That flimsy cup holder was the reason for a big argument between Daimler and Chrysler higher ups. Chrysler believed it was absolutely necessary to have one while Germans did not see a need whatsoever. Eventually Daimler agreed and our fantastic cup holders were born...that is until the US counterparts saw the design and said something to the likes of "it will hold a can certainly but no a big gulp"
It's funny but even this little problem showed the different dynamics between these two car makers which in the bigger picture and on a bigger level caused the divorce a few years later.

I do not understand why we don't have cup holders like in some mercedes slk 320s? I have seen this one a few times http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../Cupholder.jpg but also one that pops out below the center a/c vents. Especially in the latter area there would have been plenty of room in our Xfires for the holder.
Of course the location is always a bit tricky as spilled drinks could easily leak into the shifter and center console electronics but one would just have to be careful!