new Chrysler product

96conv · 09-23-2003, 04:56 PM

So I was at a light when a new Chrysler Crossfire pulled up next to me. He looked at me and I think he had a smirk on as he checked out my 25 year old car with a faded Targa bar. When the light turned green, he took off like a rocket. He left me in the dust (I didn't even know we were racing) and swerved in and out of traffic ahead. He had dealer plates on as I don't think these cars are out yet. Anyway, it seemed he had something to prove. The car is fast, I'll give him that, but it's also freakin' ugly. Where do you think this car will be in 25 years?

JSDSKI · 09-23-2003, 05:13 PM

They are available on dealer lots. It's basically a SLK platform (roadster) Mercedes. In terms of longevity, it depends upon the owners. How many 25 year old MBenz roadsters do you see ?

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

ewwwww! I don't like it - and it's got a small v6 to boot. 215hp and 3000 lbs

25 years from now - It'll be a some high school kids riced up beater - OK just a beater.

Crossfire Page

I still don't think Chryslers and Mercedes will have the same longevity - even though they are essentially the same co - and this really is more SLK.

limble · 09-23-2003, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 96conv
Where do you think this car will be in 25 years?

I'm more concerned about where Porsche will be in 25yrs.

Elombard · 09-23-2003, 07:03 PM

3000 Lbs!!! I bet they are way heavier than that.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

They are very small I believe 3000 lbs

Type911 · 09-23-2003, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 96conv
Where do you think this car will be in 25 years?

How many 1978 Chryslers do you see on the road ?

There's your answer

brawlins · 09-23-2003, 07:38 PM

Check out the JD Power surveys - Dodge (ie Chrysler's largest US division) is way ahead of the classic Mercedes line in quality. The German car quality is bringing down Diamler-Chrysler, not the US car quality !!!

JSDSKI · 09:10 PM

Well in this current cycle, lack of cash is bringing down quality for all manufacturers. American makers go thru a cycle every 4-6 years during which they decide that hammering their suppliers on price will increase stockholder dividends and stock value by lowering unit cost.

This bizplan works for about 2 years and various execs are the subject of wonderous reporting in WSJ and BizWK (see Jac Nasser). Somewhere in the middle of the third year of supplier cost cutting, quality catches up with the product and quality concerns start to impact sales. At this point, some wizard in marketing starts talking about rebates.... unfortunately, rebate expense sucks dry product development.

(How many 78 Chryslers do we see? Very few. OTH, how many '78 anythings do we see? TV's, kitchen appliances, pens, computers or internet access? Porsche and its fanatic supporters are an anomoly (sp) in an economy. The current cars, including Chrysler, are orders of magnitude better than cars from 78, IMHO.)

1fastredsc · 09-23-2003, 09:06 PM

Actually you guys are wrong, the crossfire is not ugly. It's FUGLY!!!!!!!!!

lateapex911 · 09-23-2003, 11:23 PM

You might not like it, but you should respect the fact that a manufacturer has taken a risk. We are lucky that the automotive landscape has cars like the Crossfire, Prowler (RIP), Viper, PT Cruiser, and the upcoming 'wagon'-all from Chrysler. They have put more interesting things on the road than most, and though I wouldn't actually purchase a Chrysler product, I do give them credit for risk taking.

kstar · 09-24-2003, 12:48 AM

I have to agree with Jake. The Prowler was/is a show car that went to production. A few years ago at a San Diego car show, a Police Officer told me that the Prowler couldn't possibly meet EPA/DOT requirements . . . and it was already certified.

The Viper was/is a wild car and probably a gamble for Chrysler.

Now even Chevrolet and other manufacturers are bringing show-like cars to the showroom (read 300hp Chev Roadster Pickup). I think Chrysler deserves some of the credit for this movement.

I like the present spirit of auto engineering . . . and the new HP movement (read almost 500hp MB E55, among others.)

I am a Porsche "freak", but this is no time to be a 911 bigot. It is OK to love your early 911, but there is no blasphemy in appreciating other cars.

Lighten up folks!

BR,

Kurt

Scott Clarke · Scott Clarke's Garage

The Crossfire is buit by Karman, same folks that built my 911 (and perhaps yours, too). I think that, while not being something I would buy, it is a noble attempt. I would, however, buy a Crossfire long before a Cayene!

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote: "How many 25 year old MBenz roadsters do you see ?"

Answer: Alot....actually many more than 911s of the same era. However, production numbers are probably higher for MB so it's not apples to apples.

True about current MB quality situation. It is in the ****ter right now. They're making too many lines and too high production.

Jdub · 09-24-2003, 08:04 AM

I'm glad to hear Karmann is building them. If it were anything like our '98 Chrysler Sebring I would run screaming from the lot with my hand firmly on my wallet. The Sebring may be the worst car I have ever had the displeasure to keep in my garage. It is a piece of cheap, rattling garbage.

John

cowtown · 09-24-2003, 08:10 AM

I'm just glad to see some designs, any designs, that take a little risk and aren't SUVs. I actually like the Crossfire, Matrix, Element, and all the other funky cars out, just for the eye candy and because it's pulling people out of their Excursions. I would even consider buying a Crossfire!

If you ever see the streets of Tokyo or parts of Europe, the Crossfire seems tame in comparison. I'd love to see some Smarts and some of the oddball Japanese designs on my way to work.

JonT · 09-24-2003, 08:19 AM

Crossfire's are not fast or quick--0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. Your SC should have been able to keep up with him at least.

Chuck Moreland · 09-24-2003, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 96conv
he had a smirk on as he checked out my 25 year old car with a faded Targa bar. When the light turned green, he took off like a rocket.

Take that compliment. This guy thinks your 25 year old car is still the one-to-beat, the yardstick.

I too think it's refreshing to see some interesting cars being built by American manufacturers for a change. Chrysler has been leading that charge for some time. Doesn't mean I'll buy one, but it is refreshing.

JonT · 09-24-2003, 08:32 AM

I think the Crossfire is a better looking car in person than on paper--but it reminds me of the Prowler--all showboating and a whimpy 6 cylinder engine. Nice looking aggressive and distinctive design though.

RickM · RickM's Garage

A friend once told me he watched a Prowler make an aggresive turn at an amber light. The front corner of the "suspension" experiencin lift fell off the car at the intersection.

Stuff that Urban Legends are made of?