The article seemed pretty clear that the $50K was for the mods, above and beyond the purchase price of the standard Crossfire. I agree with kusheen that the cost seems a bit excessive for what you get. I don't personally think any car is worth pouring in almost 150% of the original sticker for performance improvements, no matter how dramatic. In fact, I wouldn't think many people beyond the teen/early-20's "Fast and Furious" type crowd would be into that. But the article indicates that Brabus has been around for quite some time, so apparently there's enough market for such products among Mercedes owners to keep them in business. Maybe there are just more rap stars and rich kids with stupid parents than I realize.

Dyno-Comp's info is also interesting. I can't see paying that kind of money to increase unsprung weight, regardless of how cool the wheels look. It's starting to sound to me like Startech is one of those companies that's going to be easy to ignore.

Perhaps I'm just hopelessly over the automotive hill at the ripe old age of 36. I wouldn't mind if the Crossfire had a bit more power, especially after driving a friend's newly-chipped '03 TT. I'd even be willing to pay a bit extra for it. But I'm talking low four figures, not low-to-mid five figures to do so much work that the engine becomes unrecognizable. I've got plenty of better things to do with that kind of money, and besides, I think the Crossfire is pretty damn fun just the way it is.

Well, except for the stereo. I think I'm going to replace that beast as soon as I can find a good head unit that doesn't look like a sore thumb in the silver dash, or at least can easily be painted not to look like a sore thumb. Or maybe find a replacement for all that cheap-looking silver-painted plastic. Perhaps an anodized or brushed aluminum...

Okay, I think I've gone off topic enough for one post.

Cheers,

Greg