I just got back from the first day of media preview at the Detroit autoshow and to my surprise Chrysler had a red 2007 XF Limited Coupe on display. Chrysler confirmed that 2007 models are available for sale. The only exception is that the SRT-6 is no longer available. This only confirmed the earlier report on the non availability of the SRT in 2007. The Chrysler guy would not confirm that this would be the last year for the XF. IMO DC is under contract with Karmann to take a predetermined number of cars and until that number is reached Chrysler will be selling the XF.

 

Any changes for '07?

When's the show open to the public?

 

The only difference should be the new style pass side air bag requirements...

 

i think that if anything the windscreen is now the same color as the rest of the car and there is a chime on the passenger seat belt as well...
but somehow i am still shaky to believe that there actually is a 2007 crossfire...

 

There is a full page ad in an issue of AutoWeek, I don't have the date with me, but it was sometime in December 06, which is touting the Crossfire SRT6...however, they do not mention a model year. Most likely left overs, but then I have not seen any at dealers since the beginning of last year. Makes you wonder if they (DC) talk to each other, since we cannot seem to get straight answers from the factory on what is available or will be available in '07.

 

Yeah, that would be a really bizarre media buy for a car that isn't being produced anymore. There aren't that many left, huh?

 

The NAIAS is open to the pubic this Saturday (the 13th) and runs till the 22nd. There is a black tie event thats tax deductible which is on the 12th, but its $400.00

 

The limited Coupe at the Detroit autoshow has the silver windshield surround as opposed to the body color one previously reported by DC in a press release for 07 model year. It is a carbon copy of my 2005 limited Coupe.
For those who like to keep track of production numbers, this one had number 069708 with a build date of 07/06.

 

According to the Chrysler website, that's an '06. The complete VIN is: 1C3AN69LX6X069708.

 

That would explain the silver surround, but the build date of july 2006 could have made it a 2007.
Chrysler has to be the only manufacturer showing a 2006 model at the Detroit autoshow. I just can't figure out the marketing strategy of this car, no wonder it was never successful. Another fine example of this is the SRT ad in Autoweek.
The XF deserves better...

 

Chrysler is probably using the 2006 as a draw to the booth. People are still intrigued by the car (which was its original intent). I remember last year's DC auto show, right out front was the Crossfire, and the sticker said it was an '06. I think they print those stickers up especially for the auto shows. The concepts (except for the Aspen) were in the middle or towards the back from the entrance. It worked, too. Lots of people were milling around when I was there, like they had never seen one before. It really is like driving a concept car to work everyday. Perhaps they are trying to drum up a little "want" before the 07's arrive as well.

 

Here are a couple of pics of the 2006 XF on display at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.

 

That's a new RED! uh oh...REDCROSS may just have to get another one...I like that color.

 

LOL look at the ridiculous looking sebring aftermarket grill in the other pic.

 

"According to the Chrysler website, that's an '06. The complete VIN is: 1C3AN69LX6X069708"

Regardless of the model year designation the five year contract with Karmann is going to run out soon. Does anybody know if this was a fixed unit contract or a time period. Maybe 100 thousand total as the upper limit?

That does sound about right for a five year run of a limited production sportscar. So my question is...

What is the total US market sales of the Crossfire ?

I see last years sales were less than 1,400 total.

Even if they double that with discounts on the '06 models during this sales year, that's not a lot of cars !

My guess is US total sales will be around 20-25 thousand for the entire run.

That's one tenth the number of Mustangs sold in one single year.

So don't worry, this will always be a distinctive, unusual car.

Short-term, the discounts will depress resale value but the market will determine longer term value. Since these cars changed so little during the production run I'd bet model year designation will mean a lot less long term than mileage and condition in determining resale value.

I think the Impala SS might be a good example of a low production car which depreciated normally at first but then held it's value over the longer term. It's supply and demand at work.

Slim