Thread: I've been doing some thinking. LONG READ.
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Old May 27, 2013 | 10:18 PM
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iiroko
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Default I've been doing some thinking. LONG READ.
I've been on the internet for hours now, scrolling through articles, changing tabs in and out, opening new windows, and browsing different websites, to find something interesting.
As we all know, Chrysler has a whopping list of just 3 vehicles. Why? Because Chrysler is broke.
(Chrysler’s been broke for long enough that virtually all meaningful product development has been halted for some time.) - Caranddriver.
How they're broke is completely beyond me. If someone would care to explain to me how they became broke, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Where this post is leading is simply this; is it so hard for Chrysler to come up with a new car to save itself? Okay, maybe not save, but give it some leverage in the expanding car market? Which, lets face it, Chrysler is doing poorly in.
As if Chrysler didn't have enough things to worry about, they're not the most 'loved car company in the world. For the most part, Chrysler hasn't been doing to well in the 'fuel efficiency' area, as well as the 'technology' half.

Heading back up to the whole 'Chrysler is broke' part, is this really true? I mean, really true? They have enough of a financial cushion to make 9 Dodge vehicles, and roughly 5 Jeep vehicles (if my memory serves correct). One out of the 9 Dodge vehicles is -- lets not forget -- an almost $200,000 priced vehicle. With base pricing starting at just $120,000. Chrysler is broke, but can afford to make this car for Dodge, AND start fresh with a new 2013 lineup that begins in November. What? But no new Chrysler car?
It just bugs me that Chrysler is always being the car company that's pushed around, or 'bullied.'

Another obstacle that's seemed to have gotten in the way is none other than the cute little car company Fiat.
Now there's a portion of Caranddriver and its article about the Fiat/Chrysler partnership that really interests me. Here it is;

Chrysler needs all the help it can get to once again become viable—and prove that it can stay that way—especially considering that the U.S. government and the American populace expect to be repaid for their recent $4 billion loan to the troubled automaker. Indeed, Chrysler will likely need additional loans to continue its transformation. To that end, the Fiat/Chrysler partnership and its potential for leveraging global markets—thus strengthening both companies—could help convince lawmakers to approve further assistance.
Do you think Fiat can really help Chrysler out of it's $4 billion debt? Fiat, so far has done nothing as far as I'm concerned to help Chrysler out of the hole it's in. Sergio Marchionne has made every possible attempt he can to obtain the rest of the Chrysler division. It's been noted he'll stop at nothing to get what he wants. But what will that leave Chrysler with? Being bossed around by the Italian car company for the rest of its life until their contract is over? Probably. It just doesn't seem right. This merger, I'll admit has kept Chrysler afloat in its production sales. Financially, it hasn't done much. As far as I'm concerned.

“Independence in this business is no longer sustainable.” His prediction that only six global carmakers will still exist in two years is pretty telling. This new alliance is apparently his attempt at merging rather than dying.
Was what Sergio said meant to be nice? Or just another way of him trying to trick and/or persuade people into thinking the same thing, in hopes they'll allow Chrysler to be swallowed whole by Fiat.
I'm not to keen, or caught up on all of this car company contract business. Or its components and how it works. Such as loans, money issues they've both paid to each other, shares, bonds etc. So I won't get into more than Chrysler being broke, as that's all I'm up to date on in the situation with this merger.
Agreed though, Chrysler has been prevented from near-extinction with Fiats help, this I'm aware of. But is it what's best for Chrysler? I could have seen Chrysler and GMs alliance much more than I could Fiats. Even Nissan for that matter. Though that one was just a rumor. If it hadn't been for financial hardships for both GM and Chrysler, maybe we could have seen some really great cars from their alliance. Why is the world so cruel?

But in other words, all this babble I'm doing about Chrysler, and its lineup, as well as its other divisions is leading up to a more basic, simple idea; a new sports car.
Yes, I'm sure you saw this coming. And yes I'm aware a new car has been talked about amongst members on this site. What was it again? Ah yes, a new Crossfire. Which I'm sure wouldn't be named Crossfire. As that names significance is only held by MB and Chrysler. I doubt Fiat would allow it.
Just think about it for a minute, and really soak in the idea. A new sports car for Chrysler. Wouldn't it look sharp with the new Chrysler emblem stamped on the front and rear? That emblem stretching out its silver wings on a newly refurbished sports car? The idea shouldn't seem too far-fetched I assure you. What puzzles me though, is why haven't they done it yet?
My idea was this; Chrysler can't afford to make anymore Chrysler vehicles, but they can afford to market more Dodge and Jeep vehicles? Seems weird. So why not just create a sports car using an existing Dodge vehicle platform/layout? No. I do not mean the Chrysler Firepower. Although that car is extremely beautiful to look out, it's a super car. Chrysler doesn't need one of them. They need a 'better' version of the Crossfire. Which I know for some of you members is something hard to think of. Since, well lets face it, the Crossfire is perfect. But in all honesty, a Dodge platform/layout, with a Chrysler badge. They did this with MB and it costs them thousands of dollars, they can probably do this with Dodge (their own division) and it may cost them half of what it cost with MB.
As far as design goes, I personally think the user 'Creator' was onto something with his sketches found in the link(s) below.
Chrysler wouldn't need to do much IMO. The Nissan370z (338HP), Mustang GT(308), and Camaro (323HP) are the only rivals it would need to target. The Crossfires stock HP was a bit short of the competition, and lacked interior styling. So now, since I'm sure Chrysler has taken enough criticism on the Crossfire, they'd know what to be on the lookout for. As stated by several member, if a new sports car were to EVER go into production, a good base HP of 270-330 would be their best bet. With a turbo of 340-460. That perfectly rivals its competitors. A little short, but Chrysler is also a luxury brand. And not to be confused with a muscle car, such as the likes of the Mustang and Camaro. But should maybe focus more on the competition of Nissan. Considering they're too similar sized coupes.

It's a long shot for Chrysler we all know, but we can dream.
Maybe one day, we'll all sign a petition to make this dream become a reality.
So here are some questions for you fellow XFire members;

Do you think Chrysler is focusing more on the Dodge and Jeep lineups than it should be?
Would you like to see a new Chrysler coupe?

NOTE.
I may have left out a few small increments, or details regarding certain aspects in this article.
I accidentally deleted everything I had typed earlier, and thus needed to retype it.
I was so frustrated.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...crossfire.html

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...e-2-0-a-5.html

Source;
Fiat and Chrysler Announce Strategic Alliance - Car News - Car and Driver
 
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