![Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/370z-gt-academy_143x85.jpg)
Chrysler debating whether or not to bring out the Firepower
In what can only be described as a 'short and sweet' article by AutoWeek, Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda has reportedly allowed that production of the Viper-derived Chrysler Firepower is still an open question. "Firepower is on our agenda... we're looking at a lot of business cases, and that is one of them."
The 6.1-liter eight-cylinder concept wowed crowds at the 2005 NAIAS with its Crossfire/Viper/DB9 styling, but its 'plausibility trail' had gone cold until LaSorda let word slip. DCX's would-be Corvette fighter is set to face judgement some time in the second quarter of this year.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Matt Keegan 7:41PM (1/17/2006)
I believe the car would be a hit for Chrysler and further strengthen the name. Add in an Imperial and make the Town and Country more regal and Chrysler competes against Lexus.
Meanwhile, Dodge has some terrific looking models pending:
http://www.thearticlewriter.com/dodge-buzz-upcoming-models.htm
Reply
Justin 8:00PM (1/17/2006)
Waste of money, waste of time. Don't build it. Its very hard to make a profit on high dollar sports cars. Nobody wants a $50k chrysler.
Reply
Rishi Khaitan 8:02PM (1/17/2006)
After seeing the Firepower at last year's NAIAS, I really began to hope that Chrysler would build it. It's a beautiful car and would really benefit the Chrysler nameplate as a halo car. I don't think Chrysler can look at the Firepower as a business case in and of itself. Even if the Firepower model itself is not profitable, if Chrysler really believes a production Firepower would compare well to its competiton and generate lots of positive press, then it will bring up the image of the Chrysler nameplate. And that benefits the entire product line. However, if the Firepower is somewhat of a dud and ends up not being reviewed well in magazines and other publications, then it would be a waste of money.
My vote is build the Firepower and have AMG oversee the project =)
Reply
djbango 8:07PM (1/17/2006)
looks like a Aston Martin from certain angles...it could work, not a big seller, but it would work
Reply
James Sonne 8:23PM (1/17/2006)
The problem will come from it competing with the Dodge Viper itself, which it no doubt will be slightly slower than. Put in a different, unique, or hybridized engine (ie. Mercedes block, Viper Head) in order to make its engine characteristics unique. Otherwise, what's the point? That's what people will say. It is beautiful car, and if it ends up being a cheap Aston Martin competitor it will be popular, but it needs to be unique in all aspects.
Reply
Observer 9:01PM (1/17/2006)
Let's be honest, the Firepower isn't that great looking. What chrysler shoud do is see if they can use this platform to make a Sebring that can take on the 3-Series BMW for less money. It's pretty simple, if car companies can give us a car with high performance, good gas mileage and stylish appearance then they will have a hit on their hands.
Reply
Brian 9:04PM (1/17/2006)
Well let's see here. You can get a poor-man's Bentley, a poor-man's Rolls Royce, and a poor-man's Aston Martin all at your local Chrysler dealer. All I see in common is poor-man's, and I doubt Chrysler wants to be known as the poor-man's car.
Reply
V?or Rubiera 9:23PM (1/17/2006)
Thinking about this car its better for Chrysler to make a true coupe, just take a look to the new Ferrari 599 GTB, it has the elegance from a very classic design with a modern interpretation. An Imperial Coupe with the HEMI, Chrysler doesnt need a Corvette competitor it needs a coupe like the Mercedes Benz Cl class a vehicle that can sit 4 people with real comfort, innovative design, quality.
Reply
Moose 9:41PM (1/17/2006)
I am a Corvette Nut...but if I could get my hands on the Firepower vehicle that you show - I would do ANYTHING to have that car! Anyone interested in buying a 2005 Corvette?
Reply
Car-la 9:50PM (1/17/2006)
"I doubt Chrysler wants to be known as the poor-man's car"
Isn't a lot of bang-for-the-buck an old American tradition? And anyway. Who cares what others say if you have a 6.1l V8 underneath your butt!?
Reply
Tim UF 10:01PM (1/17/2006)
people will want a 50k chrysler WAY more than a 40k plymouth (prowler). and i tthink the prowler will actually be able to come through on the performance of the look (6.1L hei v8 on a viper frame, it'll get moving). i think this is a much more distinctive car than either the challenger, camaro or the imperial... which all look like something that has already been built.
i say build it, because you can, because you will sell every one that you build (if you have any competent marketing execs at all), to show that the auto industry isnt only about reusing old old ideas (i like the vintage muscle, just not a big fan the neo-vintage cars...).
Reply
Ted K 10:12PM (1/17/2006)
Absolutely and positively fantastic.
Now just build it!
Reply
Racer 928 10:17PM (1/17/2006)
Chrysler (and GM and Ford) needs to build a 5 passenger convertible. If you have a family and want a family convertible, you're out of luck. I have a 1995 Olds Cutlass Convertible and Its getting real tired. This could be the real ultimate boulevard cruiser. I was very dissapointed to see the Helios be only a 4 seater. This is an exciting piece of Auto history that is being overlooked. What about a new Continental or Galaxie, Or an Impala or Bonneville convertible. What about a new Fury or Newport? These should be all RWD or AWD, and offer a V-8 option or even standard. C'mon, back me up on this guys!!!
Reply
Tim Design Boston 10:47PM (1/17/2006)
I'm with you Racer928...the 5 passenger, 4 door convertible is a true U.S. vehicle, and why not put it out there again? Of course, I want to see this car Firepower built, I love cars. "Poor man's" nothing...what auto-phile wouldn't want this vehicle? You have to be detached from the car part of your cerebellum to say anything negative about this sculpted, Ferrari challenging design! But, back to your large convertible offering...yes, I'm with you there. The double date for the beach with the bar set up in the back, and cruising down to the shore (designated driver of course), that's a niche only a big convertible can fill. Or a car for the ever bachelor, Uncle John, very like his dad's Buick Roadmaster convertible from 1956. The two seater is novel, but a crowded market. If only the T-bird has been a four seater it would have done very well, but they tried to stay true to the first Bird's and well, who wants a big boulevard convertible that seats 2...maybe 3? The sad demise of the T-bird is evidence enough, I think you're on to something, Racer928!
Reply
Robert Hearne 12:21AM (1/18/2006)
The styling has shades of Jag XKE , this should move sales forward as " old is new " proven by total success of Ram trucks imitating Studebaker of the early 50's .
If the shirts @ Dodge/Chrysler do not move forward on this one , It's a loss to all future collectors of vintage auto's .
RH
Reply
Danny 7:08AM (1/18/2006)
Build it and scrap the Crossfire. It should compete with the non-Z06 vette nicely, if it comes it at roughly the same price. Hopefully it will have the same interior as the concept. Would I buy it? Nahhh.... I'm happy with my Viper, but I'd like to see Chrysler build it anyway. It should bring more members into the family.
Reply
Catherine Fox 8:04AM (1/18/2006)
Car is beautiful, but before chrysler brings another high end car into the arena they need to instruct their dealers on how to act like a high end dealership. I own a CrossFire and will never buy another because of service or lack of service from the Chrysler dealership. Chrysler should ask their customers opinion instead of spending so much money on rebates and freebies. I have owned by car for 1 year and a half and have never been asked one question about my satisfation rate. This was not the case with my Volvo, Nissan, or Audi. In my opinion Chrysler should not bring in another high end car that their dealers do not know how to handle. To the smallest level of not knowing anything about when do you need an oil change on the Crossfire (That is uncalled for). I'LL buy my highend cars from a highend manufacturers.
Reply
Catherine Fox 8:05AM (1/18/2006)
Car is beautiful, but before chrysler brings another high end car into the arena they need to instruct their dealers on how to act like a high end dealership. I own a CrossFire and will never buy another because of service or lack of service from the Chrysler dealership. Chrysler should ask their customers opinion instead of spending so much money on rebates and freebies. I have owned by car for 1 year and a half and have never been asked one question about my satisfation rate. This was not the case with my Volvo, Nissan, or Audi. In my opinion Chrysler should not bring in another high end car that their dealers do not know how to handle. To the smallest level of not knowing anything about when do you need an oil change on the Crossfire (That is uncalled for). I'LL buy my highend cars from a highend manufacturers.
Reply
JS 8:54AM (1/18/2006)
(chants)
DO IT!
DO IT!
DO IT!
But seriously folks....this has puzzled me for a long time. How can car manufacturers build these incredible engines that produce tons of HP in like a 2.4L form...but when production hits they take on the form of huge gas guzzling 6L+ engines that suck the earth dry? Id love to see more american sports cars and am all for competition between the brands for the top car in any segment but make sure you get the handeling right and for the love of all that is holy...let your racing/performance/whatever segment build a small (nod to F1), yet powerful (nod again) engine that can achieve 20+MPG (im being realistic here) on the HWY!
Reply
G3D45 10:15AM (1/18/2006)
ugly...
Reply