2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT

Everyone knows that the Crossfire stems from the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster. And everyone knows that what was Team Viper got folded into Chrysler's Performance Vehicle Operations group. What you may not know is that PVO has since been renamed SRT (Street Racing and Technology) for consistency with the products it creates. That includes the (Neon) SRT-4, Viper and Ram SRT-10, and now an amped-up version of the Crossfire called SRT-6, which employs the supercharged V-6 out of the old SLK32 AMG. Had enough alphabet soup yet? Thought so.

The Crossfire is the first Chrysler to get the SRT treatment; all the rest are Dodges, although at least one more Chrysler and a Jeep are under development or consideration. Four areas received attention in the name of higher all-around performance, greater style, and exclusivity: Exterior design, interior accouterments, powertrain, and handling/braking. The SRT-6 will be served in coupe and convertible forms.

Outside, you'll notice a revised lower front fascia, the addition of a bodacious (and functional) fixed rear wing, and richly finished 18- and 19-inch alloys wearing sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rubber. Inside, you're held in place by well-bolstered, Alcantara-trimmed sport seats, and you'll listen to a 240-watt Infinity Modulus audio system.

Beneath that straked hood lies an intercooled, helical twin-rotor supercharged 3.2-liter V-6, rated at 330 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That's down slightly from its 349-horse rating in the SLK32. The only transmission choice is a multimode five-speed automatic with AutoStick. Spring rates and shock valving are beefed up, although the anti-roll bars and recirculating-ball steering system remain the same. There's plenty of stopping power aboard in the form of vented four-wheel discs.

The result, assembled in Germany by Karmann, is an impressive performer. With a sub-five-second 0-to-60 run, near 0.9 g on the skidpad, and a slalom time that matches Evos' and Ferraris', the SRT-6 is serious stuff. We're placing our order for quicker and firmer steering, but it never feels disconnected, either. The front end turns in nicely, morphing toward understeer as limits approach, while the rear end stays well planted. The SRT team dialed back the stability control's intrusion level, and it can be switched off if you wish.