Hi there XF fanatics... I'm looking at maybe getting into an SRT-6 and have a couple questions that I hope you could answer. I did a little bit of searching, so please forgive me if I missed any answers in my own search.

I test drove an SRT-6 Coupe, '05, extremely low miles. I love the engine's pull, and the car's confident stance in cornering. However, I had a couple reservations, and I was hoping you guys could maybe shed some light on them, i.e., if there's an aftermarket fix or something similar:

1. How exactly does the Autostick work? I'm used to seeing autosticks where you have to push the shifter to the right (with vertical up and down shitfing), but in the SRT-6, it seems like you just push the shifter left or right to upshift or downshift. Does the car automatically stay in "stick" mode (i.e., choose your own gears) once you've up- or down-shifted once, or does it reset to D once you come to a stop, or something similar? Also, does it give you 100% complete control (i.e., let you hold gears until you either upshift manually or redline), or does it sometimes out-think you and upshift/downshift on its own? My seat time during the test drive wasn't enough to get me 100% familiar with the tranny.

2. Is there a way to speed up the shifts on the autostick? I would upshift or downshift, and I got distracted when the shift happened a second or two later. Is there a way to adjust this, or to train the ECU to speed this up?

3. There seems to be a delay between hitting the gas pedal and getting the engine up and going. From my understanding, a sprint booster will take care of this. Any other comments?

4. Do all Crossfires have ESP/traction control or something similar? Exactly what system is used (i.e., does it just cut throttle, or does it apply individual brakes, etc.)? And is there a way to turn it off if you feel like driving like a hooligan? If you can "turn it off", is it ever completely off? (What I read so far is that it's never completely off)

5. How the heck do you use that cupholder? What kind of cups can it hold and what can it not?

6. I saw mention of "track experience" cars being sold for low miles. What are the easiest ways to spot one of these?

7. I read that these cars have an open differential, and that there are no aftermarket options for a limited-slip differential. Is this true? Have you guys been in situations where the open diff is an obvious hindrance? (edit: scratch that, I guess there's a Phantom Grip LSD.. in that case, how much of an improvement are you guys seeing with a Phantom Grip vs. the standard electronic diff (if that right?))

Thanks in advance for the replies, and I hope to join the family!

 

The autostick will shift up by itself from 1st to 3rd if pulled to 1st and floored otherwise you can upshift or downshift any time the computer will allow and you manually shift it. As for the cup holder it does suck. As for rear diff you'll have search here for more info. I hope this helps a little email me direct since I do own a SRT6.

 

As a very recent purchaser of an SRT-6, all I can tell you is get that low-mileage Crossfire before somebody else does. Especially if it's under 500. I had my pick of 2 at a couple of Nor Cal dealerships and one guy on the fence got wind that I was coming with cash and he bought before I had a chance to deal (he got the SSB, I got the graphite).

1. I've owned sticks almost exclusively and was "concerned" about the autostick, also. That will quickly fade after you've put a hundred miles or so on the car. The car is so damn good that the perceived joy of manual heel-toe becomes a distant memory.

2. The computer "learns" you after awhile.

3. Not really. The envious looks from other people (save the rarified super car crowd) and wannabe "let's see what he's got" poseurs (as they become dots in your rear-view) make such worries become not so worrisome. : )

4. No, the car wants its hooligan owner to drive it the next day. Which is fine.

5. The much maligned cupholder gets alot of use from me. I like it. It holds my quad espressos, tall coffee-of-the-days, and sugar-free Red Bulls without complaint. This is not an SUV.

6. I would think that track cars would be easy to spot (this has got to be a low percentage of available SRT-6's). Just drive it before you buy it. If it doesn't feel tight and run like a Rolex, then walk. That's the only downside of looking for the right SRT-6, you have to A/B them. Sometimes B is a few hours away.

7. This is a fine, German-engineered car with no excuses (badge-engineered, which some people feel embarassed about...not me).

Good luck, if you have any q's, PM me.

-Mike

 

Mine held both a sugar free redbull and a venti marble mocha macchiato from Starbucks today. I didn't een worry about them while turning.

You're the only other person who I've seen openly praise the little uber-German device. Why does everyone hate the cupholder?

 

The autostick will take a little practice to become completely
efficient. Down shift is pull to right no matter what pressure.
Up shift is only a twitch. It is incredible while driving between
40-60mph, down shift and blow. If you don't down shift, tranny
takes more time to react.

 

The first time that "uber-German device" pokes holes in your cup and your coffee drains all over your console, we'll see what kind of praise you have for it.

Oh.....in a auto trans car it might be alright.........but I dare you to try to shift a manual trans without hitting that damn thing with your elbow! If your forearm is only 7 inches long you might be alright........but I haven't seen anyone with arms like that in my lifetime.

 

1. Autostick fxn: Correct, push to left or right. This is changing the gears in a very advanced auto trans. Holds the gear I want, most of the time. Also, there's a kick-down button under the go pedal. Push to the floor, and it down-shifts without touching the lever. This machine does a very good job of "learning" your driving patterns, and shifting appropriately.

2. Speeding shifts: I'll defer to those with track time on this.

3. Throttle Response: See sprint booster threads. I'm happy with the throttle response, as engineered.

4. Traction Control: The system lets you get severly out of line before it steps in, when esp is "off." If you're into 90deg power slides, and burn-outs, you can pick up a mid-90's Mustang for little money. This car doesn't want to go into the wall.

5. Cupholder: Don't use paper/ styrofoam cups and it's fine. Not the most elegant cupholder I've seen, and it won't hold a 2-liter of soda, but this is a sports car. Delicate also, treat as such.

6. Track experience cars: Great question. Maybe start a thread titled "track experience VIN # request" or "how to spot a track experience car?" Someone on this forum will help.

7. Limited slip: No track time with mine, I baby her. No issues with grip in spirited canyon driving.

Welcome

 

Thanks to all for the replies. I'll make sure to bring a soda can on my next test drive to get a better idea of how to use that cupholder.

 

Crossfires come with a cup holder?

Why?

roadster with a stick

 

I like the cupholder, just don't use it with soft cups. Cans, Bottles, Travel Mugs, etc work fine. The only time I've ever spilled drop was while hitting it with my elbow during an evasive manuver.

 

mine works as a cell phone holder!!! hehe

 

Mocha Latte Supremo Frappaccino what? What are you guys drinking? Those foo foo drinks shouldn't even be allowed in the car! My cup holder holds bottled water and travel mugs of good ol' black coffee just fine.

 

Sorry to bump the thread, but could someone post a picture of this beast? (the cupholder). I obviously don't own one, but am here reasearching

VV

 

awkward positioning, can't shift from: 1-2, 3-4 comfortably. That, and my elbows take up a lot of room, even though i'm 5'8".

 

When in drive if you hold the autostick to the left, it drops into the optimum passing gear.
When in manual, if you hold it to the right for 2 secs, it goes into drive (or if you up shift to 5th).