I value the opinion of all 6,000 + members of this forum and would like your input on the subject of promoting of the Crossfire in racing events. I've posted a poll to this thread and would like all of you to chime-in as well as responding with your written comments.

I was recently contacted by a DC representative regarding my track activities with the Crossfire and questioned about campaigning the car in SCCA events. He was interested in the potential marketing of a race spec. Crossfire that would "RACE ON SUNDAY, SELL ON MONDAY".

We discussed my minor modifications and the lack of affordable aftermarket performance parts for the car, as well as if the Crossfire could compete on a national level with other cars classed in the SCCA T3 category.

Our discussion was lengthy and in depth and left me with some hope that DC could possibly re-purpose (re-market) the car as a sports racer with additional support from aftermarket performance manufacturers, if the DC marketing department was onboard.

My question to all of my fellow forum members is;
1) Do you feel the car would be more appealing to you if it were raced in SCCA events and broadcast on TV ?
2) Would you be more likely to buy a Crossfire if you thought it was capable of "OUT OF THE BOX" road racing ?
3) If performance / products were readily available for the Crossfire, would you be more likely to purchase the car ?
4) Wouldn't you like the BRAG FACTOR?, "yeah it beats a Boxter, S2000, M3, Elise, EVO, WRX on a road course ? And I saw it on the SPEED Channel...

We may have an opportunity to show DC that the Crossfire can be a car to be proud of... Let me know your opinion...

 

1) No
2) No
3) Yes, if there was a decent aftermarket, I would haven't not gone through 2 srt-4's and a STi.
4) It would be neat but that is usually what slower cars brag about. And I really don't think the guy in the M3 would care if he loss to a XF. He is still driving home in a M3. Lol

 

1. yes

2. no not on the east coast.... don't think there are alot of enthusiasts who will buy an out of the box racer... not alot of places to take it to the track over here. west and mid america yes.

3. no if i were buying a car based on what the aftermarket has to offer... then that car manufacturer has the wrong marketing strategy in place

4a. bragging... depends on the age of the purchaser... as for me or anyone over 40 years old... i don't think bragging means all that much...!?!?!?

4b. to see it on the speed channel... yeah, that would be nice as well as it gaining exposure/popularity/and to make a name for itself in its true form... being frisky on the road!!!

HDDP... i really hope somehow some way that they will endorse crossfires on the circuit and or sponsor people like you who could choose other cars to race but chose the XF.

i just checked the D/C annuals and officially they have the 2008 XF scheduled as a "redesign"... a redesign can easily mean termination 2 make room for the firepower or...?

 

1.yes
2.yes
3.yes
4.yes

These elements have worked for Porsche for years. The Crossfire has an image problem and what you propose would take care of alot of that and add legitimacy. Ask the poor sap in the S2000 I raced if he'll disrespect the Xfire again.

 

1-4 maybe for others not myself, as for what DC should do!!! Put the 3.5 V6 in and some upgrades, seats, tranny, radio. Paint the SRT6s red, alabaster+ manual tranny! Add active suspension as option or dealer add-on. DO SOMETHING is better than nothing!!! Racing??? Not.

 

1) Do you feel the car would be more appealing to you if it were raced in SCCA events and broadcast on TV ?
- Yes. Seeing Corvettes and 350Z's racing on the Speed Channel definitely gives them more credibility as sports cars.

2) Would you be more likely to buy a Crossfire if you thought it was capable of "OUT OF THE BOX" road racing ?
- Yes. Even though I already own one, I'd have to say that when it comes to sales, performance matters. Just look at the Mitsubishi Evolution and the Subaru STi. Both look like they fell out of the Ugly Tree and hit every branch on the way down. Both tear up the track and get high marks from the auto magazines and thus, sell relatively well.


3) If performance / products were readily available for the Crossfire, would you be more likely to purchase the car ?
- Yes. The option to upgrade without buying a whole new vehicle is always good. Also, the option of purchasing a "sport" or "track" model of a vehicle is always a good thing.

4) Wouldn't you like to brag your friends, "yeah it beats a Boxter, S2000, M3, Elise, EVO, WRX on a road course ? And I saw it on the SPEED Channel...
Yes - As I said in my answer to question #1, seeing my model of car on the track gives it more credibility as a sports car.

I hope this works out for you Derek, especially since you put so much effort into the car.

 

^^^ bingo bingo bingo.