Make that "codename Firepower!" The name may change by the time this two-seat sportscar hits Detroit's Cobo Hall next January, but the striking styling is all but locked in stone. Or, to be more precise, carbon fiber, the material of choice for Chrysler's show cars.

The Firepower prototype is meant to slot in somewhere between the sporty Chrysler Crossfire and last year's audacious ME-412 concept vehicle. (And, not so coincidentally, the Firepower and ME-412 were both designed by 30-year-old stylist Bill Niedlander.) If the dimensions seem familiar, that's because the Firepower shares its platform with the Dodge Viper. But in Chrysler trim, it's meant to be more elegant and refined, in the tradition of a classic grand tourer, according to Creed, who suggests you "think of the likes of Aston Martin."

Instead of the Viper's raw V-10, the Firepower will feature the new, 6.1-liter, 425-horsepower version of the HEMI V-8. Estimated top speed is 185 mph, with 0-60 times of under 4.5 seconds.

Though there continues to be some interest in the ME-412 at Chrysler's highest levels, its astronomical price tag seems to have limited the likelihood it would go into production. The Firepower could still serve as a top-end halo car, though Creed cautioned that for the moment, at least, there is no talk of production. On the other hand, he quickly added, "Sometimes design (department) has to put something out there and take the lead" to see what the market reaction is. Then the beancounters need to figure out if there's a business case to be made.

Chrysler Firepower concept

Chrysler's Firepower is based on the V10 Viper’s architecture but uses the 6.1-liter, 425 hp, 420-lb-ft Hemi V8 that will see first light in the forthcoming 300C SRT-8. Officials say there are no production plans, but envision the car occupying the space between the Crossfire and (in theory) the ME412 in Chrysler’s performance portfolio.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER

Chrysler Firepower:

Chrysler brand standards of elegance, refinement and affordability are executed with precision and passion in the Firepower “grand tourer” concept. Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8, the Viper-based vehicle is rooted in a feeling of luxury and performance through sleek design and precise engineering. The Firepower pushes beyond the "sports car" realm by blending expressive detail and engineering. The two-seater concept features a tinted glass roof that extends to the rear liftgate, allowing driver and passenger an enhanced feeling of spaciousness.

General and estimated specifications include:

Weight: 3,380 lbs.
Length: 172.6" (4,383 mm)
Wheelbase: 98.8" (2,510 mm)
Front Overhang: 34.1" (867 mm)
Rear Overhang: 39.6" (1,006 mm)
Width: 73.2" (1,859 mm)
Height: 47.7" (1,211 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: (61.6"/60.6")

Ground Clearance: 5.1" (130 mm)

Engine: 6.1L HEMI V-8

RWD 5-speed automatic

Front and Rear Suspension: SLA Viper Suspension

Front Tire Size: 275/35R19

Rear Tire Size: 335/30R20