Chrysler Firepower
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From: Southern California
Chrysler Firepower
Chrysler has just announced two new "styling studies" that it will be showing at the Detroit Auto Show, a Jeep pickup and a Chrysler sports/GT car positioned above the Crossfire but below the ME412. Assuming of course that the ME412 or the new car ever see production. The full AutoWeek story with pictures is at http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101260. For those too lazy to click the link 
, here's the article text relating to the sports car:
And here's one of the pics:
, here's the article text relating to the sports car:
The second concept, for now dubbed Firepower (Chrysler does not own the name and will need a new one prior to Detroit), is based on the V10 Viper’s architecture but uses the 6.1-liter, 425 hp, 420-lb-ft Hemi V8 that will see first light in the forthcoming 300C SRT-8. Again, officials say there are no production plans, but envision the car occupying the space between the Crossfire and (in theory) the ME412 in Chrysler’s performance portfolio.
Though the car is Viper-based—and Creed referenced Chevrolet’s Corvette as a key competitor (again, in theory)—the designers envision “Firepower” as more grand tourer than outright sports car; hence the softened suspension and five-speed automatic transmission. Brakes are 14-inch Brembos at all four corners, and the huge rubber measures 275/35 R19 up front, 335/30 R20 in back. Engineers estimate the car is capable of bolting from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds or less, and a 185 mph top speed.
Though the car is Viper-based—and Creed referenced Chevrolet’s Corvette as a key competitor (again, in theory)—the designers envision “Firepower” as more grand tourer than outright sports car; hence the softened suspension and five-speed automatic transmission. Brakes are 14-inch Brembos at all four corners, and the huge rubber measures 275/35 R19 up front, 335/30 R20 in back. Engineers estimate the car is capable of bolting from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds or less, and a 185 mph top speed.
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From: Port Perry, Ontario
Re: Chrysler Firepower
I just read a similar article in the Toronto Star this past week-end.
If this car flies (meaning goes into production), something is going to be sacrificed. Viper or Xfire is your guess. I personally think it will be the Viper but I could also envision that both could be replaced. Presumably, this would be 100% American home-made and as a "Corvette Fighter", in the words of the Chief Design Engineer, it would make more sense.
Price would come in much lower than the Viper but higher than the Xfire. I can only hope that it's not an automatic only. Worst nightmare!
If this car flies (meaning goes into production), something is going to be sacrificed. Viper or Xfire is your guess. I personally think it will be the Viper but I could also envision that both could be replaced. Presumably, this would be 100% American home-made and as a "Corvette Fighter", in the words of the Chief Design Engineer, it would make more sense.
Price would come in much lower than the Viper but higher than the Xfire. I can only hope that it's not an automatic only. Worst nightmare!
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Re: Chrysler Firepower
why couldnt it be positioned between the two, the viper has rarely really ever been cross shopped with the vette because it cost over 2ok more, so a 45k sports car makes sense. i could see it replacing the srt-6......
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From: Port Perry, Ontario
Re: Chrysler Firepower
A lot of factors are going to determine the price and even whether they decide to go to production.
I still think that if it does go into production, it will replace one or both the Viper & Xfire. If it competes with the Corvette, you know where the price level will be.
I still think that if it does go into production, it will replace one or both the Viper & Xfire. If it competes with the Corvette, you know where the price level will be.
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From: port hueneme ca.
Re: Chrysler Firepower
since Dc would probably make only 10k units a year compared to GMs 50k Corvettes it would NEVER be under 60k-70k but it's nice to dream.
New Porsche Cpe base price is $69k+ and they will make maybe 10-12k units a year !
Unless they would make 25k+ units a year , they could get close to Corvettes price.But don't hold your breath.They already make the XF,SLK,and SL,and SRT10,If they produce it ,it will take the SRT10 place.
New Porsche Cpe base price is $69k+ and they will make maybe 10-12k units a year !
Unless they would make 25k+ units a year , they could get close to Corvettes price.But don't hold your breath.They already make the XF,SLK,and SL,and SRT10,If they produce it ,it will take the SRT10 place.
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From: Port Perry, Ontario
Re: Chrysler Firepower
That quantity made is only an assumption. I'm not sure but I think your number of Corvettes per year is a little high. There was a day back in the seventies when they were making that number but I don't think that applies now.
If the FirePower is going to have the 300C 6.1 litre hemi motor (already developed) and using a chassis (Viper) that is already developed, why couldn't they sell for Corvette level pricing?
If the FirePower is going to have the 300C 6.1 litre hemi motor (already developed) and using a chassis (Viper) that is already developed, why couldn't they sell for Corvette level pricing?
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salado, Texas
Re: Chrysler Firepower
I read a very recent article on the Firepower (sorry, I can't remeber where). Chrysler spokesman stated that if they build the Firepower, they will use the Viper platform and the target price will be $80k. So if one of the existing models is replaced, it will be the Viper and not the Crossfire.
Joined: Sep 2004
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Re: Chrysler Firepower
You can view it here:
http://www.autoweek.com/files/specia...er/pages/1.htm
some of my favorites
Speedometer and shiftergate looks familiar:
http://www.autoweek.com/files/specia...er/pages/1.htm
some of my favorites
Speedometer and shiftergate looks familiar:
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 46
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From: Dix Hills, NY
Re: Chrysler Firepower
The car is stunning. I haven't even taken delivery of my Crossfire yet and I'm already lusting after this car. With any luck it'll be in production by the time the Crossfire is paid for.
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From: Chicago, IL
Re: Chrysler Firepower
I have read in many magazines, that if this makes production, which is slim. The Firepower! will be in between the srt-6 and viper pricing. I expect it to be around 65k which to me is a waste of money, buy an m3 save 15k grand, and have all the performance with a manual. They need to offer a manual. Havn't heard of them doing it, but then again its just a concept. I don't know why the concept doesnt have a manual, I know they used the existing drivetrain out of the srt-8 but seeing a manual in that car would test the market for a manual in the srt-8. And they use the t-56 in the viper so i dont see what the problem would be.