Chrysler Firepower: Grand Tourer Concept Combines Elegance and Performance
Precision and passion are key elements in Chrysler Group vehicles. The Firepower grand tourer concept car, making its debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, exudes Chrysler brand attributes of elegance and performance with high customer value.
“As designers, we challenged ourselves,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design. “How could we best encompass such strong Chrysler models as the Crossfire, which began the brand’s move toward a higher level of performance and elegance, while looking to the most extreme expression of engineering and design such as last year’s prototype, the ME Four-Twelve? Firepower uniquely bridges these two worlds.”
Painstakingly crafted, the elegant and powerful Firepower concept is an example of automotive design and engineering within the reach of Chrysler brand customers. The exterior and interior design, flush with fine materials and meticulous details, are matched with performance provided by a 6.1-liter HEMI® V8 and a Dodge Viper-based chassis.
The SRT-developed engine is exclusive to the Chrysler Group’s high-performance products. Firepower uses a rear-wheel drive chassis with suspension and brakes fitting of a thoroughbred performance vehicle. A world-class 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® melds luxury and sport. Chrysler Group estimates 0-60 mph performance at less than 4.5 seconds and estimates a top speed of 175 mph.
Firepower uses massive billet aluminum wheels measuring 19x12 inches in the front and 20x12 inches in the rear. Tires are 275/35R19 in the front and 335/30R20 in the back.
The exterior is covered in Hydro Silver Pearl, with dark carbon fiber and polished aluminum accents. In addition to embodying Chrysler grand tourer spirit in the exterior design, Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling was used to shape the body with aerodynamics in mind. Design for proper engine cooling as well as down force in the rear are achieved through this modeling.
The interior is befitting of the Chrysler brand image of beauty and elegance. The interior color combination consists of Ocean Deep Blue as a primary hue, with Oyster leather and Behr maple accents. Finely trimmed leather-covered sport seats, automatic climate control and a premium audio system provide a tasteful and purposeful interior environment. All touch surfaces – steering wheel, control knobs, and shifter – are finished with fine materials for a luxury feel. The instrument panel was designed to display vital information through precisely-detailed gauges, completing the look and feel of refinement. “The Firepower concept embodies the Chrysler brand philosophy,” said Creed. “It provides luxury, refinement and sophistication blended elegantly with passion and performance.”
Specifications:
Weight (estimated): 3,380 lbs. (1,533 kg)
Length: 172.6 inches (4,383 mm)
Wheelbase: 98.8 inches (2,510 mm)
Front Overhang: 34.1 inches (867 mm)
Rear Overhang: 39.6 inches (1,006 mm)
Width: 73.2 inches (1,859 mm)
Height: 47.7 inches (1,211 mm)
Track, frt/rr: 61.6/60.6 inches (1,565/1,539 mm)
Ground Clearance: 5.1 inches (130 mm)
Engine: 6.1L HEMI® V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with AutoStick
Front and Rear Suspension: SLA Dodge Viper Suspension
Front Tire Size: 275/35R19
Rear Tire Size: 335/30R20
Front Wheel Size: 19x12 inches
Rear Wheel Size: 20x12 inches
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redriderbob
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After news broke this week, about the ME-412 not being produced... this car has stole the thunder where the ME-412 left off... based on the Viper's platform, and 6.1L HEMI V-8 from the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 and Dodge Magnum SRT-8, this car looks production ready... while not as fast as the Viper's 8.3L "VIPER" (505CI) V-10... this car is more for handling, than all out balls as the Viper is... but I would say this car has a 75% chance for production right off the bat! I would also expect the car to sale for just over the $100,000 mark! They currently build 2,200 Vipers on avg. at the Mack/Conner Ave. Plant a year, so I would expect less of the Firepower, if produced.
I love this car!!! I love it more then the viper because of the v8 hemi ( you can't beat that v8 rumble). This is what the crossfire should have been. I hope they make this car and i hope they keep it very similer to the concept. The interior is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this car too. I think this is the car that should have been given the Charger nameplate. It could have been and still could be turned into a 2+2. Car and Driver estimates the price at $50K (Feb 2005 issue, page 45).
Chrysler Firepower Concept:
