THE BAD 8 - PART I

CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE

I once was a little brother; accustomed to hand-me-downs, but that doesn't mean I wanted to pay top dollar for my brother's t-shirt and jeans. When Daimler & Chrysler were still 'one', the M-B SLK became the hardtop, overtly-styled, Chrysler Crossfire.

Problem? The first SLK wasn't great to begin with, certainly not in its dynamic ability. Producing a convertible version of the Crossfire became somewhat embarrassing. After all, the SLK came standard with a folding hardtop. A retractable hardtop was not part of the deal for the Crossfire when Chrysler received the second-hand platform.

Sure, my abode is not inside the sunbelt, but I have seen a Crossfire or two. Well, maybe it was the same one. Expecting members of the human population (a race with at least some measure of inherent intelligence) to pay upwards of $30,000 USD, even over $40K for a top-line roadster, is insulting.

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Alternatives: Ford Mustang GT, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan 350Z, Mazda RX-8

Necessary Incentivizing To Switch To The Good 12: $17,000 cash back and $3,000 worth of bodykit accessories.

Anything Else? Chrysler is bidding the Crossfire farewell. Join them in saying, "Good riddance".