Rumormill: Chrysler Firepower inching closer to production
British buff mag CAR reports that the Chrysler Firepower concept car is looking more like a legitimate production possibility.
With speculation rampant that Dodge is going to give the Viper a serious power boost (think 650 HP) for 2008 -- an idea bolstered by sightings of Diamondback Viper test mules -- the thinking is that Viper's move upmarket opens up room for a new performance coupe to take its place in the battle against the likes of the Corvette.
The HEMI-driven Firepower would certainly fit the bill while also providing Chrysler dealers with a serious traffic magnet for their showrooms. If a production version retained the concept's blend of performance with luxurious interior appointments, it might make for a very interesting 'Vette alternative, indeed.
Of course, as we said, it's all speculation -- speculation that becomes more fun, however, when you consider that Chrysler honcho Tom LaSorda helped fuel it himself back in January.
Stay tuned.
[Source: CAR Online via Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Richard Warren 1:53PM (8/22/2006)
Not another creased hood, other than that, not bad.
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ZoomZoomin' 1:54PM (8/22/2006)
Awesome. It was one of my favorite concepts of late. Much more aesthetically appealing than the current gen Viper (and I used to be a *HUGE* Viper fan).
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Dr1v3r 1:56PM (8/22/2006)
Where do they get these names?!? Crossfire, Firepower, Caliber. Someone has a gun fetish in there.
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Tommy 1:56PM (8/22/2006)
The name Corvette has become too synonymous with unrefined redneck power. I know the C6 is a great car, but I'd much rather have and be seen with one of these. Kind of looks like an AM. It's perfect - except for that Chrysler badge...
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SherbornSean 1:59PM (8/22/2006)
Dumb move. DCX should be focusing its American engineering resources on vehicles that can gain real volume and real revenues. The Ram needs an update to compete with the new Silverado. The Aspen needs an inexpensive hybrid and/or diesel to be relevant. The PT Cruiser should be updated on the Caliber’s platform, retaining the retro look, but with a high quality interior. The minivans need a flawless launch and improved drivelines to keep up with Odyssey/Sienna. The new midsize cars need a dedicated team of engineers to ensure they are the equals of Camry/Accord. And the 300C is getting old – if it weren’t for RWD, the Avalon would cream it.
That’s a lot of work to do. Why would you waste time on yet another ‘halo’ that isn’t all that special – didn’t we learn anything from the Crossfire and the Prowler?
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Todd 2:08PM (8/22/2006)
Unlike Tommy's comments, the Corvette is synonomous with American Iron, in its purest state. This FIrepower would be a huge mistake as the Chystler folks are moving the Crossfire even after a slight refresh with the SR/T model some year or two ago.
SO Keep dreaming. It won't happen.
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_O ^ O_ 2:34PM (8/22/2006)
Nah, this will fail...this has Pacifica written all over it. They're gonna build this, charge a ridiculous amount for it and see it flop. How many people are willing to pay a premium to drive a Chrysler?
Then again, i hope they go ahead with it. It will just speed up the decline of teh big 2.5.
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Donkel 2:38PM (8/22/2006)
Gosh, I love it! I wonder if they'll make it in pink with baby moon wheels. And they should put a vase and flower on the dash like the VW bug. That is a very nice car and I might have to dip into my piggybank to get one.
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BartMack 2:56PM (8/22/2006)
Wait- DCX may greenlight this and not the Jeep Gladiator Concept-?!? I think somebody over there has their wig on too tight....
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Dennis 3:25PM (8/22/2006)
To hadies with the nay-sayers. It will be like having a hemi-powered Corvette-something every Chevy fan dreams of.
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JJ 5:38PM (8/22/2006)
I think they should build it, It wouldnt be made for high production, it would be in essence, a Chrysler HALO car like the corvette is.
and Sherborn the aspen JUST came out, i'm sure they'll give it the flexfuel option they have for the Durango, the Ram is still selling well enough that they really dont need to mess with it too much, they've updated it a bit for 2007 from what i hear.
As for the 300.. the car only came out in 2004 and is still selling well... why would they need to change anything than different options and packages before it gets refresed for the 09 model year? and the Minivans are getting refreshed next year i believe too, not too mention chrysler has like 9 new models coming out this year and next (including caliber/compass, nitro, etc). So they dont need to change TOO much stuff at this point really.
and some of you that just want a company to fail because you dont drive its cars... aren't very smart people at all are ya?
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Ekow 6:06PM (8/22/2006)
I'm a fan.
The Z06 is great, but the interior is a little lacking for the price point. It would be great to have some american competition that someone other than a hardcore vette lover would like to drive.
Nice work.
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Corey W. 6:33PM (8/22/2006)
Here's the problem.... Price!!
How much will the Viper cost compared to the ZO7? (650+HP also) How much will the Firepower cost compared to the ZO6? Now-a-days best bang for the buck will always sell better, and Chrysler has been putting out a lot of "overpriced" products lately. My point is, neither of these cars are going to "spank" the GM rivals, so DCX premium price difference will not be worth it.
Outside of my very broad analysis, it's an excellent design and I hope they build it.
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Automatica 6:57PM (8/22/2006)
If you think about it, this makes sense. Chrysler is having a hard time justifying reasons for consumers to enter their showroom, a quickly aging Chrysler 300 not withstanding. The Firepower would bring buzz back to the Chrysler brand - quite possibly the buzz once thought the Crossfire would justify, even if only a small percentage of their sales are attributed to Firepower sales.
Concurrently, Chrysler has a much bigger problem that the Firepower may solve; namely, what does the Chrysler brand stand for today? Inspiration comes standard? Please. Defined by design seems to be a more appropriate brand message to deliver to the public, and the Firepower would help put the exclaimation point on that statement.
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dakota 8:05PM (8/22/2006)
"The Ram needs an update to compete with the new Silverado. The Aspen needs an inexpensive hybrid and/or diesel to be relevant. The PT Cruiser should be updated on the Caliber’s platform, retaining the retro look, but with a high quality interior. The minivans need a flawless launch and improved drivelines to keep up with Odyssey/Sienna. The new midsize cars need a dedicated team of engineers to ensure they are the equals of Camry/Accord. And the 300C is getting old – if it weren’t for RWD, the Avalon would cream it."
Boy you have no friggin clue do you? The Ram just received a minor update for 06 which includes a new frame (again!) and Mega-Cab configuration. It will be 08 when a total redesign comes into play, that should be the time when the smaller Cummins Diesel gets shown. (Plus look for a new 6 speed auto soon with the 6.7L Cummins) The Durango for 08 will be available as a Hybrid- Co developed by GM, DCX, and BMW. The Mini-vans will be shown sometime within the next few months with the new 4.0L and 6 speed automatic. And I don't see how the 300 is "old" it was launched as a 2005 Model and it's 2006 now. So after a year it's old? I would say that GM's Impala is pretty old then because of it being on a hella old platform then.
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DPC car videos 5:17AM (8/23/2006)
hope this car comes out and with 650 HP should go head to head with the new Z07.
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