The Chrysler Crossfire was manufactured by Chrysler, but it was a unique product of the DaimlerChrysler era. The car was essentially a rebadged and restyled version of the Mercedes-Benz R170 platform, which was the basis for the first-generation SLK roadster. The final assembly of the Crossfire took place at the Karmann factory in Osnabrück, Germany.
The car was produced for a short model run from 2004 to 2008. It was offered as a 2-seat coupe and a retractable-hardtop roadster. Under the hood, both body styles used a Mercedes-sourced 3.2-liter SOHC V6 engine, producing 215 horsepower. This shared DNA extended to the entire drivetrain, including the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, and the rear-wheel-drive chassis.
Here's a quick overview of the key specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler LLC (under DaimlerChrysler AG) |
| Final Assembly | Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, Osnabrück, Germany |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz R170 (SLK) |
| Production Years | 2004–2008 |
| Body Styles | 2-Door Coupe, 2-Door Retractable-Hardtop Roadster |
| Engine | 3.2L SOHC V6 (Mercedes-Benz M112 E32) |
| Horsepower | 215 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual or 5-Speed Automatic (5G-Tronic) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
While it wore a Chrysler badge, the Crossfire's engineering, major components, and build quality were heavily influenced by Mercedes-Benz. This collaboration resulted in a distinctive sports car with sharp, controversial styling, but it also meant parts and maintenance were often priced at a premium closer to Mercedes-Benz levels than typical Chrysler vehicles.
