Ever since Chrysler introduced the Crossfire coupe, sports car lovers and the automotive press have been waiting for the other shoe to drop. After all, most two-seaters are convertibles, and the Mercedes-Benz platform on which the Crossfire rolls is derived from a convertible (the old-style SLK). So, even as the curvy coupe's styling raised eyebrows, the question remained: How long 'til tops can be dropped? The answer has arrived in Chrysler showrooms. In the $35,000+ range where the new soft-top 2005 Chrysler Crossfire roadster trades, there's plenty of quality competition. But, arguably the biggest risk that the Crossfire roadster faces comes not from without, but within. The process of chopping the top threatened the Crossfire coupe's superior posterior - a rounded rear view thought by many to be among the best in the business.

To its credit, Chrysler made a priority of preserving the Crossfire's beautiful boat tail.

Photography: © Dan Lyons 2004