Chrysler Ends Production of Ill-Starred Crossfire

Date posted: 12-20-2007 Edmunds Inside Line article

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler apparently hoped that its slow-selling Crossfire would die a quiet death this week. The end came, without any official word or fanfare from the company, on December 17, when production of the vehicle ended at the Karmann plant in Osnabrück, Germany.

Chrysler officials confirmed the end of production for Inside Line and noted that the Crossfire's demise will not be marked with any ceremony. The final Crossfire off the production line is apparently bound for obscurity, too. "There are no plans to put the final vehicle in a museum," said Michele Tinson, a Chrysler spokeswoman, on Thursday.

Pulling the plug on the Crossfire is "part of our initiative to have the right products at the right time," Tinson said.

On November 1, Chrysler announced that the Crossfire, Pacifica, PT Cruiser convertible and Dodge Magnum — all slow sellers — were being discontinued in response to "dealer requests.

"These actions reflect our new customer-driven philosophy and allow us to focus our resources on new, more profitable and appealing products," said Jim Press, Chrysler vice chairman and president. "Further, these product actions are all in response to dealer requests."

Tinson said she was unable to provide 2008 volume numbers for the Crossfire, saying "We don't track it. Germany does."

But statistics compiled by Automotive News show Chrysler sold only 193 Crossfires in November and still had 1,000 unsold cars left in stock on December 1.

What this means to you: Look for some year-end fire-sale pricing on those last 1,000 Crossfires.

 

Booyah! More owners = more forum members = more joy.

 

That's just sad! They don't even give a hoot... I mean it's the last one and they couldn't even store it somewhere? Ridiculous!

Guess I'll keep my eye out for it and trade up seeing as how mines been in the shop for the F***ing alarm now for 3.5 months this year.

 

that's exactly how I feel! I can just see it now, the last XFire rolling off the assembly line at the Karmann plant with no marked fanfair but rather just to drift into obscurity. This is another example of American car companies finally getting something right and completely dropping the ball, never trying to improve rather just mass producing until the market niche is stale. Of all the cars sold within the past five years the Crossfire is one of the only "showroom only" cars to make it to production. From Chrysler's Celine Dion marketing campaign to their exorbitant pricing, its sad to see the Crossfire snuffed out without so much as a flicker. Okay, so the Chrysler suits blew this one and embarassing over-production and low sales have made this car Chrysler's disowned child, nevertheless they should have atleast recognized the fact that at one time Chrysler had employees who would push the envelope and develop a car that will stand out for years to come.. a true modern classic.

 

So by complaining about the Crossfire and Pacifica, the dealers got the Seabring, and the Aspen. Ha! sweet sweet justice.

Joking aside, mrobinson has it right. Chrysler did something wrong with these cars. I liked the Magnum styling for a wagon. I liked the Pacifica as a crossover (perhaps due to the similar styling of the crossfire). The PT I could do without but other people seem to like them. And the Crossfire I definately like. A little advertising could have gone a long way for the crossfire. If the masses knew that a new German made sport car was being sold new for < $20K I think there would be better sales.

 

My coworkers still think I spent 36,000 on my car lol.

 

Hey, I'm glad it faded quietly. Nobody knows what it is, nobody knows how much it really costs, and people look at it as if it is some kind of exotic. Now, as they fade from dealerships, people will really wonder what it is! Yay!

 

We are amoung the "Lucky" ! I paid $23K for a new '07 Machine Grey 6 spd Limited # 72575 on 12/05/07. I am truly in heaven. "Lifetime Powertrain Warranty" !!

 

true I agree with your point cgocifer but also as they fade from the dealership, we also better start relying on ourselves for service and maintenance... ... still though we have some years before we need to start worrying about that.

 

Well, the advantage of this car is that it shares virtually every single mechanical part from the R170 which was manufactured in droves from 1997 to 2004. That's 7 years in addition to the 3 more years for the Crossfire. A total of 10 years for one car platform. One car!

I don't mean to be cocky, but we're not in half as bad a situation as other cars, such as the Honda Insight, or original Toyota Prius, Mazda RX7, Nissan 300ZX, etc. Our car looks unique, but it's really only skin deep.

 

yeah good point but I meant more service than parts... MB dealers won't fix the car... however I think if I still have it in a few years when virtually all Chrysler technicians know nothing about the Crossfire I will start taking my car to an independent MB dealer when something breaks.

 

That is the smartest thing. I plan to do the same once my warranty is over.

 

Ditto on 12/16/07.
'07 Gold Oyster Pearl, Ltd Coupe, slate/spruce, auto trans.

 

X2

 

Talk about ridiculous....they don't even know how many were made? Somebody in Germany does? What a bunch of fools.

 

The real question is whether they will still have crossfires for sale when the first firepower roles off the assbembly line. Look for an unveiling at NY auto show according to an insider on another site. No info about initial production date.

 

Last I heard, that project was cancelled. Chrysler is focusing on products that people will buy. They are not gambling with limited production, high priced niche cars right now. They already have the viper which is not selling too well right now. Also, there is the looming federal mandate that all cars must meet a 35 mpg minimum by 2012. If that is passed, it will most likely kill cars like the Vette, Challenger, Camaro, etc. It's the death of the muscle car all over again until technology once again catches up. I HIGHLY doubt Chrysler will produce another high priced, gas guzzling sports coupe when they can barely sell Sebrings and mini vans.

 

"Firepower", looks to be another one hit wonder that will cost more than people are willing to pay for a "Chrysler". Maybe Chrysler will manage it like Jags new super coupe or Cads two seater, then Firepower may have a chance. However, I cant wait to see all that it has to offer!

 

I honestly hope your car never has to go to the dealer anytime soon, because they don't know how to fix them RIGHT NOW no less 5 years from now.

 

That is not what CAFE says at all. It's Corporate Average Fuel Economy, not all cars must meet a minimum MPG. Plus if the company doesn't meet the average across their fleet, they pay a fine. Just like Porsche, BMW and VW do in Germany right now.

Plus the Corvette and Camaro wouldn't really have a problem doing it.

This is my 1999 Corvette, 200 miles into a road trip. And no, this isn't me just cruising on a highway at 70mph for 200 miles straight, it's mixed driving with WOT blasts.