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I have a 6 speed manual, but there was a lengthy discussion of this on the main Crossfire Forum, and 3 guys there are also Chrysler technicians, and they explained it better.
The experience you had with the car may have as much/more to do with how your friend has driven it as with the optimal performance of the car.
Just a thought. Another crazy thing like the wing, I guess.
My guess is that the car is actually still in development, so even pix of it would be of a pre production prototype. There are no actual pix of the convertible floating around yet, the most popular one that's shown has been admitted to being a PhotoShop job.
This is not unusual...Lotus has been taking orders on the US spec Elise for over a year, but just announced last month what engine it will have.
So far, the only US spect car that's been available for testing is the one R & T reviewed last month, but it was so rough they used it for the performance tests, but used a europ spec Elise for the pix, explaining that there will be some nominal body changes in the US car.
They haven't even set a price yet, although it's been suggested that it will be under $40K. Of course, they said it would be 1800 lbs, but current specs have it getting close to 2000.
My guess is that we won't have anything concrete on the Xfire SRT6 until late first quarter of next year.
The Crossfire I drove had only 200 miles on it, probably not enough for the computer to learn much about the driver's habits. Especially with me confusing it. My Bonnie does the same thing, adjusting the shift pattern to the driver's habits (or so they say, I can't tell). I'm anxious to try this Crossfire again when it gets broken in a bit, next time with the Autostick rather than letting the computer do all the "thinking." It is a "sweet" car (oh wait, isn't that a Dodge slogan?).
The Michelin Pilot Sports are extremely sticky, and with 255's at the rear moderately wide. The Xfire CAN chirp those tires a bit, but it doesn't have the grunt to smoke them. Instead it just launches you in a hurry.
They're nice tires, kinda feel like some nice shaved Yokohama AVS.
The Crossfire is not an all out performance car. It is a nicely balanced car that does most things well...speed, handling, luxury...it's a GT.
It's a fun car to drive and live with, that about says it all.
We've had 3 Xfires; we have 3 Xfires. In 3.5 months maybe 6 test drives.
I'm 6'3. I can't drive the car. My knees hit the dashboard.
You can't see out of the back window and only Stuart Little can fit his weekend baggage in the boot.
Finally, if I wanted a 1997 SLK I would buy one.
ITS A CHRYSLER. Don't be surprised if they have a 3000 rebate next month.
Where a lot of dealers initially shot themselves in the foot, and a few (yours?) still are, is with tacking on a high ADP, $3K to $10K were/are common. AND they treated the car like a Ferrari when it came to letting someone test drive. I've heard stories from buyers who actually had to put a deposit and complete the initial purchase paperwork before the dealer would even start the engine.
The car is nice, but not that nice...
Indeed, at 6' 3" I can see how you would be uncomfortable in the car. But, again there are guys on the main board your height who post that they are very comfortable in the car. It's all a matter of personal preference. I'm 5'8", and I'd probably pass on it if I were your height, but again, there are tall guys who love it.
Trunk space? 7.6 cubic feet compares favorably to many other sports cars/coupes, weekend luggage space is more than ample, unless you're trying to throw in a golf bag as well.
I find rearward visibility complaints way overstated. I've easily adjusted seating and mirrors to all but get rid of blind spots...no worse than I have in my Pathfinder, and much, much better than I've experienced in the 4 Lotuses I've owned (all of which had less headroom, trunk space, and the peddles were arranged so that anyone with feed over size 9 would have difficulties).
Sports cars/coupes, by their very nature, give up a lot to both have performance features and 'sporty' style. Goes with the territory.
Cheap shot about the SLK, while most of the running gear is from the SLK, with a lighter weigth the Xfire is noticeably quicker, and the suspension is not a direct bolt over. It includes some mods and some CLK bits, and with the added stiffness of a coupe, it is FAR superior to the SLK in every handling measurement. But as a dealer, you know all that.
The car's not perfect, but it's a ball, and each time I drive it I appreciate it more.
Sports cars (all cars?) are a matter of taste, to be sure. One man's Ferrari is another's Yugo.
Although, I've never driven one, I'd sure like to take one for a spin.
My perception is it's an SLK in all but name only (with a sunroof instead of a folding roof). That's not a bad thing. The real question is will anyone recognize as Chrysler as the equal to a Benz?
Any suggestions on tire life, or stories on similar tires, would be very appreciated.
First, the cheapest I've found the tires, at Tire Rack, will put you closer to $1200 plus shipping.
Second, don't know anybody yet with 10K or more on their Crossfire, but the discussion on the main Xfire board, and reviews of the tires in a variety of sources, say you can expect around 10K or maybe a bit more out of the tires.
They are an extremely soft compound, and the tread depth isn't that deep to begin with.
You can't rotate the tires in the conventional way, ie crossing front/back. Different size wheels.
So all you can do is side to side 'rotation.' Some folks say not to do that, but Daimler Chrysler and Michelin recommend doing it to extend tread life. I intend to do the rotation about every 2K miles.
One tire dealer said about these types of tires is that you may indeed have usable tread left at 10K to 12K, but the performance and adhesion characteristics will have degraded by that point. If you're just doing normal driving, that might not be a problem. It could be a problem if you take it to a track, OR if you really like to hit the exit ramps hard.
No tread life warranty because these are performance tires, usually are going to be abused and played with hard, so the manufacturers won't provide that type of warranty.
Could be worse, you could have a 350Z. They start feathering their front tires the first mile you drive them.
"Crossfire Gets Supercharging
Chrysler's new Crossfire coupe will get some second-season excitement in the form of a new SRT-6 model. Chrysler has introduced most of its 2004 new vehicles and some 2005 cars and trucks to the press in anticipation of next year's auto shows, and the SRT-6 is among the new vehicles expected for launch next calendar year. According to sources, the Crossfire SRT-6 will pump out 330 horsepower thanks to supercharging of the stock 3.2-liter V6, and will go from zero to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. A two-seat Roadster edition is expected shortly thereafter, possibly offering the 330-hp engine as well. No pricing has been announced."
- I have heard people getting +20K miles on them, but not usually. One of the reasons the Crossfire does so well on the skidpad is because of the sticky and soft compound of the Pilots.
The Michelin Pilot Sport A&S has a MUCH higher wear rating (+30K miles) and have traction close to it.
tires with virtually same handling characteristics that are cheaper:
Bridgestone S03 Polepositions (may not be much cheaper)
BFGoodrich KDWs
Pirelli PZero Nero
Goodyear Eagle F1-D3
Continental ContactSport 2
And even less:
Yokohama EVS100
Kumo
Etc.
They did not say the same thing with regards to the SRT-4, so who is right?
The Crossfire is unique and does many things well. Other people have other needs. We should all be thankful there is a variety of options, whatever our desire.
I would agree that the Crossfire is fine vehicle, and quite good looking. The issue that many people have with it is for a Halo car, the power and price combination seems to be very odd for trying to use this car as promotion for the "New-Upscale" Chrysler.
With the Mercedes, whether you like it or not, it does have the brand cache and the dealership experience that makes people want to pay a premium.
Chrysler is not at this level yet.
I decided not to buy it b/c of the sniffs I had about a beefier engine and a roadster coming out, but for styling and fun alone I don't think anyone can go wrong--I'm just way too picky about interiors and intrigued by the new models to dive in now. I have yet to see one on the road in San Diego, so those of you who did take the plunge are part of an exclusive group, which certainly ups the cool-factor in my book.
Also, I cut to the chase with the dealer and told him I found one on Carmax for just over 32K. I didn't go the distance in the deal, but they pretty much told me they would match the offer. They've been calling me ever since so they must want to start moving these cars.
Anyway, hope this info helps.
If you're not tall, as you said, a little fiddling with the mirrors, as you said AND the 8 way adjustable seat should easily get you a comfortable driving position, and eliminate most, if not all of your blind spot concerns. There are some blind spots, but they just require a little more attention when changing lanes. Some folks want no such compromise, and that's ok...but I have yet to see ANY highly stylized or sporting car that does not have such flaws. I guy I know who owns both a Lambo Diablo and a Countach HATES driving either/both...the blind spots on those cars are huge and apparently cannot be mitigated with the mirrors or driving position.
Re the nimbleness vs the S2000 or RX8. I agree that it doesn't FEEL nimble, but the numbers say otherwise. When you look at the R & T tests (October and this month against the Audi TT), with R & T the main mag that does slalom, the Xfire posts faster slaloms than the RX8, Audi, 350Z, etc., sometimes significantly faster. The slalom requires a certain nimbleness.
A guy in Va. Beach is autocrossing his, and apparently he holds his own against Boxsters, BMWs, 350Z's et al. That said, he is a driver with some experience and background. Your results may vary.
When you read the Audi/Xfire comparo in R & T, the Chrysler obliterates the Audi in almost all objective performance categories: lateral grip, slalom (annihalates it), braking, 0-80, 0-100 accelaration. It's a dead heat in 0-60, and the .1 nod to the Audi in the quarter is within a driver standard deviation.
R & T gives the overall nod to the Audi, though, strictly on subjective feel. They readily admit the Xfire kicks the Audi's rear in terms of measured performance, but they say the Audi FEELS like it performs better, even though it does not.
The gearbox is it's biggest performance drawback. The throw of the box isn't the problem, it's ok. The problem is that the shifter feels like you're trying to move a hammer around in a bowl of rocks. I would guarantee that the impresise shifter, in all these 0-60 magazine tests that clock the 6 speed in the 6.4 to 6.7 range, can attribute .2 seconds to that shifter.
Radio...cars being shipped now have the improved display...no longer a problem on new cars. Supposedly, a TSB is coming out, and current owners will be offered a free retrofit of the improved radio. Still the Infiniti, but with better display.
Finally, price. A dealer here in Baltimore, the last two Sundays, advertises in the color section new 6 speeds for $29,995. THAT's a BARGAIN.
I like the car, will live with it for another year when I sell it to make room for the Lotus Elise I have on order.
The dealer is dumb.
Re: dash - it is pretty much the same as MB SLK's dash.
I'm looking and the only 'deal' is $399 + tax. Also, should I lease this year, or wait until next year hoping prices will drop because they are not selling?
In the end we bought the 6 speed Crossfire, people say it's slow. A 0-100mph in 16.1 seconds is good enough for me.
We got a 39 month lease for $315pm on 12K a year.
Carmax in Orlando is selling six speeds for a tad over 28K. that would translate into a good lease deal IF they'd do it.
Congrats on your new ride ! Keep us tire kickers informed about how it stacks up to your Benz.
Regards HUD :)
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Edmunds.com
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Did you mean 1/4 mile in 16 seconds?
hey 12K miles per year in South Florida is not that much.
HUD :)
- One other thing about performance - reason for the slow numbers could be the wheels. They are huge, and have to weigh a considerable amount. This significantly hurts acceleration numbers, which is why it is slower than the SLK320.
How much did you put down? Which dealer did you get this lease at in Florida?
Overall, the Xfire is a tad lighter, about 30 lbs than the SLK. Granted, if the wheels of the Xfire are heavier that does make it work harder, they being unsprung weight.
In the same issue, timed the RX8 at 6.7secs (about the same as Edmunds)
And the 350Z at 5.4 secs.
For some reason, I thought CR timed the SLK320 under 7 seconds.
CR is good a certain type of testing, not performance testing.