The Chrysler Firepower was a concept car of 2005 built on the Dodge Viper and styled with cues from the Chrysler Crossfire. With a 425 hp 6.1-litre Hemi V8 it promised 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph, but Chrysler decided against putting it into production.
Chrysler Firepower at a glance
| Type | concept car |
|---|---|
| Year | 2005 |
| Platform | Dodge Viper-based |
| Engine | 6.1 L Hemi V8, 425 hp (317 kW) |
| Torque | 425 lb·ft (576 N·m) |
| Transmission | five-speed automatic with manual shifting |
| 0–60 mph | 4.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 174 mph (280 km/h) |
| Exterior design | Brian Nielander |
| Interior design | Greg Howell |
| Production | not built |
This page is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Firepower concept. No free photographs of the concept car were found, so the page keeps the existing lead image.
History of the Chrysler Firepower
Design
The Firepower was designed by Brian Nielander, who had also worked on the ME-412 concept, with the interior by Greg Howell. It took some of its styling cues from the Chrysler Crossfire and was built on the Dodge Viper, placing a big American V8 in a small two-seat body.
Performance
Power came from the 6.1-litre Hemi V8 producing 425 hp and 425 lb·ft, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting. Chrysler quoted acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph.
Why it was not built
The concept was created to prove that Chrysler could build a hybrid car using existing hardware, and in early 2006 there were signs that it would go into production with the same mechanical package. Later that year, however, Chrysler announced officially that the Firepower would not be produced because the company could not find a viable way of doing so. The car was once featured on the cover of Car and Driver.
Design and features
- Viper foundation: the concept used the Dodge Viper as its starting point.
- 6.1-litre Hemi: 425 hp and 425 lb·ft, with a five-speed automatic.
- Crossfire styling cues: a smaller, more European-looking shape than the Viper’s.
- Show-car performance: 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds and 174 mph.
Chrysler Firepower versions
- Firepower concept (2005): the only example, shown but never produced.
The Firepower was built on the Chrysler Viper and borrowed styling from the Crossfire; it shared its designer with the ME Four-Twelve. More cars are in the Chrysler collection.
Sources
- Chrysler Firepower, English Wikipedia: designers, engine, performance, production plans
