For those of us with smaller egos, the 215 horsepower version is more than enough - especially given the lightweight of the car. According to Chrysler, the Crossfire offers better stiffness-a key roadster metric - than the Boxster, Audi TT Quattro and BMW Z4. And while we can't verify the accuracy of their claim, the Crossfire does provide a stiff, well-connected ride. It may well be too controlled for its own good, as the Crossfire Roadster comes standard with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and brake assist. Electronic Stability Program integrates a single brake application and throttle intervention for yaw control, and an ignition and throttle intervention for wheel spin control. In essence, it keeps the Crossfire on the road - even when you'd like it to shake loose a little more often.
But then the roadster is too nice to shake loose. It's for fast cruising, sunny days and prom queen waves. The biggest troubles with the Chrysler Crossfire Roadster actually revolve around the interior and the top. The sequence of putting the top up or down is a bit confusing and you do need a little elbow grease. To operate, release and pull down the center-mounted handle located on the windshield header, turn the handle, which releases the convertible fabric top and lowers the side glass, and lift the front of the top approximately eight inches. Press the button on the center console and the hard tonneau opens up, the soft fabric top folds in, and the hard tonneau closes again.
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