Entire Text of article in AutoMotto 4/3/07


For once realization comes on time, for many years a concept that has loomed gloomily over the Auto industry is the trend of closing production after the units register a inundate selling pattern . Many cars, which almost instantaneously gain popularity, fade out of the market in a disgraceful manner, which signifies, that the time of production burial has to be precise and which in turn sets the tone for rate of success of a carmaker.
Chrysler has managed to get the timing right on this occasion as it plans to stop the production of its rear wheel driven sports car, Crossfire. Crossfire did manage to register better sales than its predecessor Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler did, but the sales have still been unenthusiastic. The production of its SRT-6 range had been stopped long time back and by the summer of this year, the entire production will cease.

The decision though timely was something that had been already anticipated by the market experts, as its production was outsourced to Karmann and the contract with them included a clause mentioning that the car would only be produced for five years.

Now, was it the wit of the Chrysler think tank or the compulsory nature of the contract, which ensued the decision, is an argument, which should be left aside. Rather, recognition should be given to the fact that Chrysler is not going to waste money on non-profitable ventures in this state of crisis and this realization has come on time. Better late than never, Chrysler!

 

More power to the several thousand XF owners that already have one tucked away in our garages. I really think we've got an unappreciated (by the masses) gem on our hands. To quote one of the more unappreciated philosophers of our time, Mr. T (you younguns know who he is?) Pity the fools...

 

That's good news. The less Crossfires get built, the more valuable ours will be later on down the road. That and the fact that the car is the only joint venture between two of the worlds largest auto makers, who appear to not be getting along well, and you have the makings of a classic collectable.

 

I'm sure Chrysler will put out another RWD sports car, just as cool if not cooler than the crossfire. but it does boost our resale value after they stop production.

 

Thanks for the post MI.
Collectibility wise - that's good news.

 

Seems like a smart move by Chrysler. Sales of the car are poor, reliability is mediocre and the automotive industry poops on the car in nearly every article written. It's not driving people to the lots as I'm sure Chrysler hoped it would.

A few weeks ago I picked my father up from the local dealer who dropped his 300C off for service. He was hanging out with the salesmen who said they have not sold a car in 3 days.

As I pull up he walks away and one of the salesmen comments that we must be a well-to-do family as he comments about my new Sebring sedan.

My father stops, tells the guy I drive a Crossfire that I picked up for $300/mo on a lease. Beyond being impressed with how little I am paying for it, the guy wasn't sure what a Crossfire was until my father explained it was a Chrysler coupe.

 

I am happy and sad at the same time.

 

i wish they were building another rwd sports car (chrysler), my next car is going to my first non chrysler product (neon, jeep, crossfire).

 

oh and before anyone says it, i know the challenger is coming out, but unfortunately not soon enough. i wish they made the razor by now.

 

It does make me happy to know that my car will remain rare and unique, but I worry about future repair and maintenance with the car being discontinued. Having a lot of a particular car around always means good, cheap parts....

 

Front page on Autoblog...

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/03/c...eet-its-maker/

 

See this thread, 2007 model:

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...537#post123537

 

It will be done this summer i guess.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-c...is-summer.html

As of that article.

 

The Crossfires may go the way of the Pontiac Fiero's - nice - fast - short run - no one except the diehards cared.

Too many cars on the market these days. To many choices. If you don't have a reputation like BmW or MB, then you need to advertise like crazy. Every 6 or 7 TV commercial is a car ad. Chrysler never really supported this car. Too bad.

I just purchased my '06 Limited Automatic for a steep discount ($25K).

I have been waiting for one for over a year - I am glad I got a great deal.

Just enjoy yours, keep it nice and keep turning heads.

BB

 

Maybe they'll come out with the Firepower now.

 

They scrapped that project a while ago.

 

Damn that prototype was sexy as hell. But the price tag would probably be 50-60k.

http://www.autoblog.nl/archive/2005/...sler_firepower

 

It would be a cool car if they ever decided to make it.

 

i saw the firepower in person at the oc auto show, and it was really hott. it would have compared to alot of other higher end luxury sport coupes! i would've been nice...

 

In all honesty... it's not like parts have been easy to come by anyway. I wanted to get my oil changed last sunday and had to go to 3 different places before I could find one that could do it (and even at that they had to order the oil filter while i waited). Most of the mods people list in the signature are lights or air filters. There's really no mods to speak of. This car can definitely be a pain in the ***, but I still wouldn't trade it for anything (but if I do, it's nice to know it'll be worth a little more).