2005 Chrysler Firepower Concept
By Lorenzo Bianchi September 21, 2005
The Firepower paired a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 with a rear-wheel-drive chassis derived from the Dodge Viper.
Chrysler projected 0–60 mph in under 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.
Staggered billet-aluminum wheels measured 19x12 inches front and 20x12 inches rear.
The 2005 Chrysler Firepower Concept arrived at the North American International Auto Show as a different sort of performance statement from Chrysler. Rather than chasing the extreme specification of the ME Four-Twelve, the Firepower combined grand touring proportions and a carefully finished cabin with hardware derived from the Dodge Viper.
Chrysler itself positioned the car between two earlier ideas: the Crossfire and the ME Four-Twelve. That explains much of the concept's character. It was meant to have serious performance underneath, but without abandoning comfort or refinement.
Hydro Silver Body Shaped Around Aerodynamics
The Firepower was finished in Hydro Silver Pearl, broken up by dark carbon-fiber and polished-aluminum accents. Computational Fluid Dynamics helped shape the body, with particular attention given to engine cooling and generating rear downforce.
Its proportions are compact by modern grand-tourer standards. Overall length is 172.6 inches, width is 73.2 inches and height just 47.7 inches. A 98.8-inch wheelbase sits beneath the low body, while estimated weight is 3,380 lb.
Viper Chassis Sits Beneath The Chrysler Body
Underneath, the Firepower uses a rear-wheel-drive Dodge Viper-based chassis with SLA suspension front and rear. Chrysler paired it with a five-speed automatic transmission featuring AutoStick manual control.
The wheels are difficult to miss. Billet-aluminum rims measure 19x12 inches at the front and 20x12 inches at the rear, carrying 275/35R19 and 335/30R20 tires respectively. The staggered setup contributes to the concept's planted, rear-drive stance.
6.1 Liter HEMI Targets 175 MPH
Power comes from an SRT-developed 6.1-liter HEMI V8. The supplied press material does not state horsepower or torque, so those figures remain [Unverified] rather than being inferred from other Chrysler applications.
Chrysler did provide performance estimates. The Firepower was expected to reach 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds and continue to a top speed of 175 mph.
Leather And Maple Shape The Cabin
The interior moves away from the exposed structural feel of a track-focused car. Ocean Deep Blue provides the primary cabin color, contrasted by Oyster leather and Behr maple trim. Leather-covered sport seats sit alongside automatic climate control and a premium audio system.
Chrysler also paid attention to the surfaces drivers actually touch. The steering wheel, control knobs and shifter use higher-grade finishes, while detailed analog gauges occupy the instrument panel.
As presented in 2005, the Firepower remained a concept. The supplied release gives no production volume, price or planned market launch, leaving it as a snapshot of Chrysler's early-2000s grand touring ambitions.