Just my input on the Xfire's auto vs manual...
Originally I was a HUGE fan of the automatic... then I realized it lacked something that almost all other sports cars that come with the "fake" SMT styled trans... it doesnt hold redline ... it will shift for you at key points that can critical for autocrossing and for just having fun on the highways... I would definatelly have everyone consider the manual over the auto in the crossfire's case... The power the Xfire lacks in hp... can somewhat be made up with someone who's good with a clutch and driving the car... But with the auto you have to brake torque really high for even a decent launch...

go with the manual