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Chrysler Crossfire

The Chrysler Crossfire is a rear-wheel-drive, two-seat sports car sold by Chrysler for the 2004 to 2008 model years.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Chrysler Crossfire is a rear-wheel-drive, two-seat sports car sold by Chrysler for the 2004 to 2008 model years. It was built in Germany by Karmann and was developed during the DaimlerChrysler era, with mechanical underpinnings shared with the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. It was Chrysler's first sports car in the modern era.

Development and launch

The Crossfire was developed during the DaimlerChrysler partnership and introduced for the 2004 model year. It was intended to give Chrysler a distinctive sports car built on German engineering.

Design and mechanical layout

The model used a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and shared its platform and many components with the Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170). It was available as a fixed-roof coupé and as a roadster.

Variants and powertrains

Most Crossfire models used a naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6, while the higher-performance SRT-6 added a supercharger. Trim and equipment varied across base, Limited, and SRT-6 versions.

Production and market position

Karmann built the Crossfire in Osnabrück, Germany, from 2003 to 2007, with total production reported at 76,014 units. It was a niche sports car sold alongside period rivals such as the Nissan 350Z and Audi TT.

Key facts

  • The Crossfire was Chrysler’s first sports car and first rear-wheel-drive model in the marque’s modern era.
  • It was based on the Mercedes-Benz SLK R170 platform and shared major components.
  • The model was assembled by Karmann in Germany rather than in North America.
  • A standard 3.2-litre V6 powered most versions, while the SRT-6 used a supercharged version with higher output.
  • The Crossfire was sold as both a coupé and a roadster.
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Canadian context

The Crossfire was sold in Canada as part of Chrysler’s North American lineup and is of interest to Canadian collectors and enthusiasts as a rare, German-built Chrysler sports car.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Chrysler Crossfire?
A two-seat sports car sold by Chrysler from the 2004 to 2008 model years, offered as a coupé and roadster.
Was the Chrysler Crossfire built in the United States?
No. It was assembled by Karmann in Osnabrück, Germany.
What car is the Crossfire based on?
It is based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) platform and shares many components with it.
What engine did the Crossfire use?
Most versions used a 3.2-litre Mercedes-Benz V6, while the SRT-6 used a supercharged version of the same basic engine.
When was the Chrysler Crossfire discontinued?
Chrysler discontinued the Crossfire after the 2008 model year.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Crossfire
    Supports: Production years, layout, body styles, units produced, and general model overview.
  2. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Crossfire
    Supports: Karmann assembly in Osnabrück, Germany; coupé and roadster forms; Mercedes SLK R170 basis; engine details.
  3. Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/chrysler-crossfire-2007/
    Supports: German assembly, model description, V6 engine, transmission choices, and SRT6 details.
  4. Consumer Reports — https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chrysler/crossfire/
    Supports: Model debut, Mercedes SLK basis, body styles, engine, supercharged version, and discontinuation after 2008.
  5. Classic.com — https://www.classic.com/m/chrysler/crossfire/
    Supports: Rear-wheel-drive two-seat sports car description, Karmann assembly, model years, and platform relationship.