???
Last time I checked, there are Solstice's on the road, and the Sky is due out in February.

And no offense, but this makes you sound very ignorant, although it could just be that you're too old school to get with the times. If the idea of taking the same engine block and vastly improving performance by introducing forced induction, whether it be through a turbo or a supercharger, is a waste of time to you, then I'm probably wasting my breath. However, you take any V8 that you want, and a measly 2.0L 4-cylinder that costs around 25K with another 10K under the hood will run laps around it. With new technologies, there's no need to have a 7.1L V8 under the hood to waste gas when you can make just as much power out of a much smaller engine. This isn't to say that I wouldn't gladly drive a new Z06 Corvette (in fact I might in 2 years), but it's very wrong to bat your eyes at the idea of FI.

woohoo

**Here's a slow one for you... http://media.ams-evo8.com/amsonthestreet.wmv

 

You'll notice that I clearly identified the Mustang and GTO as four seaters. Who cares if it has the potential to seat to more people, if the drive is good? A 911 has wee seats in the rear as well, and it does not at all detract from the car. And, as mentioned, you are dead wrong about the Solstice and Sky. Perhaps you don't read any auto magazines, and have missed out on all of the ink and hoopla devoted to them? Finally, if you are such a diehard "buy American" kind of guy, my point was, that you are missing out on a lot of very good, satisfying sports cars from all over the world.

I think it is idiotic to consider the purchase of a Crossfire as "Buying American". After all, the only American people who had any involvement with it are the designers who drew the thing, and the dealers who sell it. As mentioned, US parts content is so low that it is actually less than the majority of Japanese cars sold in this country. I am tempted to continue this argument, but clearly it has gone beyond all rational thought. By that logic, you would only consider say, a BMW Z4 coupe if they slapped a Chevy badge on it.

 

I'm missing something here, please explain. Am I to assume you bought the car as an investment? If so, not a smart move, a very slow return on your money and then only IF you picked the right car.

 

There was a list of things necessary for a car to become a classic that (I believe) Classic & Sports Car (a UK publication) devised with the help of the collector community, auction houses, etc. There were 10 things, if I remember correctly, that factor into how "classic" a car could be. They included things like

- Cultural importance: Did the car feature prominently in any movies (i.e. Jag E-type, Mini in the original Italian Job or Mustang in Bullitt)
- Racing heritage: was the car raced? Think of those grainy black and white photos of the Gullwing Benz
- Technical significance: The primary reason everyone wants a 959, for example
- Must have a prestige badge: ANY Ferrari has collector appeal because of it
- Exclusivity: Simple economics here. Tight supply drives up the price (if everyone wants one).
- Beautiful/timeless styling: 1964 1/2 Mustang. Sixties Buick Riviera. Studebaker Starliner coupe. All still imitated to this day.

There were others, but I can't remember them right now. Maybe one of these days, I will dig up the magazine and plagiarize it a bit further. By most measures (styling aside), the Crossfire is set for somewhat meager collectibility. Sure, it's beautiful. But, it breaks no new ground technically, has no racing heritage, is not particularly rare with more than 60K built, does not feature prominently in any movies or songs, and does not offer prestige in the league of the most sought after luxury or sports cars. In fact, with its retractable roof, an identical platform, a starring role in several travel memoirs, and the Mercedes badge on its snout, the similar (old) SLK stands a far better chance of being a collectible some day. Look at used SLK prices versus used Crossfire prices, calculate the percent depreciation, and you'll see what I mean. The SLK's already have a start on us.

 

There was a show on Speed ch. I think it was called "5th Gear", that tested a Crossfire 6 spd. If memory servers, I think the British race car driver doing the test said the XF was actually designed by a Britt. Maybe that was just "vanity" on his part.
As an investment, I'll probably be old and grey, if I'm still around to ever see the Crossfire appreciate. But who knows, stranger things have happened.
I've been following this thread from the start, and there has been alot of things thrown out there so I just want to comment on a few that stand out to me.
I think it was BEN 47 who didn't think the new GTO or Mustang GT was thrilling. All I want to know is, "just exactly what does it take for you to get excited?" (automotivly speaking that is) I don't consider either one of those cars "sports cars" but I think there performance is anything but lackluster. The GTO in its 4 door form does an excellent job in Aussie sports sedan races.
And just a couple of week ends ago, Speed ch. broadcasted a very good Grand Am event in Virginia that the Mustangs did quite well in. (even with their solid rear axles)
Something alot of you young guys forget, is that guys my age, (like Firebase) are, as Wings put it,"old school", and we are most assuredly from a different era. So we look at alot of things quite differently than you would. We "cut our teeth" on Muscle cars, and as archaic as they may seem to alot of you, to most of us, those will probably always be our favorites.
I for one am in "awe" of the performance being offered by Subaru, and the EVO, even the Neon SRT blows me away. But no matter how fast they are, to most of my generation, they're always going to look like 4 door sh*t box's. Personally I'd really enjoy owning a new Honda SI, RSX, Tiburon GT, or Eclipse GT, because I think of them as "Asian Pony cars". But when ever I see a WRX or an EVO, I think, "Toyko Taxi" with an ironing board on the trunk. (Now I'm not trying to start a war of words, so please guys understand, I'm just being brutally honest here) I'm just trying to explain where alot of us are coming from, and of course I don't speak for everybody. Just my generation in general. (Firebase certainly doesn't need anybody to fight his battles, that's for sure)
My Viper GTS is supposed to be capable of running 12.1 sec. without even trying, I've read where you can drive it like you stole it and break into the 11's. But I'll never know because I don't believe in abusing my cars like that. Still I get alot of satisfaction just knowing it's there if I want to use it, and to me just driving it like a normal car can be "thrilling". My Crossfire is only supposed to run a 14.7 1/4 mile, but sofar it's been the most satisfying car I've ever owned. It handles like it's on rails, turns heads almost like my Viper, and it can be as thrilling to me as any other sports car that I have owned. But what gives me the most enjoyment is running 14.20's in my stock 1969 muscle car. Why? I don't know, maybe it's the sound of the V8 thru the side pipes, or the tire melting torque every time I stomp on the gas pedal. Or maybe it's just the 36 years of great times that come rushing back everytime I start it up. To me at least, that's what this whole crazy car thing is about, making some great memories to look back on, and to enjoy the ride along the way. As they say," the older I get, the faster I was." And "bench racing" doesn't cost anything.

 

Jamie Foxx's character in "Jarhead" says "hooah" in the movie, FWIW!

 

I got one word for all you folks that claim Crossfire is a bad investment - Chrysler Prowler - OK two words... it all comes down to this line being dropped by Chrysler, bottom line. I don't claim to have any other leg to stand on when discussing the idea of buying this automobile as an investment.

If it does not happen, or if it turns out that Chrysler decides to flood the market with these cars, then thats OK, I'll pull the six and go with the small block MB V8 engine, replacing the OEM head gasket with something much thinner... Link up with the fiber glass boys, and get me a hood made to cut the over all weight down. I'll also have a hood scope (ram air induction) installed on the hood, and the rear jacked up and inch higher. Replace the fuel tank with something a quarter of the size, and never fill it up, running highest octane I can mix. I think that would do it, O one last thing, my car tag would read "SRT6 Killer".

Yep that would be the ticket... hooah.

 

Actually, he says "oorah", what the marines say.

 

Not sure about his nationality, but "The Crossfire was designed by 25 yr old Erik Stoddard, a graduate of Cleveland Institute of Art" that was "in homage to New York City's Art Deco masterpiece, the Chrysler Building." Also, "Andrew Dyson led the team that transformed Eric Stoddard's show car into a production-ready reality" and "The interior design effort was led by Glenn Abbott, who said he aspired to create the feeling of a stylish sports coupe with a sense of control, accuracy and simplicity."

Quoted from several websites.

 

Ok, just for giggles and kicks, I went back to my stack of magazines and dug out the aforementioned list of factors that differentiate a "classic" from a mere "antique". Any car can be an "antique", when it reaches a certain age. But, becoming a "classic" is more elusive. There must be something timeless about it. And, no doubt some are more classic than others. Per the January 2003 issue of "classic cars" (the only thing I got right about the magazine itself is that it is a UK publication):
1. Must have a prestige badge
2. Must have a motorsport pedigree
3. Must be aesthetically appealing
4. It must be exclusive, though not to the point of being unique
5. Must be desirable when new
6. Must have cultural significance
7. Must have engineering or design significance
8. Must have driving appeal
9. Must be good at what it is supposed to do
10. Must be worth investing time and money in

Obviously, the Crossfire meets some of the above in excess, and in some cases only marginally. Therefore, I would assume it will be somewhat "classic" someday. It's got no racing heritage, is not from a "prestige" manufacturer, is not nearly as exclusive as even the aforementioned Prowler, and is a blip on the cultural radar. Could this be a latter day AMX or Avanti, rather than a T-Bird (as hoped)? My intuitions say "yes". Inflation adjusted, you will be lucky to break even on it in thirty years.

 

Not to burst anyone's bubble (I like my Crossfire) BUT I don't think it will become a classic. It does however look awesome and will always look good even when better looking sport cars come out in the near future! I think the Crossfire has helped make the future sport cars look even better! Understand!

 

You never know, in 1970 they couldn't give superbirds away either... They were sold dirt cheap. Some of them had the front ends removed and had standard roadrunner front ends put on them just to get rid of them.
Time will tell, till then I'm going to drive the crap out of it!

 

I might suggest that the five year contract run of Crossfires being built is a good thing for ownership as the continuation of parts makes ownership that much easier.

Owning a car that has been discontinued is a lot less easy than a car that is still supported by the dealership network.

Remember this is just my opinion as the past owner of a (turbocharged) Lancia Scorpion. Getting parts was always possible in the 80's but it was harder than if the car was still in production.

Sure the entire network dissolved so it must have been harder but the point is...it wasn't a great experience on the small trim or body pieces. The major mechanicals weren't bad though...

Crossfire is a cool car. A car that excludes exotic and is so different its very special.

I'll be sad when DC cancels or discontinues this car due to poor sales.

Amazing that the 300C based off the previous MB E class is such a hit yet the crossfire based off the last generation of the SLK. Maybe its Karmann based assembly is just too costly? Maybe its the fact its not a Hemi? Maybe its just the sales of extravagance of a 30 to 40 thousand dollar two seaters in general are just in the dumper?

Although not in the same league as the Crossfire...the Honda S2000 is not setting any sales records...and Acura discontinued its NSX, a car which hasn't sold in any numbers for years...

Two doors in general are a waning market these days. I don't believe Acura even makes the 2 door version of the past generation of the TL anymore...

Sales were just falling.

I think its the marketplace today that dictates the lack of sales in the 2 door 2 seat ($30,000 and above) arena. Even with the very unique and boutique Crossfire.

FWIW...even Corvette C6's are being offered at the end of the year with discounts of 8 thousand dollars on 2005 coupes and 11 grand off 2005 convertibles...

And this is in its first year of production.

For those that might remember, in 1997 the C5 Corvette when released was getting premiums for years and GM certainly wasn't discounting in its first end of the year of production.

Just giving a perspective to consider.

The loss of the Crossfire would be a loss for all sports car enthusiasts.

IMO

 

I'm quite sure that had the crossfire been offered with the 5.7 HEMI...this conversation would never see the light of day. IMHO.

PS - The marketing for the 300C was brilliant. Big V-8, good gas mileage, retro looking, nice handling car, for under $34,000 = I want one.

 

I passed on the Crossfire when they were produced the first year. Why? Because of the dealers with the "If you want one pay MSRP" attitude. Since they have changed their tactics and attitude I decided to buy a 2005 Crossfire. I was planning to buy a Pontiac "Solstice" this year until I got the same BS from the Pontiac dealers. Went to Chrysler dealer the very next day, and bought the Crossfire for a few dollars more than a Solstice. Dealers play an important roll in making or breaking a car also. The general public is much more informed these days, and dealers need to get their act together if they want to make a sale.

 

a very valid point.

 

Caught in the Crossfire: Chrysler mulls future of slow-selling sports coupe

RICK KRANZ | Automotive News

9/26/05

FRANKFURT -- Chrysler group executives are weighing the future of the slow-selling Chrysler Crossfire.

From article - Numbers of how many Crossfires have been sold.
-When the Crossfire debuted in 2003, the intent was to create a halo vehicle for the Chrysler brand. The automaker set an annual U.S. sales target of 20,000 units. It sold 14,969 units in 2004.
Chrysler has sold 10,276 units through August, 166 units up from the year-ago period.
The special employee pricing program for everyone boosted July and August sales. In July, Chrysler sold 1,364 Crossfires, compared with 1,269 in July 2004. In August 1,262 units were sold, up from 1,205 for the year-ago month.-

Looks like my hopes may come true soon. If you got one you best be taking good care of it. $$$$$$$$$$$$$

hooah

 

I have heard rumors that they were discontinuing the Crossfire with the 2006 model year, I have spoken with one of Chryslers representatives which has said; the only way they would be discontinuing the Crossfire would be when there is no more profit from it. I then told him what I paid for mine ($25,000 on-the-road with the extended warranty) and how long it sat on the showroom floor (729 days), he seemed surprised and speechless then he said; “I’m not sure why people aren’t buying them!?”

I do hope they stop production, but once they do I agree with JBsZ06 parts will be come more rare and expensive. Yet you can still buy factory parts for the Mercedes SL Gullwing and everything in-between, so maybe parts won't be an issue with our cars that’s one of the reasons I bought mine. My first car was a 1993 Olds Cutlass Convertible with the 3.4L, and hardly any of the parts needed to keep it looking good and running are still available.

But I have wanted a Crossfire sense it’s unveiling in January 2002. To me it always looked alot like the 300 SL Gullwing, and wouldn’t trade it for any other car in it’s (30-40) price range. To me it’s the car I’ve always wanted at the price I’d pay for a new Cobalt. Plus it's 7 times cooler.

 

Keep up with them? Don't you mean to blow by them?

 

HOOAH!!! Same here.