Car and Drivers newest issue features a test of the Shelby Mustang, 350Z, RX-8, and the Audi TT. I guess they couldn't find a new Crossfire to add to their $35,000 Coupe comparison test.
Now it turns out the newest Z car is faster than ever, and it and the Mustang tied in the 1/4 mile at 13.7 sec, and 104 MPH. The Audi TT ran a 14.6 1/4 mile, the RX-8 could do no better than 15 flat.
The article goes on to complain about the Mustang's poor brakes and handling, the Z car's powerful but still intrusive sounding motor, and the Audi's understeering front wheel drive.
After the dust cleared, and they added up the points, the winner was the 5 year old (and unchanged) Mazda RX-8 that essentially does nothing better than a Limited Crossfire. Unless of course you count using alot more gasoline, and having a back seat a plus for a sports car.
I think it's ashame no Crossfire was included in the comparison road test. But C&D probably never would have got beyond the cramped interior, and poor cup holder.
I guess the Crossfire may not be gone, but it most certainly has been forgotten.