Crossfire SRT6: Has Chrysler lost its mind?
 

Has anyone looked at this car?

http://www.chrysler.com/crossfire/fe...eup/index.html

I mean, the regular Crossfire is OK, I guess if you like its looks, but the SRT6? Look at the price point on it! $46K? For a 330hp supercharged coupe? Who in their right mind, except for DCX execs, would ever buy this car when you can get a Corvette for the same price point?

Their target isn't Corvette buyers, it's more like SL500 buyers.

I like the features listed, besides the 330 hp

200mph speedometer!!! (as if the car can go that fast)
Unique SRT6 BADGES!!!! (can't wait to see them on a neon)
Fixed rear spoiler!! (so? the one that moves up and down is cooler)


So 16,000 dollars gets you a spoiler and 115hp. AND COOL BADGES!!

This car is peculiar--its main selling point is its looks. Its supposedly an excellent autoxer the problem is that even though its fast--its auto only; and the suspension beats you up. So those AMG buyers that want a fast ass car with an auto tranny usually prefer a more comfortable ride-so it misses the mark there; then the hardcore sports car buyers can find so many other offerings (M/T and A/T) that are better for the money. Boxster, SLK350, Corvette, M3, Elise, the list goes on.

I suddenly feel like I'm in last year...

Great Scotts!

LOL--thats what I was thinking

I didn't know it only came in auto...that's odd.

probably the same reason that the grand nationals only came in auto. with an auto, as long as its set up right, you can have quicker times vs a manual due to the fact that you arent losing boost between shifts, as with a manual you should be closing the throttle when you shift, whereas an auto you can keep your foot planted. plus, with todays technology, you can actually get better shift times out of an auto consistantly.

Autos can, and quite often are, faster on large-engined rear-wheel drive cars, particularly when forced induction is involved. But that doesn't mean that's necessarily what the consumer wants. However I'm sure Chrysler looked at what was selling on the others and determined what they needed to equip on the SRT. It's not like they don't have a lot of well-engineered RWD MTXs and SMGs to pick from in the Mercedes parts bin.

The Cadillac XLR also comes as automatic transmission only.

That car is based on the SL chassis...

Not SL but the SLK--the SLK32 was only available in auto--so hence the SRT8 available in auto only. The entire drivetrain is AMG.

who cares - it's ugly

The convertible is ok and it is fast--but I wouldn't drive one. My mom has an SLK and for me (5'11") I just can't find a really good seating position.

Where's Gord to debate this ridiculous point?

It's not ridiculous, when placed in the correct context. Drag racing, for example, when talking about high torque/power vehicles with proper auto transmissions (LS1 + 4L60e, or the GN's turbo 3.8 + 200r4 come to mind)

There was a thread a while back where somebody was saying that the auto 8 is faster than the manual 8 because it shifts faster. Gord explained why that wasn't true...

I forget the reasoning but it sounded like it made sense...

I still think a good manual driver can shift faster than most autos. Plus you can control the RPMs and shift exactly where you want so this makes any time difference in shifting a non-issue.

That's exactly what I'm thinking... Where does it hit its market without being absolutely killed by a superior vehicle? I'd only consider it competitive if they stripped $5-10K off the price tag. I can't see anyone taking it for any reason other than its looks. I personally don't like the way it looks.... Whenever I see the commercials, I laugh...

"What is inspiration? Can it be stylish at any speed? Yes.
Can a car be as beautiful with the top down as with the top up? Yes.
Can an AWFUL-looking back end completely kill one's interest in a vehicle? Absolutely.

The Chrysler Crossfire. Inspiration comes standard."

I think the "Inspiration comes standard" is the funniest line.

Where's the "inspiration" in raiding the parent company's left over, and archaic, architecture and putting a new skin on it?

Well you're both right and both wrong at the same time... There are certainly cars where the AT is just about as fast as the MT, a C5 vette is a good example. However if driven well the MT will still be faster but it's damn close. If you're talking dedicated drag car with the proper auto and cars that run 10 second or quicker 1/4 miles usually an auto will be faster and it will certainly be more consistent.

If anyone has driven a crossfire, they would know that in addition to upgrading the power, they really should work on the suspension and transmission. I drove an automatic at a "chrysler test fest" event and I could not believe the poor build quality and asthmatic engine. We went out in packs of about 10 cars in a row to do a couple minute street drive and they had walkie talkies routed through the car stereos, so the lead car could tell all the test drivers what's happening on the route. We were coming up to a long straight and the lead car said "Please refrain from holding back and stomping on the gas to test the cars acceleration" I swear I started laughing out loud, it's was just a terrible car all in all, ugly looks, poor performance, cheap, cramped interior.

For high hp vehicles with Forced Induction, I think it comes down to the percentage of drivers that can manually outshift the new high tech auto trannys. I think most cannot. Even with old technology like in the GN. My friend had one years ago, and once moving, there was no break in between shifts, and the car was simply the most amazing auto I drove in at the time. A few years ago I was into the Mitsubishi Starion/ Conquest addiction. I owned three, and one was auto. I beefed up the turbo, exhaust, and raised the boost. Once I put that auto car into the high hp range, it out performed the manual in every aspect including launch, although I blew out tranny because it could not take the power. I realize this is only one example, but for the most part a high hp auto tranny will outdue a driver in manual, if for no other reason that there is no room for error, and the manual driver must be perfect.

ditto!

That was me! :o