NAIAS Highlights: Production
Dodge Viper strikes
Dodge unveiled its third-generation Viper, the 2003 RT-10 convertible, which the company dubs Chapter 3 because it follows the 1992 RT/10 Roadster (Chapter 1) and the 1996 GTS Coupe (Chapter 2). The two-seat Viper RT-10's all-new, aluminum, liquid-cooled, 90° V10 engine will feature 8.3 L (505 in3) of displacement with at least 372 kW (500 hp) of power and 678 N•m (500 lb•ft) of torque, according to preliminary specifications. Dodge claims it will be the only production car in the world to meet or exceed the "500 level" in displacement, power, and torque. "Five hundred has always been a magic number," said John Fernandez, Executive Engineer, Specialty Vehicles Engineering/Team Viper, DaimlerChrysler. "It's been a performance target for Viper and the Specialty Vehicles Engineering team for years."
The RT-10 convertible incorporates racecar-derived design characteristics, including a racing-style chassis that utilizes fully independent four-wheel suspension, 18- x 10-in front and 19- x 13-in rear forged-aluminum wheels for maximum grip, and large brakes for stopping power. A new version of the Viper's four-wheel antilock disc brake system, originally introduced for the 2001 model year, will be enhanced for the RT-10. The car retains a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a manual, six-speed overdrive transmission. Interior elements of the RT-10, including a push-button starter and a center-mounted tachometer, further reinforce the car's race background.
Several features of the Viper have been reworked for improved functionality, including a lower hood with a larger grille opening, integrated engine louvers, and bigger headlights with enhanced light output compared with past models. The RT-10 also has a new roofline profile with a bifold, clamshell top with a single center latch. Improved aerodynamics and a full-length undertray provide further performance enhancements.
Preliminary specifications on the vehicle show an overall length of 4459 mm (175.5 in), width of 2154 mm (84.8 in), and height of 1210 mm (47.6 in). The RT-10's wheelbase is 2510 mm (98.8 in), and its mass is 1526 kg (3357 lb).
Production of the Viper RT-10 convertible is slated to begin in 2002 at DaimlerChrysler's Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.
- Ryan Gehm
