I change mine without getting under the car. I have a low profile 2 1/2 gallon pan and my car has no "shield" under it. But my Graphite had the cover, no need to get under there if you just reach in and take the screws out.

I find the Crossfire to be almost as easy (well, it IS as easy) to do an oil change than my lifted Ranger. And the Crossfire has a filter/carrier setup, the Ford has a stupid filter that dumps it's contents when you remove it. WHy can only the Germans manage this? THere is no reason for a screw-on filter hidden on the side of an engine.