Franc, I hate to say it, but not a single vehicle you mentioned earlier, to my knowledge, has a CAI that gets air from the side vents. They are simply to let air escape, cool brake components (higher end), and many times, they are not functional at all.

After hearing the Chrysler project head for the XF speak at Woodward, he told us all about the aerodynamic testing the XF underwent. I have to believe that the grille is still the best place to draw air, especially if you open it up with mesh or the like. IMHO that open scoop of a grille is going to channel air into those filters better, especially at speed - I have to believe the engineers did something right here, just needed something a little less restrictive than stock tubing or materials, enter the traditional XF CAI.

If you are worried about cooling, I think you are going to need to trade in the XF you know these Merc V6s are notorious for heat. Personally, I am not willing to spend thousands on cooling mods for my NA, when I can run it for 2 hours straight at the track in 95 degree heat and see little loss comparatively....