Interesting:

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/chrysle...w-ar10469.html

 

Thanks Danimal, that was a good read. When you consider that Chrysler is going to suspend Viper production for the 2007 model year (according to AutoWeeks June 12th issue) they may just be setting up to build the Firepower on the old Prowler assembly line that was built in the same plant.
2008 may be something to look forward to at Chrysler. A Firepower, Viper, and Challenger all in the same year is almost too good to be true. Let's keep our "collective" fingers crossed.

 

"Does Chrysler really need another sports car, a nudge more expensive than the current Crossfire? The automaker is betting the two cars will appeal to distinctly different niches."

Umm, I doubt it- The moment this car hits the showroom, my Crossfire will be For Sale.

 

Good article. It all makes perfect sense! I need a bigger garage.

 

I'd love to take one of these out for a test drive if they ever come to market. But that's probably not gonna happen.

 

Here's an interesting report from Car Online UK that was also picked up today by several other auto blogs:

Chrysler's V8 Coupe Moves Closer to Production

Chrysler's V8 Firepower concept is moving closer to production, thanks to a plan to push the Dodge Viper upmarket, creating a Firepower-shaped gap in Chrysler Group's portfolio.

Sources suggest that the 2008 Viper will have a new chassis and an engine co-developed by McLaren, DaimlerChrysler's F1 partner. A precedent for this has already been set. At the 2006 Detroit show, ASC (American Specialty Cars) showed the Diamondback Viper, which had a 615bhp supercharged engine tuned by McLaren. The carbon bodied Diamondback is thought to be a precursor to the 2008 model year Viper.

Dodge is planning a big upgrade for its supercar, spurred on by the success of GM's 505 bhp Z06 Corvette, which trumps the Viper in terms of price, performance and dynamic ability. By taking the Viper upmarket, DCX opens up a gap for the front-engined V8-powered Firepower.

CAR Online drove the Firepower concept in Detroit. It's based on the Viper chassis, albeit with by a 6.1-litre V8 HEMI engine as opposed to the Viper's V10. It's likely that the production Firepower will be twinned with the upgraded Viper, to share components and strengthen the business case for both cars.

The biggest problem with the Viper (although part of its charm) is the 8.3-litre, V10 engine's sheer size and bulk. The Firepower is a far more agile beast with the smaller V8 tucked up nicely against the firewall. Chrysler claims 0-60 mph in less than 4.5 sec and 175 mph flat out.

The Firepower is a charismatic and beguiling proposition. It feels similar to an Aston Martin V8 – stiff, vocal and very fast – and if DCX can sell the Firepower for Ł45,000-Ł60,000 in the UK, the Firepower could become a cut-price alternative to the Mercedes SL, Maserati Coupe or Jaguar XKR.

 

Chrysler really needs this beast, something to pull the Corvette guys away from GM.

 

It's yet another reason, however, why little brother Crossfire is definitely toast.

 

OMG! I think I just blew my load! WOW! That is the coolest looking car I've seen in a a long time. Should I start saving now for this beast?? If they produce these, how much do you think for the base model?

 

I'm sure the base model would have to start at $45,000 - $50,000, but 1st year buyers will pay probably $65,000 just to have the privilege to drive it 1st.
The Solstice is a $19,000 car lol, but dealers are getting $30,000 - $35,000.

 

If the Viper moved upmarket, I have doubts that it will do well. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think that the Ford GT isn't selling too well, and I can't see why the upmarket Viper would do any better.

 

production on the ford gt is supposed to end in september. i think the total production run will be somewhere in 4K unit range which would be slightly less than the originally planned run of 4,500. to date, around 2,800 have been sold. there are quite a few on eBay. asking prices look to be right around msrp or a little over though i think they can be had for msrp. at current sales rates they should be nearly all spoken for by early 07. so sales look to still be fairly healthy based on the fact that selling prices are robust.

 

hey guys i'm really into auto cross and all types of sanctioned racing. but this car looks like a fast daily that WILL turn heads. as for the viper, my local chevy dealer always buys a bunch to sell on his lot. by the way he selling '06 vettes 0 down $575 a month (lease) and he still sells tons of vipers. making it faster will only get more buyers.

 

My 2 cents.

I don't understand where DC is going with the Viper. I've been a fan of the car since it's concept was introduced. I've traveled to see them race (LeMans), but where is this car going? Up market? It's not a Maserati, a Bentley, or that type of upscale road car. It's a beast, that should be have a racing pedigree, which it no longer does. It's over priced and dollar for dollar doesn't deliver the performance of the Vette. Is this the trend for DC? Come up with a concept/initial release and then totally fail on the evolution?

Firepower? My point...don't evolve the XF...just give up and move along to another concept, which will suffer in the mid-high range market. The car will be in the Vette range, it won't have the performance, and it won't be practical. It's a Chrysler, it doesn't have the MB brand, it's gonna have a hard time. Why didn't they just take XF and fix the short comings?

I'll write more but I keep getting "timed out" (can we fix this)?