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The Chrysler Firepower is a concept car first presented in 2005 and may be coming closer to actual production in 2008. The fully-functional 2-door coupe concept is intended to be a grand tourer and highlights everyday driver appeal more than sheer performance, which it packs a lot of as well.
It was a huge hit in the 2005 Detroit Auto Show and signaled a different styling direction for Chrysler.
The design is both aggressive and luxurious with fluid lines, extended hood, and short rear. The front is especially daunting with a low-mounted grill and curved stance.
Features
The Firepower sits on a race-bred, ladder-type frame chassis appropriated from a Viper. It houses a front-mounted 6.1-liter V 8 Hemi cast-iron engine producing a usable power of 425 bhp at 8000 rpm and maximum torque of 570 Nm at 4800 rpm.
Weighing 3380 lbs, it boasts top speeds of 282 kph and accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in around 4.5 seconds. Transmission is a 5-speed automatic with driver-controlled range control, , allowing for a fully automatic or manual shifting selection. Suspension has been softened from the regular Viper for better road use. Steering is standard rack-and-pinion.
Wheels are billet aluminum 19 and 20 inches, front and rear, respectively. The test units were fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires and Brembo vented disc brakes.
The body is cut from polished aluminum with dark carbon-fiber trim. A glass roof highlights the top, housing a spacious 2-seater cabin with blue and white leather covers and a busy dashboard lined with Behr maple and chrome accents. The interior design is elegant and luxurious. Cabin features include climate control, high-end audio and luxury material finish. Some of the surfaces may be replaced by plastic if production ensues, however.
Production Plans
Rumors abound that the vehicle is close to getting the nod for production although no official announcements have been made. If it does hit the market, it is likely to be rebranded due to name-ownership issues and cost somewhere in the $70000 to $90000 range, right above the Crossfire and considerably less expensive than the company's Viper models.