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quote:Originally posted by Kirby
Big Al,
Why no 5 speed transmission - this isn't a case of cheaper! I don't think you will find that there is any $$ reason for 'only' automatic transmission, other than to prevent the tuners from reconstituting the de-tuned 180 into the Stage II. (Make the drivetrain so weak they won't attempt it.)
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So offering two types of transmissions is no more expensive than offering one? I disagree with you here. The people buying with manual transmissions are either really cheap (would buy the non-turbo PT) or want optimal performance (would buy the GT). I think it was wise of DC to only offer the 180HP with the automatic. It wouldn't sell many of the manual versions.
Do you really think DC is that concerned about "tuners?" They detuned the turbo to offer it in a less expensive
package to sell cars in a segment that wasn't previously offered. It also allows for the premium of the GT package.
The GT package (as offered in '03) with better wheels, tires, trans, brakes, ABS, etc are all appropriate for a higher horse unit such as the 220 version. I am not all that fond of the '04 leather and chrome wheels only arrangement. I got my '03 knowing that an '04 would cost me notably more than the base GT I bought.
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You have answered your own question and raised more as you talked about AMG and TRD warranting aftermarket parts. (Does this mean that a Stage I installed at the dealership gets a written warranty now?)
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Perhaps DC will offer a stage 0.5 for dealer installation with waranty? We get some things out of the current and planned Staged offerings that would most likely have been scaled back if waranty was in play. Life is full of compromises.
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quote:My original quote, using their engineering prowess to "Limit the Value" rather than maximize it.
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MB does this too - thus allowing for the AMG units at significantly higher cost/profit. What package do you see that is unlimited and yet still affordable as offerred from the big manufacturers?