Well, bad idea or not, it's the "free market" in action.

You are totally correct about the factor of supply and demand. Production will likely be kept low and Chrysler is definitely advertising the fact. One of the postcards I got about the car states it simply:

Fact 1: Very few of these exist
Fact 2: You're not the only one who will be receiving this

While I would say fight the good fight, I'm sure there are people who are willing to pay the premium to get to be the first one or the only one on the block.

In a way, it is a "luxury" one will have to pay with either great bargaining skills or money, with the latter being much easier I'm sure

Also keep in mind that dealers wanting to carry the Crossfire has to put up about $8,100 in equipment, parts and training. Profit on this vehicle has been reported to be $2,500. A recent article you can find on this site also states that if half of the qualifying dealerships in the US order the car and Chrysler splits the quantity evenly, each dealer will get 4.4 cars.

So if we take 4 cars, dealers will make a slight profit or breakeven by making $10,000 if they sell MSRP on all 4 cars (if you consider other cost of business expenses), in the first year. (any other incentives excluded).

Many has said the Crossfire is intended to be a crowd draw, Chrysler themselves has said that. It purpose is to sell other cars.

I can't disclose what I paid for mine, but if I had paid over, I still won't kick myself. The first week of owning the car and the experience and attention I got driving it was a blast and would have been worth a premium for me.

But that's just me.