DETROIT — DaimlerChrysler AG said Sunday that it will build a production version of the Chrysler Crossfire.
The announcement comes just seven months after the coupe was unveiled as a concept car at the North American International Auto show in Detroit.
The quick decision to build the Crossfire as a production vehicle came, in large part, because of public reaction to the car as it traveled on the auto show circuit.
"You could just see the pure emotion in show-goers' reaction to the Chrysler Crossfire," said Wolfgang Bernhard, Chrysler Group chief operating officer.
"Their eyes lit up with enthusiasm. They didn't ask if we were going to build it, they practically demanded that we build it," he said.
Bernhard also said the company was able to quickly solve technical and financial issues, further enabling it to commit to building the Crossfire.
The two-seat Crossfire is small and sleek with a sculpted hood and brushed aluminum details. The concept version featured a so-called "boat tail" to emphasize rear wheels, tires and wide fenders.
The company did not reveal pricing or a date the car will go on sale. It promised to give more details at the 2002 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show in January.
The last DaimlerChrysler concept car making it into production was the Plymouth Pronto Cruizer. It became the hugely successful PT Cruiser.
The pricey, powerful Dodge Viper also began as a concept car, and the new Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicle is based on two previous concept vehicles.