more torque (229 ft.-lb.) than Porsche Boxster (192), Audi TT quattro (207) and BMW Z4 (214).

The new Crossfire Roadster is low-slung with a sculpted appearance. Under the hood is a 3.2-liter 90-degree, 18-valve SOHC V-6 engine available with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.

Crossfire Roadster comes standard with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), brake assist, and high-performance, W-rated Continental SportContact 2 tires that are certified to 168 miles per hour. Similar to the Chrysler Crossfire coupe, Crossfire Roadster features a speed-sensitive rear spoiler that automatically deploys when the vehicle reaches 60 miles per hour.

Top Down in 22 Seconds

"While the top goes down in seconds, the ultimate measure of a roadster's engineering is how quiet the vehicle is with the top up," said Achram. "We designed Crossfire Roadster to be a 150 mile-per-hour roadster. The result is a stunning roadster that is tight, solid and quiet."

To remove the top, simply release and pull down the center-mounted handle located on the windshield header, turn the handle, which releases the convertible fabric top and lowers the side glass, and lift the front of the top approximately eight inches. Press the button on the center console and the hard tonneau opens up, the soft fabric top folds in, and the hard tonneau closes again.

  Following are features on the new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster:

  Performance Features
  *  3.2-liter, 18-valve, SOHC V-6 engine
  *  215 horsepower, 229 ft.-lb. of torque

* Six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed electronically- controlled adaptive automatic transmission with AutoStick(R)

* Rear-wheel drive

* Independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and gas- charged shock absorbers

* Independent five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-charged shock absorbers

* Speed-sensitive rear spoiler which deploys at approximately 60 miles per hour

  *  Dual center-mounted exhaust outlets
  *  Front 18-inch 225/40ZR tires
  *  Rear 19-inch 255/35ZR tires
  *  Seven-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
  *  Air compressor and can - TireFit sealant

  Premium Amenities
  *  Power convertible fabric top
  *  Full power hard tonneau
  *  Heated glass back light
  *  Power eight-way heated leather driver seat
  *  Power four-way heated leather passenger seat
  *  Power windows with one-touch down driver and passenger controls
  *  Telescoping steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel
  *  Speed control

* Infinity(R) Modulus audio system with AM/FM/CD and 240-watt digital amplifier (six speakers including dual subwoofers). The sound system is based on Infinity's Modulus home theater surround sound system

* Dual-zone semi-automatic air conditioning

* Remote keyless entry with central locking (including fuel filler door and center console)

  *  Universal garage door opener

  Safety and Security Features
  *  Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist

* Front power 300 x 28 mm ventilated disc brakes and rear power 278 x 9 mm solid disc brakes

* Electronic Stability Program which integrates single brake application and throttle intervention for yaw control, ignition and throttle intervention for wheel spin control

* All-speed traction control senses drive-wheel slip and individually brakes the slipping wheel and/or reduces excess engine power until control is regained

  *  Next-generation driver and passenger front air bags
  *  Door-mounted thorax side air bags

* Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child restraint system (with front passenger-side air bag deactivation switch)

  *  Tire pressure monitoring system
  *  Sentry Key(R) vehicle immobilizer
  *  Security alarm system
  *  Quad halogen projector headlamps
  *  Tow-away protection

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