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

One Of The Most Underrated SRT Vehicles...

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. 

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe. (Chrysler).

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.

Crossfire’s Hand-Built Supercharged 3.2-liter V6. (Chrysler).

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.

2005 Chrysler Crossfire Engine Specifications:
Model: 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Limited Roadster 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster
Engine: 3.2-liter, 18-valve, SOHC, V6 Supercharged 3.2-liter, 18-valve, SOHC, V6
Horsepower: 215 horsepower @ 5,700 RPM 330 horsepower @ 6,100 RPM
Torque: 229 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3,000 RPM 330 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3,500 to 4,800 RPM
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (Standard) 5-Speed Automatic with AutoStick
  5-Speed Automatic with AutoStick (Optional)
Performance:     
0 to 60 MPH: 6.9 Seconds 5.0 Seconds
Braking, 60 to 0 MPH (FT): 121 Feet 115 Feet
Standing 1/4-Mile: 14.9 Seconds @ 93.0 MPH 13.9 Seconds @ 104 MPH
Top Speed (MPH): 150 MPH (Drag Limited) 158 MPH
Weight (lbs): 3,140 LBS 3,328 LBS
Fuel Economy (MPG City/Hwy/Combined): 19 MPG/25 MPG/21 MPG (Auto) 15 MPG/22 MPG/18 MPG
2005 MSRP (Roadster Model): $38,920 USD $49,995 USD
Crossfire’s Hand-Built Supercharged 3.2-liter V6. (Chrysler).

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.

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster. (Chrysler).
2005 Chrysler Crossfire Spring Rates Specifications:
Model: Front Spring Rates: Rear Spring Rates:
Chrysler Crossfire Limited Coupe 303 lb.-in. 337 lb.-in.
Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe 451 lb.-in. 480 lb.-in.
Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster 434 lb.-in. 491 lb-in.

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.

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe. (Chrysler).

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.

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe. (Chrysler).

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.

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster. (Chrysler).

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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Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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This is a topic I can comment on with confidence, I’ve owned Crossfire’s since 2004. My wife and I feel in love with this Chrysler immediately and at that point, they were being sold over sticker on a take what our dealership can get basis. We waited until the dealer got one we liked and pounced on a dark gray fastback coupe. Absolutely loved the car, but a couple of years latter when introduced, my wife fell hard for the roadster, a difficult to find item that she”had to have”. Yea, confession, me too. So in 2007, after shopping all over Long Island we found our current Crossfire Limited Roadster. We have found our cherry red Crossfire to be everything we hoped and more. To sum up, the Crossfire is our forever car, one that still turns heads, draws raves and puts a smile on our faces. To paraphrase Lee Iacocca, “if you can get your hands on a nice used Crossfire, buy it!”

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I still have my SRT6. I originally bought it when I lived down in Florida. I daily drove it to work everyday. I even took it on a few long distance road trips. I had an absolute blast with that car. Unfortunately, it has sat in my garage for the last 5 or so years. It just isn't as fun on Michigan roads.

It is definitely an underappreciated car. Even today, very few Chrysler people even knew that it existed. I have a difficult time finding a Chrysler dealership that is willing to service it. My last service was done my a Mercedes dealership in Metro Detroit. After all, it is just a SLK32 AMG under its skin.

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I have a SSB 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Srt6 purchased used in 2013 with 29k miles. Always get lots of attention when I take it out. I have had many performance cars over the years and this SRT6 ranks at the top of my list for sheer performance. It is extremely fast and quick and easily can beat standard hemis and RT Dodge products 0-60 mph, quarter mile, and top speed. Although it handles the twistys among the best, the stiff suspension makes it one of the harshest rides you will find in a sportscar.
I picked mine up in like new condition when they were fully depreciated, very cheap. I am happy to see their prices appreciate over the past 2 years. They are very rare now. I check the nationwide auto markets at least monthly and haven't found more than 5 SRT6s listed with under 50k listed during any search.
If you want a true automobile jewel and happen upon a SRT6 under 10k miles south of $25k I recommend you take the plunge. You will be hard pressed to find a comparable performance car for under $45k.

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