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."

Text/Photos: DaimlerChrysler