You are here: Forums Future Vehicles Chrysler Firepower

Chrysler Firepower

36 messages,  Last post on Jun 11, 2007 at 6:47 PM

You are in the Future Vehicles Forum. Your Host is kirstie_h

What is this discussion about? Chrysler, Concept Cars

Messages Page 2 of 4 1 2 3 4 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#9 of 36 Chrysler may build Firepower! by woodstock3 Jan 20, 2005 (10:02 am)
Hello,   The latest Autoweek has an article stateing that Chrysler may build the Firepower! They are looking to bring out a lot of new models over the next 2 years. The Firepower! and the Jeep Gladiator are highly placed candidates for production.   http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101641
#10 of 36 My Firepower! analysis by woodstock3 Jan 26, 2005 (12:15 pm)
Here is my analysis of the new Firepower concept:   The Chrysler Firepower concept is the most exciting concept car out today. It combines style, luxury and power into an elegant, beautiful package which is nearly affordable.   The body - This car starts with the body. It is striking from all angles. The initial renderings were not as exciting, but the actual pictures show the curves a lot better. And there are curves. Plenty of curves. The long hood indicates that a powerful motor lurks underneath. The large wheel openings hold huge, grippy tires. It is not brutish, like the viper, but curvy, curvy, sexy.   The Firepower was designed by Brian Nielander, the designer of the ME-412. Even though the Firepower used elements of the Viper, ME-412, Crossfire, Aston Martin, Bently, etc., it's look is well blended. The Firepower seems much less chunky than the Viper it's based on. Some performance cars are said to be a body builder in a suit. The Viper is a body builder in a muscle shirt. The Firepower is a body builder in a tuxedo.   The grill - I have to admit, I don't like the grill. The huge Viperesque smile detracts from the overall design. I hope Chrysler tones it down. [shhh. It wouldn't stop me from buying the car, but don't tell Chrysler]. But hey, that big grill says "Chrysler corp". They had to do something to distinguish it from an Aston. Chrysler is big on big grills, and I hope that changes. The new Charger has a big brutish dodge RAM truck grill, which also detracts from the car.   The chassis - Race proven Viper chassis and suspension, featuring monster brakes. Can handle any road or racetrack thrown it's way, though softened up a little for "Grand Touring". nuf said.   The engine - The Viper's V10 has been replaced with the new age Hemi. Hemi purists complain that it's not a true hemisphere combustion chamber. Well, Chrysler had to modify the combustion chamber to get it to pass emissions, it's closest we can get in 2005, and they are selling like hotcakes in the 300C, so get over it. Unlike the V-10, the Hemi is produced in great volume, which lowers production costs. The Firepower uses the SRT 6.1-liter Hemi V8 which upps the horsepower from 340 to 425.   Interior - You spend a lot more time looking at the inside of your car than the outside. It should be comfortable, ergonomic, and pleasing to look at. The interior of the Firepower is gorgeous. It's the way they used to make interiors, with lots of chrome. There is chrome everywhere, not dull plastic of today's cars. Bling to some, nostalgia to others.   Performance - This car WILL BE FUN TO DRIVE! Though it's not a V-10, it can scoot from 0 to 60 in less than 4.5 seconds. The Hemi weighs less than V-10 so handling should actually be better.   Gearhead Performance Potential - Unlimited. It's a real newage Mopar. Any Viper upgrades will virtually bolt right in. Performance brakes, springs, shocks, transmissions, etc. Any performance upgrades for the SRT Hemi will bolt right into the motor. 0 - 60 in less than 4.0 sec is extremely feasible. If you are really hard core, you could drop in a 500HP 8.3 L V10 Viper engine. Can't lose.   Feasibility - Just before the Auto show, Chrysler announced they would not build the ME-412 concept car. Many people wanted the ME-412 to be built, but at $500K, how many would actually vote with their checkbooks? The Firepower makes a lot more sense than the ME-412. Since it's based on production components, the Firepower is relatively affordable when compared to other super cars. The Firepower could conceivably go into production within two years. (Please Chrysler, build it).   Price - base price of $50000 to $60000 is a Relative bargain compared to super cars such as Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins.   Competition - Alternative to the corvette Cadilac XLR - not a beauty like the Firepower - too edgy. Jag - Interesting alternative to the Firepower, especially considering the new lightweight concept. Anything else is projected over $100,000   Marketing - Peirce Brosman would be a likely candidate for spokesman - This could be the next James Bond product placement car.   Sales potential - In order to make a business case, people actually have to buy the car. Who will buy this Chrysler halo car? This car will cut directly into GM's Corvette sales: - the traditional Corvette buyer looking for something different - those that may consider the corvette, but are put off by GM's current implementation - Old Mopar guys that don’t want a Vette.   Summary - The Chrysler Firepower is a refined and elegant "Grand Touring" car. It looks great, has a great engine, and a great interior. It is a viable vehicle since it is based on existing components. The Firepower! seems to be a rational repackaging of existing hardware. Forget those Lamborghinis, and Ferraris with their stratospheric prices. For the cost of a Vette, you get Aston Martin looks, a Viper chassis, and a Hemi engine. That's fine with me.
#11 of 36 Nice by monsta32 Jan 26, 2005 (1:06 pm)
Hopefully Chrysler can make this car happen, can't wait to get the 300C SRT8, I can only dream about what that engine can do in a true sports car. Maybe Chrysler will use some Benz features in it like the Crossfire and 300.
#12 of 36 SRT8 by woodstock3 Jan 26, 2005 (3:12 pm)
Yeah,   I'm looking at the 300 C SRT8 as well, to hold me until the Firepower is available.
#13 of 36 FIREPOWER by jimhemi Jan 28, 2005 (9:11 am)
I want one! I want to pull up next to some grey hair in a Vette and blow his doors off. If this is built, the power to weight ratio should be awesome. To bad this wasn't the Dodge version of the Charger. The sleek lines look like that of the 1971 Charger. Maybe this will be rebadged a Challenger for Dodge? Replies to this message: woodstock3 (Jan 31, 2005 10:07 am)
#14 of 36 Re: FIREPOWER [jimhemi] by woodstock3 Jan 31, 2005 (10:07 am)
Replying to: jimhemi (Jan 28, 2005 9:11 am) Hi Jimihemi,    I want one too. If produced, the Firepower will have the 5 speed automatic as an option. Many people have stated that they would like a manual, but Chevrolet sells most Vettes with automatics. The only people clamoring for a manual are auto editors and net gearheads. The majority of the buyers get slushboxes.   An auto is not a deal breaker for me. I would still buy a Firepower if that were the only option. But, I want more...there is another way.   I would like to see Chrysler offer their automatic manual transmission as an option. Chrysler was developing the a robotic twin clutch manual for the ME-12. If the Firepower is a replacement for the ME-12, then hopefully, the transmission program will be considered for the Firepower.   Ferrari, Audi and BMW offer robotic manuals in their performance cars. Chrysler’s implementation is smooth, and efficient, so it would be good for a GT car. Computer controlled manual transmissions are used in Formula 1, and can shift faster than a human. Now that would put the Firepower into the high tech stratosphere, and could take a second off the 0-60, which is already a low 4.5. That transmission behind a Hemi would really blow away those Vettes (while getting better gas mileage than an auto). Come on Chrysler!!!
#15 of 36 Car and Driver by woodstock3 Jan 31, 2005 (1:11 pm)
The Firepower is the cover story of the February 2005 issue of Car and Driver.   In the past, exciting concepts from Chrysler have been featured in Car and Driver, only never to see the light of production. Hopefully, the Firepower will be different.
#16 of 36 Firepower by woodstock3 Jan 31, 2005 (1:43 pm)
Hello,   I think that the Firepower is so cool, I want one in my driveway right now. I would be interested in hearing what others think about the Firepower. Thanks, Woodstock.   http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article- _id=9013
#17 of 36 gear heads want a manual by canker Feb 08, 2005 (2:10 am)
Its the landies(most ), old dudes, and people that want to say they own a corvette that buy autos.
#18 of 36 by chris65amg Feb 08, 2005 (5:12 pm)
To tell you the truth, I really don't like the Corvette. Not to be mean or anything, but it seems like Chevy has dragged the 'Vette's name in the dirt because of the Cavalier, the old Malibu, Blazer, etc. The best Corvette was mid-70's Stingray. Unless Chevy puts the retractable headlights back on and makes it look cool again, I'm not biting.   The Firepower is nice because it looks really sporty but classy at the same time. Kind of like a Continental GT, but in a different way. More Aston -y. I'm not mad about the grille, if it was smaller it would look a lot better. But I think that its profile view more than atones. It looks awesome. The back is great too. I would buy one over a 'Vette any day. It just seems so logical, putting the big Hemi where it belongs, vis. a two seater speed demon.   Hmm, note to self: put Firepower on shopping list, wife might like this one.... Replies to this message: woodstock3 (Feb 11, 2005 12:58 pm)

Messages Page 2 of 4 1 2 3 4 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Future Vehicles Chrysler Firepower