Viper to move upmarket; Firepower nears approval

jetsetter

jetsetter

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Seren?sima Rep?blica de California
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1997 BMW 528i
Chrysler has decided to move the 2008 Dodge Viper slightly upmarket from its current price point, creating a gap for the Chrysler Firepower, reports the U.K.'s Car Magazine. The publication indicates the Firepower is moving ever closer to approval, echoing media reports from as early as January. At the Detroit auto show, Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda said the Firepower was still "on our agenda." In May, the Canadian Auto Press reported the Firepower Concept was among Chrysler's top considerations.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/22/viper-to-move-upmarket-firepower-nears-approval/#more-3787
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Specifications
Engine
Type: V8
Displacement cu in (cc): 370 (6059)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 425(318) / 6200
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 420(569) / 4800
Redline at RPM: 6400
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R: 275/35 R19 - 335/30 R20
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length ? Width ? Height in: 172.6 ? 73.2 ? 47.7
Weight lb (kg): 3380 (1533)
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 4.5 (est.)
Top Speed mph (km/h): 175 (282) (est.)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.
 
It is quite handsome, but I think some may expect more out of it than what it really is or what it will be: a GT tourer, not a sports car, much like the Crossfire.
 
Looks wise it's not bad, although that front grill needs to be rethought. The problem is that it's so close to the Aston that it will always been playing second fiddle. The bit that impresses me is the interrior, it actually looks quite good, assuming that chrome is actually metal and not foil covered plastic.

All the white will be a pain to keep clean, but this is just a concept so we can't nitpick that too much. If they keep the design of the interrior and don't go cheap on the plastics we may have a winner.

It's interesting, Chrysler used to be a high-end car and now it's going to be placed below Dodge on the pecking order. How the mighty have fallen.
 
Seems like the Viper is selling out. It's supposed to be a raw, simple, brutal sports car. Not a GT car. I also think it looks to Chryslerish. It looks better as a Dodge.

Sure, it also looks sort of like an Aston, but I'd rather see an Aston that looks like an Aston, not a Dodge.

Too bad.
 
Viper moving upmarket? Sure, that's not gonna piss off the hordes of rabid, diehard Viper fans who actively support Chrysler and vice versa (the Ram SRT-10 truck was created partially based on their input).

And what's wrong with looking like an Aston? There are more tragic things in the automotive world than building a car that vaguely resembles one of the most beautiful cars in production today. Such as the new Chrysler Sebring, for example, which just happens to come from the same company.
 
I reckon it looks fantastic... the interior (apart from the metal EVERYWHERE) looks quite smart too.

I can't see the Viper working as an upmarket GT though, it's a raw kick-in-the-balls American sports car, and that's the way it should stay!
 
I don't think some of you understood the article. They aren't turning the Viper into the Firepower, and they aren't really changing the Viper at all. They are just raising the price of it to make a gap for the Firepower.
 
That interior is really fucking nice :/ I wasn't expecting that from the outside.
 
"If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

I'd use it as a daily driver. :thumbsup:
 
Yes really nice. Said above metal interior not plastic, and keep the quality of the leather. From some angles it does look a bit like an Aston but is still an un mistakeable Chrysler. HEMI is a good engine too. Now price, that I think will decide its fate. I am assuming it will handle in a Dodge Viper standard way.
 
Interior looks a bit tacky with all that shiny metal, especially on the steering wheel. That front headlight is fucked up. It loks like its looking at you. Otherwise looks quite nice.
 
I like the looks and that it apparently will be fast.... but I dont like the N/A in the consumption and the name... "Firepower". :|
Wtf... thats a propaganda car.
 
I find the proportions a bit weird - it looks like it's had a big rear-end shunt.
 
Overall I quite like it, though the front is a bit bland and my first thought on the back was "Aston" aswell.
I even like the interior except for that big patch of chrome. Hope it comes with a manual, though.

Somehow the Chrysler logo remings me of leaf-springs ;).
 
hey ive got that on PGR3 (project gotham racing) for 360

oh... about the car. well it doesnt look to bad actually. but i agree with no boss. id take the aston
 
looks really good. but i dont like the crysler badge. want a viper badge instead and mor importaint OTHER RIMS. chrome rims :x suck. interior is ok, but plz manual gearbox 8)

very much of an aston.. so nothing wrong with it :D :D
 
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