Crossfired
by Volker Weber
Three days ago we took the Chrysler Crossfire for a spin. Overall this is a very nice car. Mercedes engineering, Chrysler looks, at least on the outside. On the inside it looks like a Mercedes SLK, a design now in its eighth year. This was a 3.2 litre V6, 218 bhp, automatic transmission. Nice performance, you can get it up to 250 if you take your time. The ride is as smooth it can be with 18" (front) and 19" (rear) wheels.
Two complaints: The rear spoiler is a rather annoying gimmick when it folds in at 60 km/h, and a set of snow tires with aluminium wheels is 4500 Euro (that would be $5700) — a deal breaker for me. Sorry, nice try, Chrysler.
Next on the list: Audi TT 3.2, Mazda RX-8, Mini Cooper S, Nissan 350Z.
Comments
If you'd like to take my old lady - a '88 MB 190E 2.3 out for a spin, I'd be happy to oblige. She still has a bite on the highways. :-)
Nice one. But wait, you are letting your old lady? :-)
I would add the new SLK to the list. Have a look at http://www.supercars.de/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1623 . I guess the first official presentation will be at the Geneva international motor show (4th to 14th of March). If that is too far away you have to wait until the 27th of March. This seems to be the official presentation date in Germany according to http://www.frankfurt-offenbach.mercedes-benz.de/retail/3/rn/1,3725,79749,00.html
Thanks Oli for that information, it just kept me off thinking about buying an "old" slk :-)))))
Good suggestion. Fixed a run with the Mini for tomorrow. This is my favorite for now. There is no Nissan Dealer around, the TT is an "old car" to be replaced in 2005. The RX-8 is a separate story: Most likely the best driving machine, but I don't want the Wankel rotary engine.
Skipped the Mini test run today because it was below zero. Need better road conditions.
I almost bought the RX-8 without ever driving it, especially because of the Rotary Engine ... anyway, odds are the 350Z is going to blow all the others away.
Snow tires? What a concept.
--Esther
in sunny Arizona
(though it's 9C, and we've broken out the winter coats)
