Dump the brand!
Dump the brand!
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: arkansas
Re: Dump the brand!
Originally Posted by AMGLover
I think we have all been conflicted in this situation: “wow what a cool car, what is it? A Crossfire. Cool, who makes it? Uhm?!”
With the number of us who have de-badged the car it seems that Chrysler is not a worthy brand for this car. When I had the 2004 coupe I would add “but it’s a Mercedes SLK” to my speech, now that I own an SRT I really am done with the whole Chrysler connection – This car never was, has been, or will be a product of anyone at Chrysler. Chrysler is on the block and it’s time to rethink the question “who makes it...” before we have to answer it’s made by Kerkorian Motors.
It's made in Osnabrück by Karmann with 80% German parts (says so on the window sticker) admittedly Mercedes–Benz parts. Can’t call it a Mercedes – all the luxo boat owners will think we are posers. I am re-badging the SRT with an AMG emblem on the trunk and the V6 kompressor fender badges from the SLK32. I also am working with an artist to design a replacement for the trunk and hood Chrysler wing.
The two names that make sense to attribute manufacture, are either Karmann or Daimler Chrysler...with the Chrysler dumped!.
Karmann Coupe / Karmann Roadster
Or
Daimler Coupe / Daimler Roadster.
My favorite is Daimler since it is a venerable old automotive name, but using the British pronunciation 'Day- meler'. Rolls off the tongue nicely “Oh it’s a Daimler Coupe…” Any other possible suggestions? I would love to hear how you feel about this can we set up a poll?
- ej
With the number of us who have de-badged the car it seems that Chrysler is not a worthy brand for this car. When I had the 2004 coupe I would add “but it’s a Mercedes SLK” to my speech, now that I own an SRT I really am done with the whole Chrysler connection – This car never was, has been, or will be a product of anyone at Chrysler. Chrysler is on the block and it’s time to rethink the question “who makes it...” before we have to answer it’s made by Kerkorian Motors.
It's made in Osnabrück by Karmann with 80% German parts (says so on the window sticker) admittedly Mercedes–Benz parts. Can’t call it a Mercedes – all the luxo boat owners will think we are posers. I am re-badging the SRT with an AMG emblem on the trunk and the V6 kompressor fender badges from the SLK32. I also am working with an artist to design a replacement for the trunk and hood Chrysler wing.
The two names that make sense to attribute manufacture, are either Karmann or Daimler Chrysler...with the Chrysler dumped!.
Karmann Coupe / Karmann Roadster
Or
Daimler Coupe / Daimler Roadster.
My favorite is Daimler since it is a venerable old automotive name, but using the British pronunciation 'Day- meler'. Rolls off the tongue nicely “Oh it’s a Daimler Coupe…” Any other possible suggestions? I would love to hear how you feel about this can we set up a poll?
- ej
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 3
Re: Dump the brand!
If your gonna change the chrysler badge for something different but still represents the cars background, I do like the old AMG logo, you know the one with the Tree, and camshaft. I thought that would look nice on a SRT6 crossfire.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Re: Dump the brand!
Who makes it? You already spelled out who assembles(ed) the car.
For whom was it manufactured, who caused it to be manufactured? The Chrysler part of Daimler Chrysler. They wanted to use up the outdated Mercedes parts, such as the recirculating ball steering and last generation engine/trans.
You can put any lipstick on it you want, you can call it anything you want, you can put any badge on it you want...but it's a Chrysler product.
With a few exceptions, the Mercedes dealer won't work on it, or at least won't do warranty work. Frankly, most Chrysler dealers SHOULDN'T work on the cars...
Relax, at the end of the day, does it make any difference? Are Viper owners embarrassed by the fact that Dodge makes virtually no other interesting cars (sorry, but the Magnum and Chargers, even in SRT8 form, are bloated, bland looking lumps)? Is the Prowler less interesting because it was a Plymouth? Is the ZO6 C6 Corvette less interesting because the rest of the Chevrolet line is as bland as vanilla pudding? Does the Ford GT need to be embarrassed because it's a Ford?
Now, the Shelby GT500 should be embarrassed because for the money it does not begin to live up to its name, but that's another story.
There really are very few cars made today that have a shot at having any collectibility. I think the Crossfire may be one, and the fact that it's such an anomaly for Chrysler will ultimately add to its cache.
For whom was it manufactured, who caused it to be manufactured? The Chrysler part of Daimler Chrysler. They wanted to use up the outdated Mercedes parts, such as the recirculating ball steering and last generation engine/trans.
You can put any lipstick on it you want, you can call it anything you want, you can put any badge on it you want...but it's a Chrysler product.
With a few exceptions, the Mercedes dealer won't work on it, or at least won't do warranty work. Frankly, most Chrysler dealers SHOULDN'T work on the cars...
Relax, at the end of the day, does it make any difference? Are Viper owners embarrassed by the fact that Dodge makes virtually no other interesting cars (sorry, but the Magnum and Chargers, even in SRT8 form, are bloated, bland looking lumps)? Is the Prowler less interesting because it was a Plymouth? Is the ZO6 C6 Corvette less interesting because the rest of the Chevrolet line is as bland as vanilla pudding? Does the Ford GT need to be embarrassed because it's a Ford?
Now, the Shelby GT500 should be embarrassed because for the money it does not begin to live up to its name, but that's another story.
There really are very few cars made today that have a shot at having any collectibility. I think the Crossfire may be one, and the fact that it's such an anomaly for Chrysler will ultimately add to its cache.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 1
From: sw ohio
Re: Dump the brand!
An easy way to handle this is to leave all the Chrysler logos alone. Just add a small Tri Star next to rear license area...It indicates the dual citizenship...Daimler Chrysler... 
Gary
Gary
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,027
Likes: 5
From: Folsom, CA
Re: Dump the brand!
AMGlover,
I agree with you for the most part. But, if you have to explain what a Crossfire is you would probably have to explain what a Daimler is as well.
I rebadged my SRT6 with the decals from Andrew (hood, trunk, wheels and steering wheel). I too think the car is unique and deserves recognition for being so.
I created the SRT6/AMG plaque for the engine (goes in the blank space that would have had an AMG plaque if the body had a 3 pointed star) and the dash plaque (mounted in various locations by members) to honor it's special heritage.
I agree with you for the most part. But, if you have to explain what a Crossfire is you would probably have to explain what a Daimler is as well.
I rebadged my SRT6 with the decals from Andrew (hood, trunk, wheels and steering wheel). I too think the car is unique and deserves recognition for being so.
I created the SRT6/AMG plaque for the engine (goes in the blank space that would have had an AMG plaque if the body had a 3 pointed star) and the dash plaque (mounted in various locations by members) to honor it's special heritage.
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 746
Likes: 2
From: West Palm Beach, FL
Re: Dump the brand!
For me, debadging had little to do with taking the "Chrysler" off the car and much to do with what I think are far better looking emblems. The wings scream "Chrysler" just the same.
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Pennsylvania
Re: Dump the brand!
Who designed the Chrysler Crossfire? The original "concept" coupe exterior was designed by 25 year-old Erik Stoddard, a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art. The Chrysler Crossfire roadster became the 500,000 design patent approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which protects a products appearance from being copied for up to 14 years. The roadster took 24 months to design according to Joe Dehner, director of design studies for DaimlerChrysler in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The coupe's exterior features creases in the sheet metal that are the inspiration for its namesake. Chrysler began building Crossfire in Germany, in conjunction with Karmann, a long-time Chrysler partner which also built the Mercedes SLK on which the Crossfire is based. Chrysler engineers did a substantial amount of retuning, so that even some German magazines consider the "American" version to be superior to the original (SLK).
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Windsor Ontario
Re: Dump the brand!
I drive a Chrysler. The only reason I have a crossfire is because it is a Chrysler. My company, a family business has cleaned snow for Chrysler since 1959, and has always bought Chrysler products. I hope it stays Chrysler, they have fed my family and alot of my friends families for a long time. I will always feel this way. ANYWAYS Mopar Rocks. 
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 3
Re: Dump the brand!
Originally Posted by AMGLover
You bring up some very good points... agree on the Shelby! Who caused it to be manufactured? Dr.Z (I think we are looking to do a group buy on a Dr. Z bobble head hood ornament) made this car see daylight - wanted a halo car for Chrysler. He actually fought the board to get the car build and Karmann did almost all of the design. You ever wonder how come Chrysler never disclosed who was the designer of the Crossfire. Such an iconic design - the TT, Mini, BMW 750, Jag all were quick to name names - and we have no clue who at Chrysler penned this baby.
I guess the answer is "it's a Crossfire, it's made by Karmann in Germany and sold by Chrysler".
- ej
I guess the answer is "it's a Crossfire, it's made by Karmann in Germany and sold by Chrysler".
- ej
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Re: Dump the brand!
I agree with you AMG, our cars are far from a typical, or even a non typical chrysler car...
it just is not a chrysler product.. not only based on the parts used, but the location of where the car is made and the fact that service techs of Chrysler can do little to repair it... Chrysler does and did nothing for this car as of yet.. no marketing no promotions no aftermarket and no upgrades from the slk32 that it so closely resembles... even the interior is the same with just slightly different materials... The MB rattles are not fixed the horse power is same if not less than the mercedes benz counterpart...
Since its false to call it a mercedes as mercedes does not sell or market the car under their name and its false to call it a chrysler for the reasons above I just call it Crossfire and if they ask who makes it I answer... "I do not know their names" or if they really want an answer I tell them Karmann and AMG...
it just is not a chrysler product.. not only based on the parts used, but the location of where the car is made and the fact that service techs of Chrysler can do little to repair it... Chrysler does and did nothing for this car as of yet.. no marketing no promotions no aftermarket and no upgrades from the slk32 that it so closely resembles... even the interior is the same with just slightly different materials... The MB rattles are not fixed the horse power is same if not less than the mercedes benz counterpart...
Since its false to call it a mercedes as mercedes does not sell or market the car under their name and its false to call it a chrysler for the reasons above I just call it Crossfire and if they ask who makes it I answer... "I do not know their names" or if they really want an answer I tell them Karmann and AMG...
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
From: Bloomfield, Connecticut
Re: Dump the brand!
I bought a Chrysler! I never bought a Chrysler before - I usually bought Fords (Mustangs and trucks) with a few Toyotas thrown in for my wife. I am no more embarrassed to say I own a Chrysler than I was to say I owned a Ford. Actually, since the Crossfire, I'd look at other Chrysler products in a minute! That Challenger might just fit the bill sometime in the future!
I don't know where you guys all come from, but Chrysler isn't thought of as an inferior brand of automobile here in this part of New England!
I don't know where you guys all come from, but Chrysler isn't thought of as an inferior brand of automobile here in this part of New England!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Williamston, SC
Re: Dump the brand!
Originally Posted by nascarhq
well lets face it you bought a chrysler, if you are so unhappy explaining what it is, you should have bought a real mercedes amg. the fact is that no mercedes has that unique art deco body style of the crossfire, and frankly you will see a hundred benz products a day on the road. be proud of your crossfire for what it is, not what it isn't.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,610
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon, Tennessee
Re: Dump the brand!
Personally I don't care what people think, I don't have a problem with chrysler and I like the crossfire badging on the back. When it comes down to it, when people ask me what it is I tell them it's a crossfire and when they ask who makes it I say Chrysler. What is so dishonorable about Chrysler anyway?