What’s New?
The Chrysler Crossfire, a two-seater available as a coupe or roadster (convertible), gets new safety features for the 2007 model year, as well as a new monochromatic Bright Silver Metallic paint option. The new safety features include a multi-stage driver-side front air bag, next-generation passenger front air bag, seat belt pretensioners, constant-force seat belt retractors, and knee air bags for both the driver and passenger.

Overview
Chrysler launched the Crossfire for the 2004 model year. The car shares much of its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and is a direct result of Chrysler’s former affiliation with Mercedes through the now-defunct DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

All Crossfires are powered by a 215-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 engine. For 2007, both the Crossfire coupe and roadster come with a 6-speed manual transmission, monochromatic black exterior, cloth seats, CD audio, power windows, cruise control, dual-zone climate controls, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. The roadster also has a power fabric top and a heated rear window. Options include an automatic transmission and various paint colors.

Both coupe and roadster models also are available in a Limited trim package that adds heated leather power seats, a 240-watt Infinity Modulus audio system, a tire-pressure-monitoring system, heated mirrors, fog lamps, a universal garage door opener, and upgraded tires.

The Competition
The Chrysler Crossfire competes in the Compact Premium Sporty segment, which consists of eight models. Buyers in this segment look for exterior styling, performance, and quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report, ^SM were the Nissan 350Z (24,635 units sold), the now-discontinued Acura RSX (16,996), and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (16,415). The Chrysler Crossfire sold 8,216 units in 2006, a decrease of 44 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Compact Premium Sporty segment include the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Porsche Cayman, Honda S2000, and Porsche Boxster. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Volvo C70.