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Chrysler Crossfire
Here's your place to talk about the upcoming Mercedes-Chrysler collaboration, the Crossfire. Read all about it here!
kirstie_h
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kirstie_h
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Edmunds.com
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Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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However, the Crossfire is also coming, next year. My thinking is: If the 300 HEMI C was cancelled, does the Crossfire fill the gap? If they have the Crossfire, I don't really see why they would need the 300 HEMI C. However, could the 300 HEMI C still be alive, perhaps under the "300N" nameplate?
Also, let this thread be the host for anyone who just wants to comment on the Crossfire, seeing as how an earlier one was deleted.
The 300 Hemi convertible is more of a big, relaxed cruiser, V8, convertible - a luxury car. I think there is room for both of them.
One less buyer.
Dennis
What is going on? Are they expecting a lighter car to make up for the lack of engine?
Are we going to get a cheap American looking interior? It is a shame for such nice lines on the outside to cheap us on the inside. At least the corvette has power...
I don't get it. For the money I think i'd go with the G35 or Nissan 350Z
Do they even offer a bigger engine option? Supercharger ? Whats the deal Chrysler???
And if the Vette team sticks the looks on the new Vette, the Crossfire will be hard to pick at the suggested price. It is a very good looking car though.
Plus, per autoweek.com, it will come as a drop top.
kirstie_h
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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The immediate impact is 'stunning.' I recall the first time I saw the Prowler, and the first time I saw a PT Cruiser .... same effect. It lasted, in each case, through about 5 or 6 viewings, then the surprise and the charm wore off.
Maybe it is being marketed for women, but with a more potent engine it could appeal to an audience of 100% more people (and usually, car interest).
JW
Thanks.
My $0.02: I think that 215 hp and 3000 lbs. will be quick enough for me. The Z4 has just 10 more hp and breaks 0-60 in less than 6 seconds. I'm just wondering if my golf clubs will cram into the back.
I am sure with modifications you could build up to 300hp but why?
I think most have forgotten the domestic market and this is Chryslers' way of saying hello again America. And just in case you have forgot purchasing American is the true American way.
If Crossfire looked like Caravan, I'm sure it would be okay with everyone. But it looks like a bat outa heck ... most Americans like to be able to live up to whatever their image is: this one is fast.
"I think most have forgotten the domestic market and this is Chryslers' way of saying hello again America. And just in case you have forgot purchasing American is the true American way."
Malarkey. In this "free market" system, value wins the market. When the 'big 3' offer value, they win market share. If the Crossfire needs a bigger engine, even as an option, they'd best offer it for people who 'value'it, assuming there are enough of us, that is.
As it is, if the performance isn't there, there are some of us who will continue to be willing to pay a premium for German, Japanese, or anyone else who can come up with a car that goes like it looks.
JW
When Hyundai made it's debut in the US it was trash but look at what they have done now.
Did the Vette start with 405 HP? NO.
It improved changed morphed if you will into what it is today.
The most important thing to remember no matter the manufacturer noone is really willing to build an automobile with all of the capabilities it will ever have the first time out.
This is just a taste of the direction Chrysler wants to head.
If buyer's buy it and demand more i am sure Chrysler will give them more.
Of course you're right. But the man was arguing for a Chrysler (American, he called it) purchase. Thanks for keeping it in perspective. (I hope no one tells us we have to wait for an AMG version :-}
JW
What difference does it make?
I will still order one and am sure quality and will be the best. Just unfortunate that numbers will be limited.
And why not? The Crossfire is a Benz with Chrysler styling. What better Chrysler to be the first to get the AMG treatment?
I do believe Chrysler even though it's German has taken a step in the right direction and before you know it you will be going to a Chrysler Jeep Dodge Benz all in on the same lot.
I prefer the '01 Detroit Auto Show concept car's frontend VERY much to the production version. The stacked headlights would have been a bold step out of the general bunch (see Cadillac), the split front window was just ultra cool, and the bigger (more Chrysler-like) grille exuded much more power than these standard air intakes, which you will ruin at the next steep parking garage exit.
Concept v. production = dream v. reality.
Welcome back to earth!
Here's something that may make you want to wait another year for your Crossfire:
http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=31338
I am all for purchase now and buy again later. If you think about it if you bought the 01 PT then you would be in line for the 04 convert. Funny how brand loyalty has gone down the tubes. It also is what drives trade in values down.
Brand loyalty? Hmmmm. Are you a dealer? You sound like a dealer? Dealers say things like that, along with "How do you expect me to feed my kids with this deal?" and "No, the warranty doesn't cover the engine if it falls out."
JW
If so: because it is a new product.
And Chryslers always have a high level of interest. Among the Big 3 they are the only auto company that is willing to take risks. (some would say they have to, but that's a different story) The fact is that Chrysler's styling, as you should know, has always been advanced ... at least since 1936. They've just never been able to engineer the parts and assemble them with reliability and still make a profit.
Second year products tend to have some of the glitches ironed out.
JW
Where does Infiniti come from?
Where does Lexus come from?
Where does Acura come from?
Yes tis true a Mercedes with Chrysler badging but how many other Automakers have made not of there own and worked well?
Chrysler says elegant, sophisticated, eccentric.
Put it together with German engineering and you have an awesome combo of German engineering with American inginuity.
And for those who doubt first time out Auto's. What about the Jeep Liberty
However, you cannot say that Chrysler is not of Daimler (the parent of Mercedes). Daimler and Chrysler merged years ago.
The Crossfire was designed by designers in Auburn Hills, MI. But to save money making it, Daimler used mainly existing Mercedes platform components. Superficially, it looks unlike any MB. But underneath what you see, it will pretty much be an MB, for better or worse.
There really is no riddle about it.
With that said:
215 hp, for 18" front wheels and 19" rear wheels is a pretty inadequate. If this car can break 0-60, in under 8 seconds, I would be impressed. That is a great deal of inertia to overcome with wheels that big.
If the car was priced in the low $20ks, I could see it, but not for +$30K without a little more power under the hood!
A V6 Camry right now will be able to give it a run for its money! They are planning to upgrade the power of the V6 Camry next year anyway.
And interior appointments, ride, handling, and appearance count for nothing?
To answer your question: of course everything on the car counts for something and is important. The new Z, for example, is short on interior appointments and materials, according to many reviewers. But because it goes great and has admirable style (even a little edgy), almost all is forgiven.
I wonder if the reviews would say the same thing if the Z lost in performance (at stoplights or on mountain roads) to (as kevin says) a Camry... or if that's harsh try a Maxima or Accord.
And just so this doesn't come off as an attack on an interesting, if unproven, new car: there will be some -- maybe many -- buyers who won't care about the car's power or its performance and will buy it strictly on looks. And if that's all it has the Crossfire will be known forever as a 'chick' car, and that's alright, too, but don't expect to get a lot of applause for the car from the mostly male audience at Edmunds if it won't do sub-6 0-60 or .90 on the skid pad or 115' or shorter braking. That's pretty much entry level for a +$30k car that trades on a "performance" image.
JW
But it sure as heck does not caste my logic into any sort of suspicion.
A 1999 Z3 at 2988 lbs with a paltry 170 hp makes the sprint to 60 in 6.7 seconds. The Crossfire with 26% more power and torque should hit 60 in under 6.0.
It'll be quick and will get quicker incrementally to keep you all interested for years.
If so, given the engine, perhaps there was some other gearing compromise.
JW
Thank you for your email regarding Chrysler's association with Celine Dion.
Chrysler has teamed up with Celine Dion because we feel she portrays a wholesome attitude and image and embodies the family values that Chrysler tries to promote. Through her collaboration with Chrysler, we feel she will help us reach a wider potential consumer base since her music appeals to a wide audience.
We are not trying to market the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire as a "ladies'" or "men's" car, per se. We are simply trying to make the 2004 Chrysler Crossfire an appealing car to multiple segments of the car-buying population, and by doing that, we sometimes find that certain attributes of the vehicle appeal more to certain specific car-buying groups.
We are certainly not trying to alienate any segments of the car-buying public. I apologize if you feel our advertising is doing this.
Thank you again for sharing your opinion with us.
On the CLK Edmund's posts a 7.5 time.
JW
Notice that the Edmunds said that the SLK230 has a 0-60 time of 7.5 and the SLK320 has a 0-60 time a second less than the SLK230 which would be as I said before 6.5 seconds.
The features I liked were:
Fin that came up when the vehicle was accelerating.
Nice metallic paint.
Very distinctive styling.
It was a head turner.