More cars from US shows

Just some of the week's new cars -- more later

By PH Staff / Wednesday, 12 January 2005 / Loading comments

Chrysler Firepower

Though a concept, the Firepower could appear by 2007 according to designer Trevor Creed. Performance from its 6-litre Hemi V8 is reckoned to be 4.5 seconds for 0-60mph, a standing quarter mile in 12.7 seconds and a top speed to of 174mph. The UK price if it appears is likely to be in the region of £50,000, putting it head to head with the new Porsche coupe, the C7S.

Specification

Engine: 6.1-litre Hemi V8
RWD 5-speed automatic
Weight: 1,536Kg
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: (61.6"/60.6")
Ground Clearance: 5.1" (130 mm)
Front and rear suspension: SLA Viper suspension
Front tyre size: 275/35R19
Rear tyre size: 335/30R20

Shelby GR-1

Ford's spritual replacement for the Cobra, this prototype looks like being likely to reach production, accoridng to Autocar this week. It's said to be "a fully engineered, production-feasible car". Aluminium bodied, it is being shown paintless. The chassis is based on that of the GT despite being two feet shorter.

It's front-engined and powered by a 6.4-litre V10 generating 600bhp and 500lb-ft of torque -- which should power it along quite nicely. Performance is reckoned to be 0-60mph in under 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 200mph.

Ford Synus

Based on the Ford Fiesta's underpinnings, this odd-looking device is supposed to look like an armoured truck, emanating urban toughness. Features for the concept only include a 42-inch plasma TV screen, fold-away steering wheel so you have more room inside (for what, one might ask

), and a rear bench that folds flat to accommodate luggage or people watching a DVD -- or whatever. Performance is not that interesting, coming from Ford's 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engine with 134bhp and 236lb-ft of torque.

Jeep

The Jeep uses not one, but two 5.7-litre Hemi engines, producing a mouth watering, Enzo-busting 670bhp in total and 740 lb-ft of torque. It also has many steering option, like crab steer and turning on its radius. Very impressive, but no production possibility with this one.

Maserati MC12

Although Maserati did show the stunning MC12 in Detroit, unfortunately none of these limited edition cars will make it to the US market. All the 25 cars have been spoken for in Europe, and the Middle East.

Thanks to Nauman Farooq and Michael Banovsky for photos and words. Still to come -- Mustang Convertible and more -- coming soon.