Chrysler Firepower shot down by management
 

Chrysler Firepower shot down by management
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The Chrysler Group's less than stellar performance in 2006 has led to the official decision by management not to produce the Firepower Concept that debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The Firepower was designed from the ground up, sharing only its 6.1L Hemi V8 with other vehicles in Chrysler's lineup. In order to make a production version that could even hope to return a profit, the automaker would have to build it alongside the Dodge Viper at its Conner Ave. assembly plant in Detroit and charge a price similar to the Viper's $80k MSRP. Apparently the business case for such a vehicle just isn't there.
We love Chrysler concepts for the simple fact that each one is produced with just enough production intent to take it seriously should public reaction be favorable. Hell, even the ME412 supercar was on the table for a bit. The Firepower did wow the crowds, but in Chrysler's current state, a high-horsepower halo vehicle isn't going to keep the lights on in the years to come. In addition to the Firepower, Chrysler has also officially decided not to produce the Jeep Gladiator pickup concept that debuted in 2005 at the Detroit show, and is still considering the possibility of production for the Imperial Concept that debuted last year. Our advice Pass on the Imperial and wait to see how the public reacts to the '07 concepts.