Chrysler is flying. They are making all their right turns on green, hitting hot buttons and wowing people with the styling and technology built into their vehicles - and their concepts. On the heels of yet another award for the Chrysler 300/300C,this time the North American Car of the Year, Chrysler trotted out a 'Vette eating concept dubbed the Firepower that perhaps looked much to close to reality from the perspective of General Motors.

"It's easy to tell a 'make sense car from a 'what's cool car," said Trevor Creed, senior vice president - Chrysler Group Design. Indeed, the Firepower is built to do both, with Chrysler's multi-displacement system, which uses only the cylinder power needed, and 20-inch wheel in back to go with 19-incewheels upfront, all on the Viper chassis. Obviously, the Firepower is closer to production than most other concept vehicles at this stage. With the demise of the ME Four-Twelve super car, one can speculate that the Firepower -which can get up to 174 mph - is on the books as a future combatant to the Chevrolet Corvette. "How could we best encompass Chrysler models as the Crossfire, while looking to the most extreme expression of engineering and design such as last year's prototype, the ME Four-Twelve?" said Creed.

The Firepower boasts the 6.1-liter Hemi V8 developed by SRT. This engine will also show up in the Dodge Charger. The V8 is mated to a 5-speed automatic AutoStick, and estimates from Chrysler put the 0-60 time at less than 4.5 seconds. The exterior is covered in Hydro Silver Pearl, with dark carbon fiber and polished aluminum accents. 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.

By Brian Chee

Photos by Erik Hanson