SRT Boss Ralph Giles Envisions A Hellcat Pacifica - Is A 700HP Minivan A Bad Idea?

We all have our daydreams every now and then…for instance, I literally took 15 minutes from my time of writing this post to procrastinate “take a break” and see what the market was like for one of my dream cars.

So needless to say, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to hear of some automotive big-shots doing the same. Despite the overall perception that automakers are sometimes being run to the ground by retarded bean-counters, Mr. Ralph Gilles, formerly of Chrysler’s SRT brand, proved time over time that he’s not one of them.

He’s a car guy, through and through and further proving this was his recent tweet of his table-based drawing of a Chrysler Pacifica Hellcat. Now, only a car guy like Gilles would be able to be so enticed by an idea such as this.
 

PUGPROUD - 2/9/2016 2:28:18 PM

+3 Boost

Way over the top...but why not in limited numbers. There is a buyer for everything.

dumpsty - 2/10/2016 7:50:09 AM

+2 Boost

Right...yeah...you CAN made a uber-fast minivan...but that still wouldn't make it a good idea.

cidflekken - 2/9/2016 3:05:48 PM

+2 Boost

"Bad idea" is a GROSS understatement.

poot66 - 2/9/2016 4:15:08 PM

+3 Boost

I know, what are we supposed to do with 700hp on a minivan?!? It has to at least have 800 to get my attention.

poot66 - 2/9/2016 4:19:39 PM

+1 Boost

Also could you not find a photo of a Pacifica?

mre30 - 2/9/2016 5:27:28 PM

+5 Boost

This is the new Pacifica, its the old "Town and Country".

dumpsty - 2/10/2016 7:52:44 AM

+2 Boost

See pics from the 2016 Detroit Auto Show

mre30 - 2/9/2016 5:26:23 PM

+1 Boost

Hellcat Quattoporte - YES!
Hellcat Ghibil - YES!

(Both built on same E-Class based architecture as the Charger/Challenger.)

Hellcat Pacifica - NO!

However, maybe they should rebody and retrim the Pacifica (or convert a 3-row Durango) with the Hellcat engine into a Maserati people mover - 8 seat config.

This Maserati could target the MB GL / Cadillac Escalade with 6/7-passenger seating, a chic Italian interior, sporty but luxurious, fast, and pricing around $120,000.

It could be called the Maserati Khamsin, or the Mistral, or the Kyalami (all heritage Maserati models). I think it would be a hit!

MDarringer - 2/9/2016 8:01:38 PM

0 Boost

A Hellcat Ghibli is largely bolt in/bolt on given that the Ghibli is a Chrysler 300 in drag. The hood is the major culprit.

ATrain - 2/9/2016 5:51:41 PM

+2 Boost

Think of the possibilities...

Someone with limited skills packs the whole family, including dog and cat, and then slams the throttle for shits and giggles.... Darwin at work my friends.

I say do it.

And while we're at it, put it on the old K-car platform for max effect, with lots of cameras in and out so we can get everything on YouTube.

jeffgall - 2/9/2016 6:39:44 PM

0 Boost

Why stop there? How about a Hellcat Ram Promaster.

MDarringer - 2/9/2016 6:48:43 PM

0 Boost

Ralph Gilles has presided over some ugly cars, so his take on what is and is not a good idea is suspect.

dumpsty - 2/10/2016 8:01:23 AM

+2 Boost

Meh...Gilles has penned so really exciting vehicles. He's not the "head guy" so a lot those really polarizing designs were basically let as concepts & dreams. Not his fault that corporate finances have hindered the possibilities of creating really good vehicles for the mainstream.

TomM - 2/9/2016 7:35:35 PM

+2 Boost

The suggestion that this could be a possibility is nonsense. There is not enough room in between the front wheels of a Pacifica for a SIDEWAYS V-10 or V-8 - nor is there a front wheel drive transaxle that could handle the power. Add to that miserable front/back weight ratio - and brick like aerodynamics - and what would you get? THey would either have to develop a FWD transaxle to handle the power - or redevelop the vehicle for rear wheel drive - neither of which would be cheap - and neither is going to happen as well.