Firepower: Chrysler heavily considering making it a reality

[HEMEEE]

Chrysler heavily considering making Firepower a reality

We all know how it goes. When you jump around the auto show circuit, you inevitably run into an army of concept vehicles from the various automakers. Many never make it to production and are meant simply to show what they're capable of, or perhaps future directions the company is considering. Some become a reality in a heavily altered form, and it seems that Chrysler is working on setting the wheels in motion to have the Firepower Concept hit American roads, in addition to a couple of other concepts as well.


For starters, the Chrysler Firepower seems to be targeting the Corvette, but industry pundits are saying that it could replace the current Crossfire in the company's lineup. The two cars do bear quite the resemblance, I must say, so it will be interesting to see what develops on that front.

In related news, the American automaker is also "seriously considering" making a production model of the Dodge Challenger Concept, another sporty retro-looking vehicle that could be taking on the Mustang and others in that class. Chrysler Canada CEO Steven J. Landry is pushing his neighbours to the south to make the Dodge Hornet as well, a compact vehicle with plenty of cargo space and aggressive American styling.

Tuesday May 9, 2006 12:59 PM EST - By: Michael Kwan

Source: leftlanenews.com

[vvv90]

If they can make THAT VERY car (concept looks) that can handle, brake, and run just as fast as a Corvette with a classy interior in the same price range......Then they've definitely got a winner.

My opinon is that the performance won't be as good as a Corvette, close but not as good, the interior will be WAY nicer, but the price will be about $5-10K higher.....Probably $10k higher if the performance is on par with Corvette.

Either way I'd seriously consider buying one.

[vvv90]

Also I heard they were halting production on the Viper for 7-9 months, skipping the '07 model and going right to '08.

2 reasons....One is because they'll make the firepower at the point, or 2 that they're tooling up to offer a 600 HP SRT-10 model and a 700HP model.....That's rumored based on the ZC700 option code that nobody can figure out.

[vvv90]

More pictures.....Probably one of the MOST beautiful interiors I've ever seen.

http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-200...er-Concept.htm

[xtmracer]

looks similiar to a Aston martin DB9

[jconnolly1119]

this just sucks.............

now i'm gonna have to get another job, another house, with more garages and some lottery tix to pay for all the gas all these toys are going to eat up.........





and a therapist, marriage conselor, and probably a divorce attorney.............

guess I'll need 2 more jobs

[HEMEEE]

I was all but bowled over when I saw it at the Auto Show, especially the interior, which is even more stunning in person. I would have paid to sit in it if I could.
The exterior is a bit on the euro side for me and I'd prefer they lose the Crossfire ribs on the hood, but I could tolerate it!

fatchance and I were really hoping we could get the Firepower to Spring Fling, but with our date conflicting with other auto shows on schedule it just didn't happen... darn.

[teahead]

It's a Viper chassis underneath.

So...it's possible they can get the weight down to C6 levels (not Z06; doubtful) so it can compete w/the C6 non-Z06 vette. 425hp 6.1L...should be a good race, and the Viper chassis will make it handle well too.


I think the front end could use a bit more work. Less chrome and a bit more muscular and meaner looking will help.

The '08 Viper sounds like a Z06 fighter IMHO. 'course, w/>600hp, it may start approaching 6 figures. Hope not.

[JE 300]

If the firepower is going to cost 10k more than a corvette, I personally would splurge a little more and go for the Viper. That is IF i had the money (LOL). The looks are decent, but doesn't have that 'gotta have it' look. JMO

[DanRealtor]

Originally Posted by HEMEEE

I was all but bowled over when I saw it at the Auto Show, especially the interior, which is even more stunning in person. I would have paid to sit in it if I could.
The exterior is a bit on the euro side for me and I'd prefer they lose the Crossfire ribs on the hood, but I could tolerate it!

fatchance and I were really hoping we could get the Firepower to Spring Fling, but with our date conflicting with other auto shows on schedule it just didn't happen... darn.

At Barrett-Jackson this year in Scottsdale AZ the first car you saw when you entered the main tent was the Firepower. I sat in it, played with it, opened the hood for all the world to see the 6.1 (it was really dusty in the engine compartment) with the wicked carbon fiber air intake. No one bothered me. (It may have been my my black SRT polo shirt )

My sources confirmed then (2 1/2 months ago) thet the Crossfire will be made, not might, will.

The car is built on the viper chassis with our 6.1 & 5 speed tranny. It enjoys the speed of our powertrain combined with the drag coefficiency and weight closer to Viper numbers, complete with a more "streetable" suspension package.

The result?

Creature comforts galore, with great performance, luxurious interior, and an AC system that can keep the occupants cool, and it is easier to maneuver in & out of the cockpit than a Viper or a Vette.

The car will definitely appeal to Vette and Viper owners. May not be instead of, maybe in addition to.

Interestingly, the claimed top speed was the same 173 as a 300C SRT-8 with the drag coefficiency of a garage door.