(1) Motor Trend does not have the best track record for accuracy or objectivity. In other words, they have been wrong many times in the past and are wrong again here...

(2) Karmann ended Crossfire production this past spring with 2007 model year Crossfires.

(3) Once the stock of 2006 Crossfires is thinned-out the 2007 will start showing up. They will be sold throughout 2008 or until they are gone.

(4) The new unlimited powertrain warranty will apply to these cars ( great news for those who plan on hanging onto their Crossfires in hopes of collectibility status...also should force Cerbreus to stock parts !)

(5) My contact at the dealership just returned from a sales/product preview meeting. He reports a "Dodge Demon" type car is going into production soon. There are on-going parts/platform/systems development plans jointly going forward between Chrysler and Mercedes despite the "divorce".

Unlike what www.allpar.com has reported, there is no "China Car" connection to the new roadster. That will be for a front drive econo-box gas sipper for a few years in the future. Things are already further along than that regarding the "Crossfire replacement". Another low volume production contract with Karmann is very possible with increased use of Chrysler parts to keep costs low. A possible hook-up with another Euro manufacturer is a distinct possibility. Renault is going to be showing their own "Miata fighter" very soon. Karmann already builds Cabriolet versions of Renaults so it might make sense to build two or three versions of the same sports car for different brands. (e.g. Pontiac/Opel/Saturn versions of Sky/Solstice) Perhaps Renault/Mercedes/Dodge/Chrysler versions each with variations of trim/equipment/styling details/branding to be run off the same line but sold to different markets ? That could keep volumes high enough and costs low enough to make development of a sporty two seater practical.

There you go. I started with known facts and ended with projections/educated guesses ! Let's see how time proves me right or wrong !

Cheers,
Slim