Dobro, I'm assuming when you say the Crossfire is criticized for being underpowered, you are referring to the many magazine road test articles, and the handful of televised road tests of the car. I have to agree with you, it does get rather "old" hearing that after awhile. I mean I don't remember the Corvette (in the late 60's) ever being called underpowered by any of the magazines of the day if it had a 300 hp 327 or 350 cu.in. V8.
Using the old "Gross H.P." form of measurement, (that was used until the 1972 model year) then the Crossfire would have registered something in excess of 300 hp. also.
The only thing that keeps the Limited Crossfire from winning drag races with other "supposedly" faster, and higher horse powered cars in its class, is the rather high gear ratio of 3.27:1. If it would have came with a 3.55, or better yet, a 3.73 gear ratio, I would have to speculate 14.5's for the automatic XF would be quite possible. Unfortunately, the extremely "low" first gear of the XFs 6 spd. transmission, would render 1st gear nearly useless if a lower final drive ratio were used. That is unless you have some "stumps" in the lower forty that need removed.
Personally, I would gladly give up the Crossfires 150+ mph capability for a much more useful real world "American Style" driving experience. Such as, winning stop light Grand Prix's, and better acceleration thru the gears, topping out at around 135 to 140 mph. Thanks to the overdrive, the lower final drive ratio wouldn't affect any of the Crossfires other sports car like attributes.

MAYAman, I'm not condoning "drag racing" on the street, I'm only suggesting how nice it would be to be able to pull a "hole-shot" on the other cars in our class by showing them some tail light at an intersection.
As the car sits right now, I'm still very pleased with my 04's performance, and if I wanted to go "crazy fast" I'd buy a Viper.