Review
The Crossfire should be seen as the antidote to the default choice sportscar. Both coupe and convertible versions are available, based on the same structure as the previous Mercedes SLK, and exclusivity is assured by limited sales and the less-than-universal appeal of the offbeat styling.
The Crossfire certainly doesn't look like anything else on the road thanks to its slightly retro, recognisably American design - clearly harking back to the hot rods of the 1950s and 60s. The coupe's filled-out shape and high roofline make it impressively spacious for a two seater. And although the convertible is the better looker when running open-topped, it makes do with a fabric roof instead of the SLK's folding metal hardtop.
The cabin is solidly constructed and the multi-adjustable driving position is good, although details like the shiny dashboard plastics look a bit out of place in a car trying to compete against such upmarket rivals. There's plenty of headroom inside, but the coupe's boot is on the tight side and the convertible's is miniscule, especially with the roof folded.
On-road manners are a bit stodgy by sportscar standards. The Crossfire has lots of grip and a reasonably comfortable ride, but there's none of the dynamic connection a driver might expect in a car of this type - it feels aloof and inert. Cruising at higher speeds is noisy, too.
Two engines are available, with the standard 3.2 litre V6 being more than potent enough - it's almost impossible to make any kind of rational case for the expensive and thirsty SRT6. And it's worth avoiding the terrible manual transmission, although a five-speed automatic gearbox is an expensive option.