Here is an interesting passage from a story to be printed in this coming Sunday's New York Times on the interesting designs that came out of the ill-fated Chrysler/MB marriage:"Other creations of the DaimlerChrysler combination were less successful. The Chrysler Crossfire two-seaters, imagined as an American version of the Mercedes SLK roadster, never captured many hearts.
"Designed as a concept by Eric Stoddard, a young designer who has since moved to Kia, the Crossfire went on sale in 2003. Mr. Stoddard said the car was intended to combine the spirit of European sports cars with American ones.
"A test case of joint design and development, the Crossfire was built on the underpinnings of the SLK, already several years old, and was built in the same German factory by Karmann, a subcontractor. Some reviewers found the driving dynamics of the Crossfire preferable to the SLK, but the chassis was already showing its age. The SLK was replaced a year later, leaving Chrysler with hand-me-down technology.
"With its oversize grille, ribbed hood, complicated side vent, spine of chrome accents and overstated duck’s tail, the Crossfire suggested American exuberance out of control.
"The car appeared to be the work of a brilliant student who poured all his ideas into a single car. Any one of the themes might have pleased buyers; together, they only confused."
The full story is called From a Bad Marriage, Pretty Babies and is written by Phil Patton, the paper's automotive design reporter. There's also some very positive commentary on the 300, the Charger, and the Magnum. Not sure I agree with the analysis on the Crossfire above, though. Your thoughts?