Looking Back: The Supercharged 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6:

This past weekend, we learned that Stellantis had “disbanded” the Street & Racing Technology (SRT) division, and its “core elements” have been integrated into the new company’s global engineering organization. This means the original SRT performance engineering team will now work alongside other former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA engineering teams to develop new high-performance vehicles for the company’s new product portfolio. 

With that being said, we figured we would look back at some of the SRT performance lineup for the last two decades during the next few weeks. 

The first vehicle we are looking at is the first-ever Chrysler branded SRT vehicle, the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6. As the only SRT vehicle to feature a 6-cylinder engine, the Crossfire SRT-6 was also the only vehicle other than the Dodge Viper SRT-10 to feature a coupe and roadster variant. The car was a unique infusion of German engineering, American design, and American tuning.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz R170 platform that underpinned the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK, the Crossfire SRT-6 performance story started with a hand-built 3.2-liter supercharged V6 engine that was originally used in the SLK 320 AMG. It was tuned to produce 330 horsepower (246 kW) and 310 lb.-ft. (420 N•m) of torque in Crossfire SRT-6 form. The 3.2-liter was mated to a 5-speed W5A 580 automatic transmission.

The 3.2-liter’s supercharger was supplied by IHI, the same manufacturer as the SRT Hellcat, SRT Hellcat Redeye, and SRT Demon 2.4-liter and 2.7-liter superchargers. It featured a water-to-air intercooler that helped deliver a relatively flat torque curve, delivering 90% of the engine’s peak torque between 2,300 to 6,200 RPM. Of course, it used a unique SRT engine cover and a performance-tuned exhaust system.

Now while the car was basically an SLK underneath the skin, SRT engineers worked to deliver a stiffer, sportier performance ride with reduced understeer compared with the regular Crossfire and SLK. Both the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe and Roadster models benefited from stiffer spring rates which were tuned differently to optimize their own handling characteristics compared to the regular Chrysler Crossfire models.

Performance-tuned dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport ultra-high performance tires were wrapped around 15-spoke performance-themed aluminum wheels that were staggered front and rear (18-inches in the front with 225/40ZR18 rubber, 19-inches in the rear with 255/35ZR19 rubber) which contributed to the Crossfire SRT-6’s handling characteristics. SRT also developed a unique tune to the car’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP), tuning it for a more “spirited” driving.

To give the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 a short braking distance and fade-free performance, SRT engineers utilized internally ventilated disc brakes at all four corners (330 x 32 mm front; 300 x 22 mm rear), with dual-piston calipers front (44/44 mm) and rear (42/42 mm). The SRT-6 was capable of doing 0-100-0 mph in under 16 seconds according to SRT’s signature performance test.

When it comes to the exterior styling of the Crossfire SRT-6, the Chrysler Group Product Design Office (PDO) worked on amping up the Crossfire’s exterior to deliver enhanced performance while distinguishing the SRT-6 apart from the standard Chrysler Crossfire lineup.

A large fixed rear spoiler replaces the automatically deployed rear spoiler of the standard car. The SRT-6 spoiler resulted in reduced lift and enhanced aerodynamic balance at high speed while giving the car a faster and more sleek profile. A front fascia chin spoiler reduced lift and enhanced the vehicle’s balance while providing greater airflow.

The design team also integrated performance-themed appointments within the interior of the Crossfire SRT-6. A set of race-inspired seats were designed to provide increased support for those taking their cars to the track.  The seats were fitted with Nappa Pearl Leather and featured enhanced grip thanks to Alcantara suede inserts and bolsters and unique SRT-6 badging embroidered onto the headrest. The seats and the steering wheel featured subtle gray stitching which was unique to the SRT-6 models.

Of course, there was a 200-mph (320 km/h) instrument cluster added to SRT-6 as well.

The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 was manufactured by German coach builder KARMANN in Osnabruck, Germany, on the same assembly line that was used for the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK convertible and coupe. According to KARMANN records, there were 37,896 Crossfire Coupes and 16,269 Crossfire Roadsters manufactured between 2003 to 2007 for global distribution.

The Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 has proven to have a cult following in recent years. While relatively cheap on today’s market, there has been a resurgence of several SRT-6s on social media channels doing various track day and drag strip events over the past few years. While spme modified versions being able to tackle the quarter-mile in under 11.5-seconds, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 continues to be one of the most underrated SRT vehicles in the division’s portfolio.

In 2006, the Chrysler Crossfire lineup outsold its European competitors in the United States. While only 25% of the Chrysler Crossfire models sold in the United States marketplace, the car proved to be an important part of the Chrysler portfolio in the European marketplace. According to Chrysler, the Crossfire brought buyers from import and luxury brands to the brand.

So what did you think of the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 lineup? Do you agree with us that it was one of the most underrated SRT vehicles? Leave your comment below or in the MoparInsiders forums.

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Image Gallery:

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