I wasn't going to comment on this thread, but I've heard from a number of people who have told me they would have liked my custom hood much more if I would have retained the Crossfires "Signature" hood strakes. Some people have even gone so far as to accuse me of being a "Strake Bigot".
I liked the hood strakes on the Crossfire the first time I saw it. They kind of reminded me of the chrome accent moldings that were on the trunk of the Desoto Adventurer built in the 50's (even though I think they were suppose to give the Desoto a "luggage rack" effect.) anyway, that's what came to mind. http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/phot...rer_Photo.aspx
As soon as I purchased my Crossfire over 3 years ago, I immediately started planning on installing the hood scoop because that was the "look" I really wanted for my car. Even if there had been some way to use the scoop that I wanted, and to retain the strakes, I probably wouldn't have because the two different designs would have "clashed". So I had to make a decission, and for me, the scoop was the way to go.
The first time I saw a white Sebring sedan coming at me in a stores parking lot, looking for all the world like a "fleet" car, I knew I wasn't going to miss the hood strakes, and I haven't. But I still appreciate them on everybody elses XF even though Chrysler chose to water down the design by using them on the Sebring, Pacifica, and an SUV.
I also don't think the photo shopped version of the Crossfire hood (without the strakes) looks bad either. But if I couldn't have my scooped hood, I'd go back to the strakes for sure.