Originally Posted by Woodlands
However, the Chrysler 3.5L doesn't look near as impressive when compared to the SLK 350 engine. The MB 350 and seven speed auto trans ought to be dropped into the 2006 XFire. I'll bet it would fit just like the 320 engine and trans does with little to no modifications required.
That would generate more interest in XFires.
While that would be nice, but sorry to say, I don't think we'll ever see that happen. There is not enough interest in the Crossfire. Doing what you suggest will only increase the cost of a car Chrysler can't give away at rock bottom prices.
The Crossfire is a platform for leftover MB components from day one. With it's poor marketing and failure to impress the automotive press who get the word out to the public, it was doomed from the beginning. As prices continue to fall, why would they spend the time or money to infuse interest in a car that has very little appeal to the motoring public? While we all love our Crossfire, it's a lame horse waiting to be shot. The car has been nothing but a flop for DC for various reasons, heck they haven't even brought out the '06 models this late in the year, even tho they are sitting on a lot somewhere.
Maybe the Crossfire would have faired better a few years farther down the road if it was built as a new car from the ground up using American parts and after Chrysler has had a chance to improved their brand image a little more.
I guess the bottom line is, we're some of the lucky few to own a Crossfire and we should be happy with what we have. I know I am. Dreaming of major improvements is nothing but a dream and puts a dampener on our hopes for this car. I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it...