[PONTIAC DUDE]

A 4" stroke with a 6.8 rod gives you a great rpm rod ratio and still have cu.in with a 4.350 bore.
I like that relationship in the 1.67/1.72 range. I feel rod ratios are often overlooked, wrong thinking or misused. Both higher and lower depending on application.
A great N/A or power adder/blower/turbo combo.

Build a few 454 .100 over with a stock stroke 454 crank that fly. That was a common BBC combo for many many years till the Merlin 4.500 blocks hit the market. Still buzz it 8000/8500 rpm all season long.
A lot of factors to consider with new products and you will never satisfy everyone.
I think they are marketing a crank in the right area. More percentage of 4" to 4.5" cranks to be sold and see a return on an investment. Like the current aftermarket cast cranks. By 90% I would think.
I see the 4.5 crank to be a big seller.
4.350 bore X 4.500 sroke = 535 cu.in. of Pure Pontiac Power.
I run it, I like it, and will last forever. Sorta the aftermarket 455 with a 4.250 crank most are running now.

Curious; Not tryng to stir sh*t, but Why go lower in stroke to a 3.75 with a Pontiac ???? Class rules ????