I was refering to the idea that the Xfire has better skidpad numbers due to it's big wheel/low profile sticky tire configuration. It's got 255's in the rear with 35 series Z rated tires! I don't think a G coupe with 17's and stock tires with no lsd can compete with it's handling numbers. I recall a comparo in a magazine, forgot which, that had the Xfire giving better handling numbers compared to a 350Z track. Here's a post by some guy on the my350z forum that actually went to one of those Art of Driving events.

------------------I test drove one of these at Chrysler's Art of Driving event in Boston. One of the nice things about this event was that they also brought along some of the Crossfire' competitors -- the G35 coupe, the Boxster, and the Audi TT -- and you could test drive two of these back-to-back with the Crossfire on an autocross track. I choose the G35 coupe and the Boxster, of course.

I was pleasantly surprised by the handling of the Crossfire. I thought it handled considerably better than the G35 coupe, probably due to its lighter weight (about 3000 lbs) and bigger tires (19" on the rear). The Boxster was clearly the best handling car of the three, and the G35 was clearly the fastest. The track was relatively small, with a lot of tight curves, so that tended to show off both the handling of the Crossfire and its low-end torque (noticeably better than the Boxster).-------

I personally think it's still underpowered and ugly though.

 

>>Then you look and you also have professional reviewers saying the Crossfire handles better than the G35<<

Although I've posted that yes the Crossfire does seem to get better numbers in handling from professional reviewers that doesn't mean it "handles" better in the sense of vehicle dynamics. MOST editors seem to say steering feel is numb and not as precise as it's competitors. It's good numbers are due to it's sticky Z rated tires and huge wheels. I know lots of people don't put too much stock in edmunds but this editor seems to have the gist of what most other reviewers from various mags say about the Crossfire in comparison to it's competition.

edmunds:

---Road Test Editor Erin Riches says:
The Crossfire was not a car I expected to fall in love with — the sheet metal is a little too pretty, I feel, for my understated personality, and frankly, I didn't think 215 horsepower would be enough to make the car entertaining. After spending a couple hours with our test car, though, I came away liking it more than I thought I would. Indeed, the engine was a bit of a disappointment, as it felt good only around 3,000 to 4,000 rpm, but I certainly enjoyed the slick-shifting manual transmission. The ride is comfortable for a car with a sporting demeanor, and it's a lot quieter than that of any other Chrysler product. What's more, the tight suspension and meaty Michelin Pilots made the Crossfire a lot of fun to drive hard on twisty roads. It didn't have the precision of the Infiniti G35 coupe, and I definitely wouldn't have minded a little more communication from the steering, but considering that most people who buy the Crossfire won't be hard-core enthusiasts, its handling package is just fine.---


in essense it's not a hard core "drivers" sports car and can't compete with the driving feel and dynamics of a Z4/boxter/350z/G35/RX8. due to the older suspension from an SLK and it's big wheels bogging down the already weakish engine. It's more a rolling art piece that has high HANDLING LIMITS rather than one that has great handling feel.