Anyone else think the new Firepower will overthrow the Viper SRT?

[V 10 MAFIA]

IMO lately it appears that Dogde really isn't promoting or doing any further development on the GenIII besides the new coupe. Is it me or does anyone else think that Chrysler/Daimler is phasing the Viper SRT out. I see performance projections and design exist for just about all other auto manufacturers 2006/2007 except Viper SRT. However I am seeing a lot of promotion and development for the Chryler Firepower which is supposedly built on a Viper Chassis. That car does seem to be dramatic in design and performance with the new Hemi and 335 tires on the back. Does anyone know what designs if any are in the works for the Viper SRT? Maybe a V10 Hemi? More Dramatic Design? Over the top Perfomance which it needs to get back? Look forward to your comments.


Charlie T. NY/CT Secretary
70 Dodge Charger R/T 440
99 Viper R/T 10

 

[Paul Hawker]

My personal view, is that Viper will continue to be the ultra high performance standard bearer for DC. Other cars may even have more HP or Torque but not provide the driving experience that is inherent in our Vipers. (A diesel truck may have more torque, but the driving experience is different. A Mercedes 4 door may have lots of HP, but the electronics still makes you more of a passenger than a driver.)

The Firepower! as shown, built on a Viper Chassis will more than likely have a plusher interior, softer suspension, and meeker engine. It will appeal to a different buyer, perhaps designed to take some buyers away from the likes of Corvette, or even Aston Martin

 

[sween]

the firepower is sopposed to be more of a luxurious car. crysler said that the firepower is a competitor of austin martin and those type of brands. the new viper coupe has not had that much promotion. that i dont understand. i dont know what DC is doing with the new coupe. most people say that there will be an increase in HP in 2007. i dont know if thats true or wishful thinking. if it does have a HP increase or a new ACR that horsepower should be around 550 to 625 (625 from the srt-10 carbon concept). ive heard even crazier stuff like the new ACR will have 800 HP but i doubt that will happen

 

[thebigsnake]

I'm not sure about that post modern "retro viper" Firepower car.
Why don't they just bring back an updated 'Cuda, like the new Beatle or the '05 Mustang. Its a sure bet.

 

[sween]

they are bringing back the challenger.its gonna have a hemi V8 ( and yes it will be two doors) its in showrooms 2010.

 

[thebigsnake]

They better get the styling right on that new Challenger, instead of rebadging an existing car, and thinking consumers are fools.

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

I think the Fire Power is a great looking car. For a third car it could tempt me over an SRT. Put a V10 in it and I'd buy it, no questions asked.

 

[KWIK96]

Recently had a run with a current firepower, who I suspect was modded. Pulled away from him but not by that much. That got me thinking he must be modded. A few miles later we were joined by a Porsche turbo. He ran the Porsche and beat him. Porsche driver was rather peeved.

 

[Hirohawa]

I like the Firepower. But they need a new name.

 

[MoparMan]

Recently had a run with a current firepower, who I suspect was modded. Pulled away from him but not by that much. That got me thinking he must be modded. A few miles later we were joined by a Porsche turbo. He ran the Porsche and beat him. Porsche driver was rather peeved.

Are you sure you're not talking about a Firebird? The Firepower has never been in production.

 

[AG98RT10]

Hmmm... I didn't think the Firepower was in production yet. Maybe the Crossfire?

Anyway, the Firepower will probably be, if produced, a competitor for the Vette.

 

[plumcrazy]

""they are bringing back the challenger.its gonna have a hemi V8 ( and yes it will be two doors) its in showrooms 2010"".....too little way too late.

LOL @ 2010

 

[snampro]

Honestly, there's always talk of this car is a "Viper killer" bla bla bla. I see the Firepower as a Corvette killer. Its a high-performance V-8 with the handling of a Viper, the looks of a Crossfire on steroids, and the comfort and convenience of a Mercedes...that sounds like a hell of a rival to the Corvette if you ask me.

In my opinion, you can sum-up the difference between the Corvette and the Viper like this: The Corvette is a passionate kiss and the Viper is rough sex. I'd say the Firepower is taking the Corvette to the next level, making love rather than just hanging out at first base...

The best thing the Firepower has going for it, it's not a Chevy...

 

[V 10 MAFIA]

There is a chance Firepower could be a Viper and Corvette killer if you have a branch such as AMG come along and add a supercharger to a 6.1 Hemi. After all we shouldn't forget the Daimler in Daimler/Chrysler. German engineering is all over this car. As for styling on the Challenger IMO it does look like it is on the mark with body style and Front and Rear cues off of the original, like Plum says it is something that should be comming out in the very near future. As for the latest Charger I don't for the life of me know what the hell DC was thinking when they decided to make this new Magnum look a like. I have seen and driven the new Charger, the only and I repeat only resemblance this car has with the original Charger of the 60's and 70's is emblem that says Charger R/T and Hemi configuration. At least the Charger Concept Car that DC had at the Auto Show in the 90's had great retro styling cues of the original B Body Chargers. Why that car never made it into production is beyond me. That would have been one of the most popular musclecar retro designs today, instead Ford, VW, and Shelby are enjoying their recreations bringing great income.
My big 2 cents.

 

[V 10 MAFIA]

Re: Anyone else think the new Firepower will overthrow the Viper SRT?

This was ready to go capture the retro muscle car audience for Dodge. What happened? It actually looks like a Charger how about that. Lets scrap this and make something with no resemblance. Check out the Viper Posters in the background of this photo. This was a time when DC was making Vipers that were designed to win LeMans and did. Dodge and the ACR race teams put alot of money and support into winning the worlds most popular race two years in a row. Viper Glory Days! Its been a while since this happened.

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http://www.carpicsplus.com/sempower/imagesb/concept/n3.jpg

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

Re: Anyone else think the new Firepower will overthrow the Viper SRT?

I know I'm asking for it but..........
I think this is a great retro Charger look, but I'm not sure it would be a big seller. I don't think the original was a big seller, though it's popular now. I think it would be like playing your favorite rock album you wore out as a kid. You only have to hear it once before it worn out again. IMO

I would put money down on it today, if they brought back the mother of all SUV’s, “The Grand Wagoneer”. The one with the wood on the sides and super heavy duty. They stopped making them in 92. I've always love the look of them, but they had no power.

 

[Snakester]

Re: Anyone else think the new Firepower will overthrow the Viper SRT?

That 1999 Charger concept was indeed beautiful!
Unfortunately, like the Prowler, it was one of the casualties of the Daimler Chrysler takeover/alliance.

I see the Firepower as shooting to compete with the high performance European coupes more than against the Corvette.
I think that it's real targets are cars like the base model Jaguar XK, Porsche 911, and BMW 6 series cars. Offering more luxury than the Corvette, but good power from a 425HP V8.

DC might use the Firepower as a excuse for killing the Viper, but not really as a replacement for it (even with a supercharged 6.1L V8).

 

[V 10 MAFIA]

Re: Anyone else think the new Firepower will overthrow the Viper SRT?

Thanks for all of your opinions, I thought I was going to get torn up on this one.

Charlie T.

99 R/T 10 Silver
70 Charger R/T 440 Plum Crazy

 

[V 10 MAFIA]

Re: Anyone else think the new Firepower will overthrow the Viper SRT?

Is Firepower killing the Viper? Definitely getting a lot more press now!