Preservation of the Chrysler Crossfire's beautiful boat-tail design was critical during the gestation of the roadster, but the rest of this stylish sports car's lines made the transition to the new drop-top model without jeopardy.

The Crossfire roadster's front view mirrors the coupe: six grooves surround a center "spine" running down the middle of the hood. Keyhole headlamps flank a wide chrome grille, capped by the Chrysler winged badge.

The profile is a sloping slingshot: 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inch rear alloys lend a natural rake, enhanced by rising, beveled bodylines. Chrome side strakes flow back from the front wheel wells, while in the dropped top rests beneath a hard tonneau with dual fairings and arching sport bars.

From there, it's a smooth drop down the boat tail, past the wing that automatically deploys at speed. Fenders sweep down alongside, flaring to wrap around the beefy rear tread. In all, the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster displays a compact, sinewy shape, at its best from side and rear angles. We test-drove the car in Laguna Beach, California, and even in car-jaded SoCal, the new Crossfire roadster was definitely sidewalk whiplash material.

Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004